UKVI Processing Times
Current UK Visas and Immigration wait times for Student, Graduate Route, Skilled Worker, and other visas. Accurate for Indian applicants via VFS Global.
Student Visa (Tier 4 / Student Route)
4 visa typesStandard processing (from India VFS)
Applied from India via VFS Global centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.)
3 weeks
Priority processing (Accelerated)
Additional £154 fee; available at most VFS centres in India
5 business days
Super Priority (24-hour service)
Additional £719 fee; available at select VFS centres
1 business day
In-person at UKVI Visa Application Centre
Walk-in applications from within India
2–3 weeks
Graduate Route Visa
2 visa typesGraduate Route after UK graduation
Applied from within the UK after finishing studies; allows 2–3 years to work post-study
8 weeks
Express processing (Graduate Route)
Available from within UK; faster than standard processing
4 weeks
Skilled Worker Visa
2 visa typesStandard processing (Skilled Worker)
Applied after Graduate Route or from outside UK with Job offer from UK sponsor
3 weeks
Priority processing (Skilled Worker)
Additional fee applies; accelerated track
5 business days
Settlement & ILR
2 visa typesIndefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Applied after 5 years on Skilled Worker visa; typically processed within 6 months
6 months
Settlement (5-year route)
After long residency on qualifying visa
6 months
BRP & Other
2 visa typesBiometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection
After visa decision, you have 10 business days to collect BRP from designated Post Office
10 business days
British National (Overseas) visa
For eligible Hong Kong nationals; separate from student route
8 weeks
Tips for Faster Processing
1. Use Priority/Super Priority Services: If you have an urgent deadline (course starting soon, graduation approaching), consider paying for Priority (5 business days) or Super Priority (24 hours) from VFS India.
2. Complete Application Package: Submit all required documents together. Incomplete applications cause delays and restart processing times.
3. Book VFS Appointment Early: Slots at VFS centres fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons (June–August). Book your biometric appointment as soon as you're ready.
4. BRP Collection Timeline: Once your visa is approved, you have 10 business days to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the VFS centre. Don't miss this deadline.
5. Graduate Route: No Extension Guarantee: The Graduate Route visa is currently under government review. Apply as soon as you're eligible to avoid future policy changes.
🏢 VFS Global India Centres
Delhi: New Delhi, Gurugram
North: Chandigarh, Lucknow
West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad
South: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi
Visit vfsglobal.com to book appointments and check centre hours.