Tracking a UK Visa Application

Track Your UK Visa Application Status

Applying for a UK visa is uncertain, especially if you're working against a travel deadline, employment termination or other essential plans. Waiting for a decision can be stressful, but fortunately, there are ways you can track your application’s progress and check its status. If there are unexpected delays, it could mean changing pre-arranged travel plans. Here, we outline a straightforward guide to help you track your application and understand what to do next.

The options available to you and how you check your UK Visa application depend on whether you've made an in-country or out-of-country application. Before following up on your application, first check that it is still within the current processing times and that UKVI has not already contacted you regarding it.

Check Your Application Status: In-Country UK Immigration Application

If you made your visa application whilst in the UK, it is impossible to check your application's live status online through UKVCAS or the UKVI website. However, you can check by contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) by telephone.

Methods That Do Not Provide Status Updates

• UKVCAS Website – UKVCAS does not offer online application status updates.
• UKVCAS Telephone Support – You cannot check your application status by calling UKVCAS.
• UKVI Website – UKVI does not provide online status updates for in-country applications.

Check Your Application Status

You can track the progress of your in-country immigration application by calling UKVI:

📞 Phone Number: 0300 790 6268 (Select option 2)

🕘 Opening Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM (excluding bank holidays)

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (excluding bank holidays)

Check Your Application Status: Outside-Country UK Immigration Application

When applying for a UK visa from outside the UK, you can track your application status through TLScontact, VFS Global, or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), depending on where you applied.

VFS Global and TLScontact are the UK government's official commercial partners for visa processing outside the UK. While they facilitate the submission process, they do not make visa decisions—UKVI assesses all applications.

• VFS Global operates visa application centres (VACs) worldwide, handling biometric data collection (fingerprints and photographs) and forwarding applications to UKVI for processing.
• TLScontact provides similar services but primarily manages applications in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Checking via VFS Global

If you submitted your application through VFS Global, follow these steps:

1. Visit the VFS Global website: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/
2. Select your Visa Application Centre (VAC): Choose the location where you provided biometric information.
3. Find ‘Track Your Application’: Click on this section if available.
4. Click ‘Track Your Visa Application Status Online’: This option is highlighted in orange.
5. Enter Your Details: Provide your GWF or VAC reference number and last name.
6. Submit and View Status: Confirm you are not a robot and click ‘Submit’ to check your status.

Your status may indicate whether your application is still being processed or if a decision has been made. If you need assistance, visit the ‘Contact Us’ page on the VFS Global website.

Checking via TLScontact

If you applied through TLScontact, use these steps:

1. Locate Your Confirmation Email: You should find the email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when you submit your application.
2. Sign in: Click the link in the email and enter your password on the GOV.UK website.
3. Access the TLScontact Website: Navigate to ‘Provide Documents and Biometrics’, then click ‘Continue’ to be redirected to TLScontact.
4. Select ‘Track’: Click on ‘Track’ to view your visa application status in real time.
5. Check Your Status: The system will indicate whether:
   • Your biometric enrolment is complete.
   • Your application has been sent to and received by the decision-making centre (DMC).
   • Your decided application has been returned to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
   • Your passport is ready for collection.

For support, visit the ‘Contact Us’ page on the TLScontact website.

Checking via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Website

UKVI offers a paid service to check your visa application status. The service costs £2.74 per query, which includes your initial email and any follow-up emails related to the same enquiry.

To check your status:

1. Visit the UKVI website: https://ukvi.mysecurepay.co.uk/Home
2. Click ‘Start’: A green button will take you to the next page.
3. Select ‘General Enquiry’: Click on the highlighted green option.
4. Complete the Online Form: Fill in all required fields and specify that you are enquiring about your application status. If your processing time has exceeded the standard timeframe, mention this.
5. Proceed to Payment: Enter your payment details and confirm.
6. Submit Your Enquiry: Ensure you click ‘Submit’, or your request will not be processed.

You should receive a response within 5 working days, excluding Fridays, weekends, and UK public holidays.

Checking via UKVI Telephone Support

You can also check your visa status by calling UKVI:

📞 Phone Number: +44 (0)300 790 6268 (Select option 1)
🕒 Availability: 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday
💰 Cost: Calls are charged at 69 pence per minute, plus your network’s standard rate

If you cannot dial 0300 numbers, use +44 (0)203 875 4669 instead.

Information You Need to Check Your UK Visa Application Status

To track your UK visa application, you may need to provide specific details related to your application. Here’s what you should have ready:

1. Personal Information

• Full name (first and last name)
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Email address used on your visa application

2. Passport Details

• Passport number (the one used in your application)

3. Visa Application Details

• Visa type: The category of visa you applied for
• Application date: The date you submitted your application
• Biometrics date: When you provided fingerprints and a photo
• Application centre location: If you applied from outside the UK, you may need to specify where you submitted your application

4. Reference Numbers (One or More May Be Required)

• GWF Number: A 9-digit reference (e.g., GWFXXXXXXXXX) assigned to your application
• Application Reference Number: A 16-digit code (e.g., XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Number (if applicable): Needed if you paid the IHS fee

Visa Processing Times

The best way to estimate when you might receive a decision on your UK visa application is by referring to live processing time estimates published by GOV.UK. Processing times vary based on whether your application was made inside or outside the UK.

• In-country applications: Most take around 8 weeks, but timelines range from "as quickly as possible" to 12 months or more, depending on the visa type.
• Out-of-country Applications: Many are processed within 3 weeks, but the time frame can extend from 3 weeks to 12 weeks or more.

To make tracking easier, QC Immigration has developed a live dashboard where you can filter and monitor UK visa processing times based on the latest official data.

👉 Check our live visa processing dashboard

When Does Visa Processing Start and Stop?

Knowing when the processing time begins and ends can help manage expectations and avoid unnecessary delays when applying for a UK visa.

When Your Visa Processing Time Starts

Your visa processing time begins once UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has received all required information, which depends on how you submit your application:

• If using the UK Immigration: ID Check app – Your processing time starts once you verify your identity and submit your documents online.
• If you attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC), your processing time begins after you attend your appointment, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and submit your documents.

Applications from the USA

• USCIS Application Support Center: Processing starts when VFS in New York receives your passport and documents.
• VFS Premium Application Centre: Processing begins immediately after submitting your biometric data and documents at the exact location.

When Your Visa Processing Time Ends

Your processing time ends when a decision is made. UKVI will notify you by letter or email once your application has been processed.

Get Faster Visa Decisions

Applicants can pay for expedited processing for certain visa routes to receive a quicker decision. These services are ideal for those with urgent timelines and significantly reduce the standard waiting period.

Priority Service

• Cost: £500
• Processing Time: Decision within 5 working days

Super Priority Service

• Cost: £1,000
• Processing Time: Decision by the end of the next working day
• If identity verification is completed via the UK Immigration: ID Check app, the decision may be received even faster.

Visa Applications Delays

While UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) aims to process applications within standard time frames, delays can occur due to various factors. Understanding these can help set expectations and avoid unnecessary concerns.

Common Reasons for Delays

Your visa application may take longer if:

• Incomplete or unclear information – If details in your application are incorrect, unclear, or require further review.
• Request for additional evidence – UKVI may ask for extra documents, such as proof of funds.
• Document verification – If UKVI needs to verify the authenticity of your supporting documents.
• Interviews – You may be asked to attend an interview for further assessment.
• Personal circumstances – Factors like criminal records, previous immigration issues, or suitability concerns may require deeper scrutiny.
• High application volume – UKVI experiences delays during peak seasons due to increased demand.
• Technical matters – Unexpected system outages can impact processing times.

Complex Cases

Some applications inherently take longer, particularly if they involve complex factors such as:

• Human rights or derivative rights claims (e.g., Article 8 ECHR or EUSS extended family members).
• Concerns about past criminal records or immigration history.
• Verification of a large volume of documents.
• Further investigations or interviews.
• UKVI staffing capacity and seasonal demand.

Preparing Your Visa Application

In our experience, applications that are clear, well-documented, and easy for the UKVI to assess tend to be processed without delays.

If your application will take longer than standard processing times, UKVI will contact you within the expected time frame to inform you of any delays.

Plan For a Smooth UK Visa Application

Navigating the UK visa process can be complex, but staying informed about how to track your application status can make it easier. Whether you apply from inside or outside the UK, knowing the available tracking options—UKVI, VFS Global, TLScontact, or UKVI telephone support—can help you stay updated on your application’s progress.

Beyond tracking, understanding processing times, available priority services, and potential delays allows you to manage expectations and plan effectively.

Plan Ahead for a Smoother Process

• Be patient: Processing times vary, and updates may take time to reflect changes.
• Check estimated processing times: Use our live dashboard to review standard timelines for your visa type.
• Wait for official communication: UKVI will notify you when a decision is made. Do not visit a Visa Application Centre unless instructed.

At QC Immigration, we have extensive experience preparing clear, well-structured applications that maximize your chances of a successful outcome—whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. If you need expert guidance, we’re here to help.