How to track your UK Visa application status

So, you have submitted your UK visa application and you want to know how long the waiting time will be?

No doubt, you have searched online and on forums and the answer is no clearer.

Some people will write about how they got a decision within a few weeks whilst others will complain about their visa application taking months.

So how can you avoid the frustration that comes with UK Visa waiting times?

Quick Links
  1. Check UKVI visa processing times
  2. Track your UK visa application
  3. UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS)
  4. How we can help

Check UKVI visa processing times

Whilst you cannot currently track your own individual visa application, the GOV.UK website is trialling a new visa processing times service.

This will tell you how long it is currently taking to process a visa application in the country from which you are applying.

It is important to remember that this is not a guarantee just a general guide.

The results will vary based on the type of visa you are applying for and where you will submit your application from. Click here to check it out for yourself if you are applying from outside UK and here if you are applying from inside UK.

Track your UK visa application

If you have submitted a UK visa application and you are waiting to hear the outcome then you can visit GOV.UK website to get more information or updates.

You cannot currently track your own individual visa application online.

Once you have answered the questions on the GOV.UK website you will be directed to contact information for different departments at UKVI.

WARNING!! Be wary of the phone numbers that will be shown as they are very expensive.

If you made your visa application from outside the UK you will be provided with a general enquiries number and a “paid email enquiry” option.

The paid email option will cost £5.48 and they promise to reply within 2 working days.

Our experience is that the paid email option is better.

This is because your email will go to the caseworkers dealing with your application.

Over the phone, the information they provide is usually limited as the person you speak to will probably not be dealing with your application.

Oh, and we forgot to mention the long waiting times…

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS)

If you made your visa application from inside the UK, the UKVI has introduced new processing options through the launch of UKVCAS in late 2018.

Altogether, there will be 57 UKVCAS centres across the UK.

To find out more about the UKVCAS process read our guide on the “UKVCAS” here.

How we can help

At VisaHelpUK, we deal with many visa applications daily and have up-to-date insight on the UKVI process.

This puts us in a strong position to guide you on how to get a decision quickly.

The single biggest delay in visa processing times comes from applications that have not been properly prepared.

A well documented application has a much better chance of being decided quickly and in your favour.

We provide a “Do Your Own Partner Visa Pack” service where we give you a list of documents and template letters based on YOUR specific circumstances to ensure you get your application right the first time.

Top Tip

Save the following information to make tracking your visa application status easier when you are dealing with UKVI or any other organisation.

Your “CaseID” (Case Identification Number) – This is an 8 digit number and will be on any letters the Home Office have sent to you.

Your Payment Reference Number – You will get this once you have paid for your application.

Your Unique Application Number – You will find this on all emails and letters from the Home Office. It is a 16 digit number.

Your Biometric Residence Permit Number (if you have one) – This can be found on your Biometric Residence Permit Card.

Your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) number – You should have received a reference number after paying the IHS fee.

Josh Lindsey

Immigration lawyer with more than 20 years of consulting experience

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VisaHelpUK - UK Immigration and Visa Application Advice Service

Add a comment Cancel reply Irum zahid January 17, 2023 at 5:05 pm

My daughter is 3 years old my husband took her uk nd block me I can’t contact wid my daughter cn u help me cn I get any visa for cum uk I m in Pakistan

Josh Lindsey author January 17, 2023 at 9:14 pm

It’s horrible! First of all, you need to go to the police in your country

Unknown January 31, 2023 at 10:10 pm

He got any contact no i m in london

Laura January 21, 2023 at 10:31 pm

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which is useful in support of my knowledge. thanks admin

Mickey January 29, 2023 at 8:31 pm

Thanks for sharing such a good thought, paragraph is
fastidious, thats why i have read it entirely

Sarp February 24, 2023 at 8:37 pm

Please how do I retrieve my uk visa application form after refusal if I didn’t have the email to the application. Thank you.

Josh Lindsey author April 5, 2023 at 2:01 pm

Hey there! I understand that trying to retrieve your UK visa application form after refusal can be quite stressful, especially if you don’t have access to the email associated with the application. No worries, though! I’m here to help you navigate through this process and provide some possible solutions to get your hands on that application form again.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that when you initially submitted your UK visa application, you must have created an account on the UK Government’s official website (gov.uk). This is where all your application details are stored. So, even if you’ve lost access to the email tied to your application, you can still use this account to retrieve your application form.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:

1. Visit the UK Government’s official website (gov.uk) and head over to the “Visas and Immigration” section.

2. Click on “Apply for a UK visa” and then select “Already applied? Sign in”. This will take you to the login page.

3. Enter your username and password for the account you created while submitting your visa application. If you’ve forgotten your password, click on “Forgot password?” and follow the instructions to reset it.

4. Once logged in, you’ll be able to view all your previous applications, including the one that was refused. Simply look for the application in question and click on it to access the complete form.

5. You can either review your application online or, if you prefer, download a PDF copy for your records.

Now, if you’ve also forgotten your username or cannot access your account for any other reason, don’t panic! You can still contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) helpline for assistance. They’re available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (UK time). Here’s their contact information:

Phone: +44 (0) 300 123 2241
Email: [email protected]

When contacting UKVI, make sure you provide them with your full name, date of birth, passport number, and any other relevant information they might need to locate your application.

I hope this helps you retrieve your UK visa application form after refusal! Remember, setbacks like these are quite common and nothing to be ashamed of. Simply take the time to understand the reasons behind the refusal, address them accordingly, and reapply for the visa with renewed confidence

Evy February 25, 2023 at 2:10 am

if someone is applying for tourist visa application and the person is ban for fraudulent without appeal but the person use his right details to fill the form, what can the person do to see his application in order to know where the mistake is coming from.

Josh Lindsey author April 5, 2023 at 2:04 pm

Hey there! I understand that applying for a tourist visa can be a stressful process, especially if you’ve encountered issues with being banned for fraud without any chance to appeal. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate through this and determine what might have gone wrong in your application.

First and foremost, it’s great that you used your correct details while filling out the form. This is crucial, as providing accurate information is the foundation of a successful visa application. However, even with the right details, there may be other factors at play that resulted in the ban.

To get to the bottom of this issue, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Review your application thoroughly: Go through your entire application carefully and make sure you didn’t unintentionally make any errors or omissions. Pay close attention to dates, addresses, and other personal details.

2. Gather all necessary documents: Ensure you have submitted all required documents along with your application. This may include your passport, photos, proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, and any other relevant documents specified by the embassy or consulate.

3. Analyze your travel history: Sometimes, previous visa rejections or instances of overstaying in other countries might raise red flags during the application process. Make sure to disclose any such incidents honestly and provide explanations if needed.

4. Check for possible miscommunication or misunderstandings: It’s possible that there was a mix-up or miscommunication during your application process. Reach out to the embassy or consulate to inquire about your case and clarify any misunderstandings.

5. Seek professional assistance: If you’re still unable to identify the cause of the ban, consider reaching out to an immigration lawyer or consultant who specializes in tourist visas. They can help review your case and provide guidance on what steps to take next.

6. Be patient and persistent: Visa applications can sometimes be a lengthy and complicated process. It’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts to resolve the issue. Keep in mind that you may be able to reapply for the visa after a certain period of time, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

In conclusion, addressing a ban due to fraudulent allegations in a tourist visa application is certainly a challenging situation. However, by being proactive and following these steps, you’ll be able to identify where the mistake might have occurred and take appropriate action to rectify it. Remember to stay positive and don’t lose hope – with the right approach and determination, you’ll be one

safar showkat ally February 25, 2023 at 10:39 am

I hope you are well.

I have applied for British C on 2021. I have hear nothing since. I don’t eve receive a confirmation letter. But I have the paguen reference, wish was add on the my aplicación I opted to carry my documente to be check and scan by one of the listed library who provided this service. They have added the unique ref. However I’m yet to receive any update.
Will you advise me what can I do now. Where to go what number to call.
This has taken far too long.

Josh Lindsey author April 5, 2023 at 2:06 pm

I hope you’re doing well too. It sounds like you’re going through quite a stressful situation with your British Citizenship application. I completely understand how frustrating it can be when you’re waiting for a response, especially when it has been such a long time since you submitted your documents.

First of all, I want to assure you that you’re not alone in this situation. Many people have experienced delays in their citizenship applications, particularly due to the ongoing global pandemic. However, let’s try to figure out what’s going on and what steps you can take to get an update on your application.

Since you mentioned that you applied for British Citizenship in 2021 and haven’t heard anything back, I’m assuming you’re referring to your naturalization application (Form AN). In normal circumstances, processing times for these applications can take up to six months. However, given the current situation, longer waiting times are not uncommon.

Here are a few suggestions on what you can do next:

1. Online status check: You can check the status of your application online using the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service. You’ll need your unique application number (which might be the “paguen reference” you mentioned) to access this information. Visit the following link to check your application status: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

2. Contact UKVI: If the online status check doesn’t provide enough information, you can contact UKVI directly by phone or email. The contact number is +44 (0)300 123 2241 (select option 1 for English, then option 2 for citizenship). Their email address is [email protected] . Make sure to provide your full name, date of birth, and application number when contacting them.

3. Visit the library where you had your documents checked: Since you opted for the “document checking service” at a library, it might be worth visiting them again to see if they have any information or updates on your application. They might be able to offer some advice or assistance as well.

4. Seek professional help: If you’re still not getting any answers or the situation remains unresolved, you may want to consider seeking professional help from an immigration lawyer or adviser. They can provide expert guidance and support, helping you navigate through this complex process.

It’s important to remember that delays in processing applications can happen for various reasons, including staff shortages, increased demand, or simply because additional checks

ROUSONARA MONI March 1, 2023 at 5:39 am

Can I get the paid email address, please?

It is really helpful and remarkable for me to have a web page,
which is useful in support of my knowledge.
thank you.