UK Visa Processing Times 2026: Standard, Priority and Super Priority
Visa facts checked against official sources on 7 October 2026.
A UK visit, study or work visa applied for from outside the UK is usually decided within 3 weeks. The priority service (£500) brings that to 5 working days, and the super priority service (£1,000) to the end of the next working day. These are the times and fees published on GOV.UK.
Key fact
The clock starts when you prove your identity: either at your visa application centre appointment, where you give fingerprints and a photo, or when you submit through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Processing times and fees
| Service | Decision time | Extra fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: visit, study and most work visas | 3 weeks | None |
| Standard: family visas (partner, parent, child) | 12 weeks | None |
| Priority | Usually 5 working days (30 working days for family visas from outside the UK) | £500 |
| Super priority | Usually the end of the next working day | £1,000 |
Times are counted in UK working weeks, Monday to Friday. The Standard Visitor visa itself costs £135.
Standard service
- 3 weeks for Standard Visitor, Student and most work visas applied for outside the UK.
- 12 weeks for family visas.
- You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa up to 3 months before you travel.
- GOV.UK advises not to book travel until you have a decision.
Priority service: £500
- You usually get a decision within 5 working days.
- For family visa applications from outside the UK it is 30 working days.
- Each family member applying with you pays the fee separately.
Super priority service: £1,000
- You usually get a decision by the end of the next working day after your appointment.
- If your appointment is at a weekend or on a bank holiday, it is 2 working days.
- It is not offered everywhere or for every visa; you see what is available when you book your appointment.
When it can take longer
- The Home Office needs to check your details with other government departments.
- You are asked for more information or documents.
- Paying for a faster service does not change how the application is assessed, and the fee is usually not refunded if the decision takes longer.
Tips
- Apply early: up to 3 months ahead for a visitor visa.
- Upload every document the form asks for before your appointment.
- Use the GOV.UK service to check when you can expect a decision rather than relying on averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
GOV.UK gives 3 weeks for visit visas applied for outside the UK, counted from your biometrics appointment.
£500 on top of the application fee, for a decision usually within 5 working days. Super priority is £1,000, for a decision usually by the end of the next working day.
No. It only shortens the decision time. The application is assessed against the same rules.
Usually not. GOV.UK says you might wait longer if the Home Office needs further checks or more information.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: visa processing times, applications outside the UK
- GOV.UK: get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application
- GOV.UK: Standard Visitor visa
Need help with a UK visa?
See the fees, documents and steps in our UK guide, checked against official sources.
Read the UK visa guide