The UK Spouse Visa waiting time varies depending on where you apply from. Applications made outside the UK usually take 2–3 months, while those made inside the UK average 6–8 weeks. Delays can occur due to complex cases, background checks, or document verification.
Priority and super priority services are available for faster decisions at an additional cost.
How Long Does a UK Spouse Visa Take?
The processing time depends on where you apply from:
- Applications outside the UK: Typically 2–3 months
- Applications inside the UK: Usually 6–8 weeks
What Can Delay Your Application?
Not every application follows the same timeline. Some are more straightforward, while others require additional checks. Common factors that can extend the waiting time include:
- Complex cases involving human rights considerations (Article 8 ECHR) or extended family members
- Suitability checks, such as criminal records or background concerns
- Previous immigration issues, including overstays or refusals
- Document verification when authenticity is questioned
- Submitting a large or disorganised set of documents
- Requests for additional interviews or investigations by the Home Office
- Busy periods, such as summer or holiday seasons, when application volumes increase
Practical tip: Submitting a clear, well-organised application with the required documents and translations can prevent many of these delays.
Priority and Super Priority Services:
Applicants who need a faster decision may have the option to pay for an expedited service:
- Priority Visa Service (£500): A decision within five working days
- Super Priority Visa Service (£1,000): A decision within 24 hours
These services are not always available in every visa application centre, and they are not guaranteed to shorten the process if your application is complex or requires additional checks.
How Long Does a Spouse Visa Last Once Granted?
- Applied inside the UK: Valid for 2 years and 6 months
- Applied outside the UK: Valid for 2 years and 9 months, allowing extra time to travel and settle
After this initial period, you must apply for an extension of another 2 years and 6 months. Once you have completed five years in the UK on a spouse visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which leads to permanent residency.
Check Also: UK Spouse Visa for US Citizen
Can You Travel While Waiting?
Whether you can travel during the processing period depends on where you applied:
- Applications made outside the UK: You may travel, but if your application is approved, you must return to the country where you applied to collect your visa.
- Applications made inside the UK: You should not leave until a decision is made, as doing so may be treated as a withdrawal of your application.
If you need to travel urgently, consider whether priority or super priority services are available to shorten the waiting period.
Spouse Visa Biometric to Decision Time UK:
The spouse visa biometric to decision time UK typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks when applying outside the UK. After submitting biometrics at a visa application centre, your application is sent for assessment. Applicants inside the UK (switching or extending) may wait around 8 weeks under standard processing.
UK Spouse Visa Priority Processing Cost:
If you want a quicker outcome, the UK spouse visa priority processing cost is an additional fee around £500 on top of the visa application fee. Priority processing can reduce decision times to about 30 working days for applications made outside the UK, and 5 working days for some in-country applications. Availability may vary depending on the country of application.
Why UK Spouse Visa Delayed:
Many applicants wonder, why UK spouse visa delayed? Common reasons include missing documents, further verification of financial evidence, high application volumes, or security checks. Sometimes, delays occur if additional information is requested by the Home Office. Preparing a complete, well-documented application reduces the risk of extended waiting times.
Spouse Visa Extended Processing UK:
In some cases, applicants face spouse visa extended processing in the UK, where decisions take longer than the published timelines. This usually happens due to complex cases, backlogs, or if your application needs extra checks. While frustrating, staying updated via your UKVI account and responding promptly to any requests helps move things forward.
How to Avoid Delays:
- Double-check your forms before submitting
- Provide complete financial and relationship documents
- Ensure non-English documents are professionally translated and certified
- Keep your submission organised—quality matters more than quantity
- Be transparent about your immigration history, as UKVI will verify details
Conclusion:
The UK Spouse Visa process can take weeks or months, depending on where and how you apply. Factors like case complexity, documentation, and seasonal demand often affect waiting times. Careful preparation and, if needed, priority services can help applicants secure a faster and smoother outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to get a UK Spouse Visa?
Applications outside the UK usually take 2–3 months, while applications made inside the UK average 6–8 weeks.
What is the fastest way to get a UK Spouse Visa?
Using the Super Priority Service can provide a decision within 24 hours, if available and your case is straightforward.
Can UK Spouse Visa applications be delayed?
Yes. Delays often happen due to missing documents, complex cases, background checks, or peak seasonal demand.