UK Worker Visa Processing Times
If you are recruiting non-UK workers, you will undoubtedly need to know when they will be able to travel to the UK to start work. This will depend on a number of factors including whether you have your sponsor licence already and what visa the recruit is applying for. In this article, we take a closer look at UK worker visa processing times so that you can start planning your recruitment and allow sufficient time.
Applying for a sponsor licence
If you do not hold a sponsor licence, you will need to apply for one. You should allow at least eight weeks for this. Applications are sometimes processed more quickly than this and there is also an expedited service you can pay for. Equally, the application process can take longer.
You can find out more, visit: Applying for your sponsor licence.
The employee’s visa application
Your candidate cannot apply for their visa until you have a sponsor licence and have issued them with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
It is important to ensure that the recruit then applies for the correct visa and the correct documentation is submitted with the application. Failure to do so may mean the application is delayed or even refused.
The processing time for a UK visa application officially begins once an applicant has submitted their biometric information either using the Immigration ID Check app, or by attending an in-person appointment. They will be notified as to which they should do but once again, allow a little extra time in respect of the processing times below for the period prior to biometric testing.
Also note that processing for business-related visas usually takes longer than other visas because they are more complex and may require a quantity of additional information and documentation. The earliest an individual can apply for their visa is 3 months before travel.
Because the UK worker visa application can be so complex, it is important to prepare all the documentation and information in advance. The time this may take should also be factored into any recruitment plans in addition to the times outlined below.
Processing times for visa applications made from with the UK
Applications for temporary work visas and skilled worker visas made from within the UK normally take at least eight weeks to process. There are some visas that may be processed more quickly, and these include health and care worker visas and start up visas both of which should be processed within 3 weeks. Similarly, there are certain visas that will take much longer such as the Turkish businessman visa.
Visa applications made from outside the UK
For applications that are made from outside the UK, the processing times are generally quicker. Both skilled worker visas and temporary worker visas should be processed withing 3 weeks.
Expedited services
There are priority and super priority services available for certain types of applications. The priority service provides a decision within 5 working days. The super priority service aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day. These expedited services are not always available and do come with an additional fee to pay.
Other factors affecting processing times
There are a number of other factors that could affect the time in which a visa application is processed. These include whether the correct information has been supplied, whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and the time of year (peak times can result in delays).
Visa processing is strict and highly scrutinized and so it’s essential to get things right. If any of the above affects you, or you would like to discuss visa processing times and what you need to do to apply for a visa, please call 020 3988 0170 or email us at nighat@rswlaw.co.uk.
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