Free Tool
UK Visa Processing Times
Compare standard, priority, and super priority processing times. Simulate your application timeline with estimated dates for each step.
Processing Times
Official UK Government estimates
Choose a Service
Standard Service: Steps
Application Submitted
Online application submission
Biometrics Appointment
Attend appointment to provide fingerprints and photo
UKVI Confirmation
Email confirming receipt of documents
Decision Received
Final decision on your application
ILR Routes Covered
Community data tracks real processing times across all SET routes, including SET(PL) for Private Life applicants. Unlock route-by-route breakdowns with Premium.
Simulate Your Timeline
How It Works
Compare service options
See processing times and costs for Standard, Priority, and Super Priority services side by side.
Simulate your timeline
Enter your planned application date and chosen service to see estimated dates for each step.
Plan your application
Use the estimated decision date to plan around work, travel, and other commitments.
Get community insights
Sign up to access real processing time reports from other applicants and community averages.
Real community data
Processing times reported by applicants, updated daily. Sign up free to track your journey, upgrade for full trend history and alerts.
Live community data
Read the September 2026 Community Report
Citizenship decisions took 131 days in August 2026 (n=86), 82% slower than a year ago. Standard ILR restated at 98 days on a bigger sample.
Looking for the official Home Office targets rather than community data? Our how long does ILR take page sets out the published standard, priority, and super priority times by application type. Applying for citizenship rather than settlement? Our citizenship application tracker carries the same community data for naturalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ILR application take to process?
Standard ILR applications typically take 8 to 26 weeks (2 to 6 months) for a decision after biometrics. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case, the visa route, and current UKVI workload. Priority service aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority within 1-2 working days, both for additional fees.
What is the difference between Priority and Super Priority?
Priority Service costs an additional £500 and aims to provide a decision within 5 working days after your biometrics appointment. Super Priority Service costs an additional £1,000 and aims for a decision by the end of the next working day after biometrics. Both are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
When do processing times start counting?
Processing times are measured from the date of your biometrics appointment, not from when you submit the online application. The time between submission and biometrics (typically 1-4 weeks for standard service) is additional to the stated processing time.
What can delay my ILR application?
Common causes of delay include: missing or incomplete documents, complex case history (e.g., visa changes, gaps in residence), need for additional checks (security or verification), applications submitted during peak periods, or complications with your employer's sponsor licence.
Can I check the status of my application?
You can check your application status through the UKVI online portal if you applied online. For super priority and priority services, you should receive updates within the specified timeframes. For standard applications, UKVI advises waiting until the stated processing time has passed before making enquiries via their contact centre.
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