Applying for a UK visa can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you have a travel deadline or other important plans. Fortunately, there are several ways for how to track visa application UK, allowing you to stay informed and up-to-date.
This guide will walk you through the different methods of tracking your UK visa application status in a way that’s easy to understand.
Why It’s Important to Track Your UK Visa Application
Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand why tracking your visa application is crucial:
- Stay Informed: Knowing the status of your application helps you plan your next steps, such as booking flights or accommodation.
- Identify Issues Early: If there’s a delay or a problem with your application, you can address it promptly.
- Peace of Mind: Regular updates can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control of the process.
Information You Need to Track Your Visa Application
Before you start tracking your UK visa application, gather the following information:
- Personal and Contact Details: Your first and last name, nationality, date of birth, and email address used in the application.
- Passport Number: The number on the passport you used for your visa application.
- Type of Visa Applied For: The category of visa (e.g., student, tourist, work).
- Date of Application or Biometrics: The date you submitted your application and provided biometric information.
- Place of Application: The visa application center where you submitted your application.
- GWF Reference Number: A 9-digit reference number starting with “GWF.”
- Application Reference Number: A 16-digit reference number (if applicable).
- Immigration Health Surcharge Reference Number: If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Having this information ready will make the tracking process smoother and faster.
How To Track Visa Application UK Outside the UK?
1. Using the VFS Global Website
VFS Global is a service provider that handles visa applications for many countries, including the UK. Here’s how to track your application on their website:
- Go to the VFS Global Website: Visit https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/
in your web browser. - Select Your VAC Location: Choose the location of the visa application center where you provided your biometric information.
- Click on ‘Track Your Application’: Look for a section called ‘Track your application’ at the top of the page and click on it.
- Click on ‘Track Your Visa Application Status Online’: This will take you to a login page.
- Enter Your Reference Number: This could be your GWF number or your VAC reference number.
- Enter Your Last Name: Provide your last name in the appropriate field.
- Click ‘Submit’: Verify that you are not a robot and then click the ‘Submit’ button to see your application status.
Example
Imagine you applied for a student visa at the Mumbai VFS center. You would select ‘India – Mumbai’ as your VAC location and follow the steps above to track your visa status.
2. Using the TLScontact Website
TLScontact is another service provider that helps with UK visa applications. Here’s how you can track your application through them:
- Open Your Confirmation Email: Find the confirmation email from UK Visas and Immigration.
- Sign into Your Application: Click on the link in the email and sign in using your password.
- Navigate to the TLScontact Website: Click on ‘Provide Documents and Biometrics’ and then ‘Continue’ to be redirected to TLScontact.
- Select ‘Track’: Click on the ‘Track’ option to view your application status.
3. Using the UKVI Website
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) offers a paid service to track your visa application:
- Go to the UKVI Website: Visit https://ukvi.mysecurepay.co.uk/Home
. - Click on ‘Start’: This will take you to the next page.
- Click on ‘General Enquiry’: Fill out the online form with your details.
- Enter Your Payment Details: This service costs £2.74.
- Submit Your Enquiry: You should receive a reply within 5 days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
4. Contacting UKVI by Telephone
You can also call UKVI to check your application status:
- Telephone Number: +44 (0)300 790 6268 (select option 1)
- Availability: 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday
- Cost: 69 pence per minute plus standard network charges
If you can’t contact UK 0300 numbers, use +44 (0)203 875 4669.
How To Track Visa Application UK Inside the UK
1. Using the UKVCAS Website
Unfortunately, UKVCAS does not provide application status updates on its website. You need to contact UKVI instead.
2. Contacting UKVCAS by Telephone
You cannot track your application status by calling UKVCAS. Instead, contact UKVI.
3. Using the UKVI Website
UKVI does not provide status updates on its website for in-country applications.
4. Contacting UKVI by Telephone
To check the status of your in-country application, call UKVI:
- Telephone Number: 0300 790 6268 (select option 2)
- Availability: 9am to 4:45pm, Monday to Thursday; 9am to 4:30pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays)
What Are the UKVI Service Standards for Processing Times?
UKVI has set service standards for visa processing times. Here’s a summary:
| Visa Type | Service Standard |
| Non-settlement visa applications outside the UK | 90% within 3 weeks, 98% within 6 weeks, 100% within 12 weeks |
| Settlement visa applications outside the UK | 98.5% within 12 weeks, 100% within 24 weeks |
| Applications for leave to remain within the UK | 8 weeks |
| Applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) within the UK | 6 months |
| Applications for no time limit (NTL) within the UK | 6 months |
| Sponsorship applications | 8 months |
| Sponsor licence updates | 18 weeks |
These are the target times, but actual processing times can vary.
What Can Delay UK Visa Processing Times?
Several factors can cause delays:
- Complexity of the Case: More complex cases may take longer.
- Criminality Concerns: Background checks can delay the process.
- Adverse Immigration History: Previous issues can slow things down.
- Authenticity of Documents: Verifying documents can take time.
- Volume of Documents: Large applications might need more time to review.
- Further Investigations: Some applications might require additional checks.
- Time of Year: Busy periods can slow down processing.
How Can I Get a Faster Decision?
UKVI offers priority and super priority services for faster processing:
| Service | Description | Cost | Processing Time |
| Priority Service | Faster decision | Additional fee | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | Faster decision | Higher Additional fee | Decision within 24 hours |
How Can I Chase a Delayed Application?
If your application is delayed, you can take the following steps:
- Check Processing Times: Compare your wait time with standard processing times.
- Contact UKVI: Use the paid service or call them.
- Seek Help: Consider legal advice if your application is significantly delayed.
Conclusion
Tracking your UK visa application is an important part of the visa process. It helps you stay informed and plan your next steps. Whether you’re using the VFS Global website, TLScontact website, UKVI website, or calling UKVI, ensure you have all the necessary information at hand.
Remember to be patient, as processing times can vary. By following the steps for how to track visa application UK, you can track your UK visa application status with ease. Good luck with your application!
