In a nutshell, the service standard for a straightforward UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics 2020 for entry clearance, extension and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) settlement applications are to:

fast track straightforward entry clearance priority spouse settlement visa applications from overseas within 6 weeks or 30 working days decide 98.5% and 100% of standard (normal) spouse settlement visa applications from overseas within 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively fast track straightforward priority spouse extension visa applications within 5 working days decide standard (normal) spouse extension visa applications within 8 weeks (40 working days) fast track straightforward super-priority spouse extension and ILR visa applications by next working day decide standard (normal) spouse ILR settlement applications within 6 months

UK Spouse Visa Timelines 2019

The details from different UKVACs indicates that the UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics may greatly vary on a case to case basis – perhaps, depending on the nature of the application and the administrative workload/consideration of the UKVI. Indeed, for a straightforward spouse visa application with priority service, it is quite possible to receive a decision within 3, 5, 10, 15 or 30 working days. However, the UK spouse visa processing time for normal applications is usually within 12 weeks or 60 working days. Nevertheless, 10-15% spouse visa applications (mostly non-straightforward) may remain outstanding even after 120 working days or 24 weeks.

The service standard for UK spouse visa processing time is usually 12 weeks or 60 working days. However, the service standard of UK spouse priority visa processing time is normally 6 weeks or 30 working days. Please note, approximately 20-25% of the settlement applications are not straightforward, therefore, in such instance there are more than 99% chance that a spouse settlement application may not be processed within the respective service standards.

What if the application is non-straightforward?

A straightforward spouse visa application means that an applicant has not only met the requirements but has an immaculate overall credibility- applicant’s background, relations with the sponsor, income verification, intentions and future plans in the UK etc.

Therefore, if a spouse/partner visa application is categorized as non-straightforward then the processing time usually exceeds the respective service standards as UKVI does not maintain any service standard for non-straightforward applications. For instance, UK spouse visa processing time for a non-straightforward (complex) overseas family settlement application may exceeds 60-90 working days- or even 120 working days. Nevertheless, in such instances, UKVI usually intimates that the application is non-straightforward within 6-8 weeks from the date of the receipt of documents by Sheffield UKVI.