Standard processing times
Standard Skilled Worker visa applications are typically processed within 6 to 8 weeks of submission. In some cases, particularly where the Home Office requests additional documents or classifies an application as complex, processing can take longer. The Home Office does not guarantee specific decision dates for standard applications.
Priority processing
Priority processing is available for an additional fee and aims to deliver a decision within five working days of the biometrics appointment or submission date. However, the Home Office can still exceed this timeframe in complex or queried cases. Automated emails or notifications related to incomplete forms on your UKVI account do not affect your visa status or right to work if your visa has already been granted.
Priority CoS allocation requests
The Home Office releases approximately 100 priority slots per day nationally for CoS allocation requests. These are highly competitive, and sponsors may need to request a slot daily over an extended period before one is secured. Priority processing for CoS requests is separate from priority processing for visa applications.
What to do if processing is delayed
If a standard application has exceeded the expected processing window, Borderless can send a chaser email to the Home Office requesting an update. Workers and employers can also contact the Home Office directly for priority applications via [email protected].
Workers should not travel abroad while their application is pending, as this causes the Home Office to treat the application as withdrawn.
This restriction is due to Section 3C leave, which protects your visa status but does not allow travel outside the UK while your application is pending.
When an application is paused pending a CoS decision
If a CoS request has been submitted to the Home Office but a decision has not yet been received, a worker's visa application cannot be submitted. In this situation, the application is paused. If the worker's existing visa expires while the application is paused, they may still be protected under Section 3C leave, provided a valid in-time application was made before their leave expired. Section 3C leave extends their permission to remain while the application is pending, but it does not permit travel outside the UK. Workers can also include a covering letter with their application to link it to the pending CoS, ensuring clarity and maintaining their rights during the processing period.
Borderless will aim to submit applications at least 7 days before a visa expiry date wherever possible. If a CoS request is still outstanding as expiry approaches, the priority slot process will be escalated. Workers in this position should not make travel plans until the application has been submitted and a decision received.
Government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-sw-skilled-worker
Government guidance and current processing times: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/visa-processing-times