Processing Times

Processing times in Ukraine

Most visa applications are processed within 30 working days from the date you submitted your application and biometric data at the Visa Application Centre. Settlement visa applications may take 12 weeks or longer to process.

Important note: Visa applications are assessed indiviually and processing times may vary. The actual processing time of your visa application will depend on several factors and because of this you should not to make your travel arrangements to enter or transit through the United Kingdom until you have received your visa.

When to submit your application

You can start the visa application process up to 3 months in advance of your planned travel date. The UK Border Agency advises you to start the visa application process at least 5-10 weeks prior to your planned travel date. This should allow you enough time to complete your online application form, submit your biometric data, prepare your supporting documents and for the UK Border Agency to process your visa application.

Queries about processing times

You can track the status of your application by using the 'Track your Application' facility on this website and by using the SMS text alert facility (fee payable). If your application has exceeded the processing times given on this website and those published in our Customer Service Standards please send an email enquiry free of charge at info@ukvac-ua.com. Please do not contact the VFS call centre in Ukraine as they will not be able to help you with your query and your call will not be refunded.

Applications for certain British overseas territories and Commonwealth countries can take up to 3 months to process, so please apply well in advance of your travel date. Decisions on these applications are not made by the UK Border Agency - they simply act as a 'postbox' for the British overseas territory or Commonwealth country.

How to use the guide

This UK Border Agency guide gives visa applicants information on how long their applications may take based on recent visa processing performance. Processing times are given in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Performance figures are updated monthly.

Guide to visa application processing times

Visa applicants should bear in mind that each application is subject to an individual assessment and processing times will vary. This guide cannot be used as a guarantee of processing times.

Customer Service Standards

UK Border Agency Visa Services staff, and staff at VFS are committed to providing a high level of service to our customers. Information on our processing time standards can be found on the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.