Introduction
If you’ve applied for a UK spouse visa, waiting for a decision from Home Office, especially if your future plans, like traveling, working; and studying in the UK, are dependant on a positive result and a timely response. In this guide we aim to break down the complete process of tracking your UK spouse visa application, providing you with the tools and information necessary to stay informed.
What Information Do You Need to Track Your UK Visa Application Status?
When you are ready to track the status of your UK spouse visa application, it’s important to have specific pieces of information that will allow you to access your application status. This information are used to verify your identity and ensure that you are authorised to view the application’s progress.
Personal and Contact Details
To track your application, you will need to provide your first name and last name as they appear on the visa application, along with your date of birth and the email address used during the application process. These details help in confirming your identity and ensure that the information provided is matched correctly to your visa application.
Passport and Visa Information
Your passport number will also be used during the visa application is required. This number helps in identifying your application among others. You will also need to specify the type of visa you applied for, as this helps in accessing the specific details relevant to your application category.
Application Specifics
The date when you submitted your visa application or provided your biometric information is also key information that UKVI will need in order to track your application status. If you applied from a country outside the UK, the place of application might also be necessary to pinpoint the exact processing office handling your visa.
Spouse Visa Application Reference Numbers
Most important factor in identifying and tracking your spouse visa application is any of the reference numbers associated with your application. This includes the GWF reference number, a unique 9-digit number assigned at the time of application submission, and if applicable, a 16-digit application reference number. For those who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, the IHS number may also be required to check the application status.
Each piece of information plays a role in both tracking the status of your UK spouse visa application but also in ensuring that the data provided is accurate and secure.
Identify and Rectify Any Errors or Omissions
Occasionally, there may be errors or omissions in your visa application that could delay processing times for your spouse visa.
Understanding where your application is in the process can help you plan your future actions. For instance, if you know your application is nearing a decision, you could start preparing to move to the UK, or if it’s delayed, you can adjust your plans accordingly.
Benefits of Tracking Your UK Visa Application Status
Staying informed about the progress of your visa application is crucial. By regularly checking the status, you can ensure that your application is moving through the process as expected
By monitoring the status of your application, you can have a clear understanding of where you stand in the visa process. This not only helps in managing your expectations but also in preparing for the next steps once a decision is reached.
How to Check the Status of Your UK Visa Application (Inside the UK)
If you are inside the UK and need to track the status of your spouse visa application, the options are slightly different as to if your were outside the UK, primarily due to the absence of online status updates directly from UKVCAS.
Contacting UKVI by Telephone
The main way clients check the status of your application from within the UK is through a direct call to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI):
- Prepare your personal details: Have all relevant application details handy, such as your full name, date of birth, passport number, and reference numbers, as mentioned above.
- Call the UKVI contact centre: Use the designated telephone number for inquiries within the UK . Note that this call may be charged at a premium rate.
- Follow the voice prompts: Complete the automated menus to select the option for checking the status of an existing application.
- Speak with a representative or receive an automated update: Depending on the service, you may speak directly to a representative or receive an automated response in relation to your application status.
Using the UKVI Website
Although the UKVI does not provide direct online tracking through UKVCAS for applications made within the UK, you can still use their paid email service for specific inquiries:
- Access the UKVI email inquiry service: This is a paid service that allows you to submit a form with questions about your application.
- Provide detailed information about your application: Fill out the form with all necessary details to facilitate a thorough check.
- Pay the fee and submit your inquiry: After payment, your query will be processed, and you should receive a response within a few days.
How to Track the Status of Your UK Visa Application (Outside the UK)
Tracking the status of your UK spouse visa application from outside the UK is done differently compared to inside the country, however, it can still be done through several platforms.
Using the VFS Global Website
- Visit the VFS Global website: Go to their site and select the country from where you applied.
- Locate ‘Track your application’: This section is usually found at the top of the website’s page dedicated to UK visa services.
- Enter your reference numbers: You will need to input your GWF or VAC reference number along with your last name.
- View your status: After submission, you will be able to see the current status of your application, such as ‘under processing’ or ‘decision made’.
Using the TLScontact Website
If your application was processed through TLScontact, their website also provides a tool to track your visa:
- Access your account on TLScontact: Use the login details you set up during your application process.
- Navigate to ‘Track’: This option will show you real-time updates about the status of your application.
- Check for updates: The status should indicate key stages like biometric enrolment, completion or document transfer to the decision-making centre.
Using the UKVI Website (Paid Service)
The UK Home Office also offers a direct but paid service for tracking visa applications via the UKVI website:
- Go to the UKVI tracking service page: This service requires a fee to access.
- Submit an inquiry form: Include details such as your full name, date of birth, passport number, and application reference number.
- Receive status via email: After processing the payment, you’ll receive an update on your visa application status within the specified response time.
Pre Action Protocols – Home Office Time Delays
For those who need more detailed assistance or face unusual delays, instructing one of our Immigration Lawyers at UKSpouseVisa may help. Our specialist Immigration solicitors can offer legal guidance and advice on additional steps you can take, such as submitting a PAP Letter if your application drastically exceeds normal processing times, without due reason.
Understanding Pre-Action Protocols and PAP Letters
A Pre-Action Protocol letter, or PAP letter, is a formal document sent from one party to another indicating the intention to initiate legal proceedings if the Home Office do not respond within the given timeframe. It details the claim, the basis, and the evidence supporting it. In the context of UK visa applications, PAP letters can be particularly useful for addressing undue delays or unaddressed concerns.
Sending a PAP letter to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) outlines specific issues and the expected remedial actions, providing a formal method to address discrepancies or delays before escalating to litigation. This can be beneficial as it offers UKVI an opportunity to resolve the matter without further legal action, potentially expediting a response or action from the agency.
Before sending a PAP letter, it is essential to gather all relevant details of your visa application, consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure the letter is appropriately drafted, and send it to the correct department or authority. A PAP letter usually requires a response within a standard timeframe, typically 14 days, and serves as a legal step towards potential litigation, giving it significant leverage in negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When tracking your UK spouse visa application, you might have several questions about processing times, what can delay your application, or how to expedite your visa process. Here are some of the most common queries:
What are the UKVI service standards for processing times?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has set service standards which state that non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK are usually processed within 12 weeks of the application date. For settlement applications like spouse visas, 98.5% are decided within 12 weeks and all within 24 weeks of the application date.
What are the current Home Office UK visa processing times?
The Home Office updates its processing times regularly, reflecting the actual time taken to process visas at various consulates and application centres around the world. These times can vary significantly based on the volume of applications received and the complexity of individual cases.
What factors can delay UK visa processing times?
- Complexity of the case: Certain aspects like the assessment of compliance with immigration rules or the need for additional evidence can extend processing times.
- High volume of applications: During peak travel times like holidays or summer, delays are more common due to the increased number of applications.
- Inaccuracies or omissions in the application: These require additional time for clarifications or corrections, delaying the processing.
- Security checks: In some cases, especially if there are security concerns associated with the application, more thorough checks are required, which can delay decisions.
How can I get a faster decision on my UK visa application?
For those who need a quicker decision, UKVI offers ‘Priority’ and ‘Super Priority’ services, where for an additional fee, your application can be fast-tracked:
- Priority Service: Your application is processed within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service: This service aims to process applications by the end of the next working day after the biometric information has been provided.
Conclusion
Tracking your UK spouse visa application is a crucial aspect of the immigration process, providing peace of mind and enabling effective planning based on the progress of your application.
By understanding the different ways in which you can check your application status both inside and outside the UK, and by being aware of the factors that can affect processing times, you can stay up to date wit your visa application more effectively.
