How To Track Your UK Visa Application - An Informative Guide

VISA is an abbreviation for Visitors International Stay Admission. A visa is an approval added to a passport that gives the bearer formal authorisation to enter, depart from, or remain in a country for a predetermined time. If you are applying for a student or work visa, applying at least 90 days before your travel date is essential. It usually takes 7-10 working days for your visa to be approved and delivered to your home.

In this blog, We will review how to track UK visa applications and provide step-by-step instructions on everything from online UK visa tracking to how to accomplish UK visa tracking GWF numbers. This blog will also go over how to use your passport number to verify the status of your UK visa. By adhering to these steps, you can stay informed about the UK visa monitoring procedure and guarantee a smooth voyage.

How To Check UK Visa Status?

Your UK visa tracking can be done in three ways. Usually, people do it online independently, but one can check UK visa status via SMS and Mail. Below are the instructions for checking your visa application status;

Online Visa Status Check

1. Official Government Websites: You can visit the British Consulate's official website for this UK student visa tracking process. These websites have a dedicated section to check visa status and to track UK visa applications where an applicant enters the details to check UK visa status.
2. VFS Global or Visa Processing Centers: If you have submitted your application through a visa processing centre such as VFS Global, they typically provide a portal that allows you to track the status of your visa. You can access this portal by logging in with your application reference number.
3. SMS: Please ensure you've provided your active mobile number during your UK visa application. The consulate will send updates via email and SMS, offering insights into your application progress. You can also check your status by texting 7333 from your mobile.‍
4. Email Updates: This option will be your last resort to check your UK visa status if you cannot use the online tracking system. Search the British Consulate's official website for the correct email address. In the email, ask for an update on the status of your UK visa. Make it quite clear that you want to know how your application for a UK visa is going. The British Consulate normally answers enquiries on the status of visas in 3 working days.

Offline Visa Status Check

1. Through Embassy or Consulate Visits: You can visit the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you're applying to and inquire about your visa status in person. Make sure to carry your application reference number and identification.
2. Phone Lines: Many consulates offer dedicated phone hotlines that you can call to check your visa status. Prepare your application details and identification before making the call.‍
3. Authorized Agents: If you used an authorized visa agent or consultant for your application, you can contact them to check your visa status. They often have direct access to visa processing updates.

What Are The Causes Of UK Visa Application Delay?

Many factors contribute to the causes of UK visa application delays, but understanding these reasons can help applicants in a faster and smoother application process. Here are some of the UK visa application delays you need to consider:

1. Document Verification: In some cases, you might encounter issues with the documents you have submitted for the verification process. To avoid this, ensure that all your documents are sorted and meet the specific criteria outlined by UK authorities.
2. High Demand for Visas: During peak seasons or when there's a surge in visa applications, the processing time may naturally increase. Be mindful of application deadlines and apply well in advance.
3. Health Issues: If there is any health check-up that needs to be done, do it on a priority basis. If not, then the delay in obtaining medical reports might slow down the UK visa application process.
4. Interview Requirements: In this application process, applicants are sometimes also requested to attend an interview. Scheduling and conducting these interviews can also add up to the UK visa application delay list.‍
5. Administrative Errors: The administration should properly rectify all the mistakes that might occur during the verification process, such as incorrect information or any type of missing details. If not rectified properly, it might lead to further UK visa application delays.

How To Check Your UK Visa Application Status For In-Country Applications?

Most of the UK visa applications flow through the UK visa citizenship application services (UKVCAS). Though the UKVCAS process aims to speed up the process of in-country applications, it cannot answer any queries about the status of your application. If you need to find more information about your submitted UK visa application, then you can hear the feedback by visiting the GOV.UK website for more updates. 

To track the UK visa application status for in-country applications, you need to use an online tool to obtain information about the right department to contact for your particular application. These online tools will ask you a series of questions, such as the case reference number assigned at the time of applying. 

They will provide you with contact information about different departments at UKVI. If you require any help, you can reach out to the contact centre of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) at 0300 790 6268. To inquire about citizenship you can get in touch with the Citizenship and Nationality Enquiries team via email at nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.

How To Check UK Visa Application Status For Out Of Country Applications?

For out-of-country applications, you need to visit the visa application centre of your country. During your appointment, you will be required to provide your information and submit all the required documents to support your application. Below are a few methods which will help you to check UK visa application status for out-of-country applications.

1. Using the UKVI Website: For all out-of-country applications, visit the UKVI website. They offer a 'General Enquiry' service for a fee of £2.74 per application. This fee covers the cost of the email and any follow-up correspondence. You will need to provide payment using a credit or debit card, but don't worry; you will only be charged once your message is successfully sent. 
2. Using TLScontact Website: You can also visit the TLScontact website and log in to your account. Select 'Track' to get real-time updates on your application status.
3. Using VFS Global Website: On the VFS Global website, choose the visa centre where you have submitted your biometrics. Choose 'Track your application.' If this option isn't available, you can try the UKVI website.

Documents Needed To Track UK Visa Application

Below are the documents needed to track the status of your UK visa application:

1. Payment Reference Number: This special number can be used as documentation or proof that application fees have been paid. You can simultaneously use the payment reference number to look up the status of your UK visa.
2. Unique Application Number: A unique 16-digit number that may be found on all emails and letters that the immigration office sends to you.
3. Case Identifying Number: You can UK visa application using this number as well, an additional 8-digit special identifying number that the visa office provides in its correspondence.
4. Immigration Health Surcharge Reference Number: You receive an IHS alphanumeric number when you pay the national health surcharge. This number will help you in checking the status of your UK visa application. 
5. Passport Number: You may quickly follow the status of your visa application using the passport number that your government has issued to track your UK visa application
6. GWF Reference Number: When you initially apply for a UK visa, you are given a GWF (Global Web Form) number. Your UK visa tracking GWF number is a special serial or reference number. You can see it in emails and letters about your UK visa application tracking that you receive from the Home Office or the UK Embassy.

Additionally, if you’ve availed of a student loan, then those documents would also be preferred. And here is a comprehensive guide to understanding more about UK visas for Indians. Know about it and get familiar with the process, fees and deadlines for the UK visa.

Here is a comprehensive guide to understand more about UK visas for Indians. Know about it and get familiar with the process, fees and deadlines for the UK visa.

Types of UK Visa Applications And Their Processing Time

One can issue numerous types of visas, depending on the reason for visiting the UK and the time period. Three visa types stand out, popularly pursued by people travelling to the UK.

1. UK Standard Visitor Visa

Validity: 6 months

Applicable: Everyone

Visa Processing Time: 3-4 weeks

Application Fee: 10,000-15,000 INR

This sort of visa would be appropriate for someone travelling to the UK for a short visit, to attend your graduation, or to stay in the UK temporarily. Standard visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months in any 12 months of the year. Additionally, one can apply for a priority or super priority visa service ( extra charges applicable) if available in the country where it is applied. One can check the UK visa status in their mail to be updated on the process.

2. Student Visa

Validity: 2-4 years

Applicable: Students

Visa Processing Time: 3 weeks

Application Fee: 20,000-40,000 INR

The student visa is reasonably valid for the duration of your academic programme. For instance, if your course duration is two years, your student visa validity will also be two years. Similarly, a graduation visa will permit you to stay an additional two years after graduation to find a suitable job. Students can check their UK visa status online or verify their identity at a visa application centre to speed up the process. As soon as you get a student visa, you can look into the best student discounts in the UK to make your student journey more seamless.

3. Work Visa

Validity: 2-4 years

Applicable: Employee or potential employee

Visa Processing Time: 3 weeks

Application fee: 20,000-60,000 INR

You can apply for a skilled worker or general work visa if you anticipate a new job or transfer to the UK. Work visas can be renewed because you still have the same job. You could also be updated on your UK visa application tracking on the UK immigration ID check app. Your chances of getting a work visa approved can be increased if you have a job offer in hand and the occupation comes under the skill shortage list. 

Up until now, you must have understood everything about the UK visa application status, but you should also be prepared in case your UK visa gets rejected. There might be many reasons behind it; just follow a proper verification process and provide everything that is needed at the visa application center.

How To Contact The UK Visa And Immigration Department?

If you are outside the UK and you are facing problems with UK visa application tracking, in such cases, you can reach the UK Visa and Immigration Department at +44 (0)844 8920232. Please be mindful that calls to this number will be charged at a rate of £0.04 per minute in addition to the access fee from your carrier. From 9:00 to 17:30 on Monday through Friday, the helpline is available. You could ask questions, and address UK visa tracking information through this process.