How long does a UK visa extension or switch take when you apply from inside the UK?

Checked on 2026-10-25

UKVI's published processing time for most applications made inside the UK is 8 weeks, including Skilled Worker, Student, Graduate and partner visas meeting the income and English requirements. Health and Care Worker takes 3 weeks. Partner private-life and parent applications have no service standard and are listed at 12 months.

Key facts

What	UKVI’s guidance says	Source
Skilled Worker	8 weeks	GOV.UK, Visa processing times: applications inside the UK, “Work visas”
Health and Care Worker	3 weeks	same page, “Work visas”
Student and Child Student	8 weeks	same page, “Study visas”
Graduate, Global Talent	8 weeks	same page, “Work visas you can apply for without a job offer”
Innovator Founder	8 weeks	same page, “Work visas to start a business”
Partner or spouse (meeting minimum income and English requirements)	8 weeks	same page, “Family visas”
Partner or spouse on private life; parent	12 months, no service standard	same page, “Family visas”
British National (Overseas)	12 weeks	same page, “Other visas and permits”
When the clock starts	ID Check app submission, or your biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre or Service and Support Centre	same page, “When your application processing time starts”

What the times mean

These are UKVI’s published processing times for applications made inside the UK, based on the current volume of applications and measured against its customer service standards. They count the UK working week (Monday to Friday) and include UK public holidays. They are different if you pay for a faster decision. For visit, study and work applications, UKVI also offers an online service that tells you when to expect your decision.

For partner or spouse applications made on the basis of private life (where the minimum income and English language requirements don’t apply) and for parent applications, UKVI says there is no service standard; the 12 months it lists reflects the current volume.

When it can take longer

The guidance lists reasons a decision may be slower: inaccurate information, further evidence needed (for example of funds), documents to verify, an interview, criminal convictions or other personal circumstances, high demand or a technical outage. UKVI says it will contact you within the processing time if yours will take longer. If the time has passed and you haven’t heard anything, contact UKVI; while you’re still within the time, UKVI says it can’t give status updates.

While you wait

UKVI says you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired. It advises not to book travel before you have a decision, and says the application fee is refunded only if processing hasn’t started.

Staying after your visa’s end date while you wait is covered by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 (see the page on visa expiry during a pending extension).

Sources

GOV.UK: Visa processing times: applications inside the UK (UK Visas and Immigration, page updated 9 September 2026) checked 2026-10-25

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.