One of the most frequently asked questions our clients ask is “How long does it normally take to obtain a UK settlement visa?” We are pleased to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on the current processing times for fiancée, partner and marriage visa applications at some UK visa-issuing posts that our office deals with on a regular basis.
The average processing time for UK fiancée, partner and marriage visas
March – April 2010
British Consulate in Nairobi, Kenya: 3 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Pretoria, South Africa: 5 – 10 business days
British Consulate in Abu Dhabi, UAE: 2 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Cairo, Egypt: 2 – 3 months
British Consulate in Manila, Philippines: 4 – 6 weeks
British Consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 1 – 2 weeks
British Consulate in Moscow, Russia: 3 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Kiev, Ukraine: 4 – 6 weeks
British Consulate in Minsk, Belarus: 2 – 3 months
British Consulate in Guangzhou, China: 10 – 12 weeks
British Consulate in Beijing, China: 4 – 8 weeks
British Consulate in Shanghai, China: 4 – 6 weeks
British Consulate in Bangkok, Thailand: 8 – 10 weeks
British Consulate in Jakarta, Indonesia: 4 – 6 weeks
British Consulate in New Delhi, India: 8 – 12 weeks
British Consulate in New York, USA: 3 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Chicago, USA: 3 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Los Angeles, USA: 6 – 8 weeks
British Consulate in Canberra, Australia: 4 – 6 weeks
British Consulate in Ottawa, Canada: 2 – 4 weeks
British Consulate in Rio, Brazil: 3 – 5 business days
British Consulate in Kingston, Jamaica: 4 – 8 weeks
British Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey: 4– 6 weeks
Please note that the processing times above are provided as an indication only and are subject to change. Complex cases may take the immigration authorities longer to bring to resolution and visa issuance. Many factors, such as the need for additional processing or request to appear for an interview, may influence the time it takes to obtain a visa. You should not make any irrevocable arrangements, such as purchasing non-refundable tickets, selling your property, or quitting your job, until after your settlement visa is approved and issued to you.