YOU may be applying for a visa to travel, work, or study overseas.
But is it possible to travel while your Visa is being processed? Here is what you need to know:
Can I travel while my Visa is being processed?
UK Visa applications can take many weeks or months to be approved and you may want to travel while you are awaiting the application's outcome.
However, if you travel while your Visa application is pending, your application will be treated as withdrawn.
It will be withdrawn if during this time you travel outside the Common Travel Area.
The Common Travel Area includes the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
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The Immigration Rules state: "Where a decision on an application for permission to stay has not been made and the applicant travels outside the common travel area their application will be treated as withdrawn on the date the applicant left the common travel area."
Therefore, if the Home Office has not made a decision on your Visa application, you should not travel.
If you do travel while your application is pending, causing it to be withdrawn, your application fee will not be refunded.
However, you will receive a refund of your immigration health surcharge payment.
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Does Visa processed mean approved?
If your Visa application says "Visa processed" this simply means that a decision has been made on your application.
This does not mean that your application has been approved and you will need to check what decision has been made.
However, you should receive a refusal email if your application has been unsuccessful.
How long does it take to get a Visa?
Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, there have been severe delays in Visa applications.
Visit visas, including standard visitor visa applications, are currently taking on average 7 weeks to process.
As of July 2022, waiting times were double their usual length.
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Visa applications for the spouse or family member of a UK citizen typically take three months to process, however in July 2022, they were taking up to six months to be decided.
There are also usually priority and super priority Visa services which can be bought to fast-track applications, however these have been temporarily suspended.
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