Spouse Entry Clearance processing time

Hi all

We submitted our application at the beginning of May and had our biometrics on the 13th. The service paid for was the priority service which promised a decision within six weeks. However, I am starting to get a little concerned as the decision should be made by the 24th June, and we have had no correspondence from the Home Office at all in this period. I'm led to understand that if a decision can't be made within the promised period, a letter is sent explaining why - but we have had nothing like this.

Am I worried about nothing? Do the Home Office usually take right up until the deadline to process applications, or is the radio silence from their side unusual?

Thanks all for your help.

After giving biometrics and mailing the applicant’s passport, biometrics confirmation, return shipping label, return packaging and priority processing receipt to New York, did you receive an email from either New York or Sheffield stating that they had received your application? (Note: this is assuming the application was made in the US. If not, the application process will have been different).

While the priority service is generally supposed to be a 30-working-day service, that is not a guarantee. All the priority service does is get your application put to the front of the line ahead of non-priority applications... once it’s been put in the line, it will be processed when they get to it. This should be within 30 working days, but it can take a shorter or longer time depending on how busy they are (in late 2020 it was taking about 8-9 weeks from the US) and whether or not your application is straightforward.

Given that 31st May was a bank holiday, you’re only actually on working day 25 at the moment, so the 30 working days will be up on 25th June.

The customer service standards time for spousal visa applications is 95% of all applications (including priority) processed within 12 weeks and 100% processed within 24 weeks.

So if it gets to 12 weeks (6th August) and you still haven’t received the visa, then you can contact them.

From the VFS Global website (for US-based applications) regarding priority processing:

How long does it take to get a visa?

UK Visas and Immigration aims to make a decision on your Priority Visa (family migration / settlement) application within 30 working days.

However, every application is unique, and if your application is not straightforward, it may not be possible to meet this timescale. If this is the case, your application will still be put at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process, and UK Visas and Immigration will aim to process your application within global customer service standards.
(https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/us/en/premium-services/priority-visa-for-settlement)


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I feel your pain so much.  I'm also 4 days behind you in the queue so please post when you get your email and save me some worry!