UK Visa Application Status

Through VFS Global

In India, you can track your UK visa application through the Visa Application Centre’s (VAC) website. If you have applied through VFS Global, you can use these Steps to check the status of your application:

Step 1: Visit the Application Tracking page of the VFS Global website.

Step 2: To continue, enter your Email ID and GWF Reference Number.

Step 3: Click on ‘Submit’

UK Visa Application Status Enquiry Through UKVI

• Another way to get an update is through the UK Visa and Immigration website. While you cannot directly check the status online with UKVI, you can get an update on your application through these means.

• You can contact UKVI through a contact form to check your visa decision, but you will need to pay a certain fee to retrieve your visa information and provide your GWF Reference Number.

• If you choose to email them, you will be charged £2.74 for the first email and any follow-up emails.

Sign Up for Email & SMS Alerts

• When submitting your visa application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you may have the option to subscribe to paid email and SMS updates. These notifications keep you informed about your application's progress in real time.

• You will get instant updates like "Under Review," "Decision Made" or "Ready for Collection" directly on your phone. This saves you from repeatedly checking online portals for updates.

GWF Reference Number: What is It?**

• This is a unique 9-digit reference number (GWFxxxxxxxxx) assigned to your visa application when you submit it. It helps track your application and is often required when checking your visa status. You can find this number in the confirmation email you received after submitting your application.

• Make sure to keep it safe, as you may need it for future communication with the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) office. Without this number, tracking your visa status may be difficult.

Also Read: UK Visa Requirements for Indians

Tracking your UK visa application is important. It keeps you updated and helps you avoid last-minute surprises. Here is why you should check it regularly:

Stay Updated on Processing Time: Waiting for a visa can be stressful. Checking your application status helps you know where it is in the process and how much longer you may have to wait.

Identify Delays or Issues: Sometimes, applications get delayed due to missing documents or verification checks. By tracking your status, you can act quickly if any problem arises.

Fix Errors on Time: Mistakes can happen during the application process. If your application is stuck for too long, checking its status can alert you to possible errors, giving you a chance to correct them before it is too late.

Plan Your Next Steps: Once your visa is approved, you can start preparing for your trip by booking tickets, arranging accommodation and finalising travel plans. If your visa is refused, checking early allows you to explore options like reapplying or appealing.

Reduce Anxiety: Not knowing what is happening with your visa can be stressful. Regular updates give you peace of mind and help you feel more in control of the situation.

Now that you know why tracking your UK visa status is important, you must be aware of the UK visa application process step by step. Each application goes through multiple checks before a final decision is made.

Submission of Your Application

The process starts when you complete and submit your visa application form online. You will need to pay the required visa fee and book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Visiting the Visa Application Centre (VAC)

At the VAC, you must provide your biometric details (fingerprints and photograph). You will also need to submit supporting documents, such as your passport, financial statements and proof of travel purpose. The VAC only collects your documents and biometrics – it does not make visa decisions.

Application Review by UKVI

After submission, your application is sent to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for a detailed assessment. UKVI officials check:

• Your visa type (tourist, work, study, etc.).

• Financial stability to ensure you can support yourself in the UK.

• Travel history and previous visa records.

• Security checks to verify your background and immigration history.

• This stage is crucial, and any missing or unclear documents may delay the process.

Processing Time

Visa processing times vary based on different factors:

• Standard processing takes 3 to 6 weeks.

• Priority service gives a decision within 5 working days.

• Super priority service provides a decision within 24 hours.

• If UKVI needs more information, they may contact you, which could extend the processing time.

Visa Decision and Passport Return

Once a decision is made, your passport is returned with either:

• A visa vignette (if approved).

• A refusal letter explaining the reason for rejection.

Also Read: UK Visa Fees for Indians

If your UK visa is approved, your passport will receive a vignette sticker. This sticker gives you 30 or 90 days (depending on your visa type) to travel to the UK.

Once you arrive in the UK, if your visa is for more than 6 months, make sure to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as soon as possible. You must do it within 10 days of your arrival in the country. It is an important document that proves your visa status in the UK, so do not forget to pick it up on time!

Yes, sometimes visa applications take longer than expected. If everything in your application is clear and complete, you will usually get a decision within the standard processing time. But in some cases, delays can happen.

Here are a few reasons why your application processing is delayed:

Too many applications – During busy periods like holidays or after global events (e.g., the pandemic), UKVI may take longer to process applications.

Document checks – If UKVI needs to verify your papers, things can slow down.

Interviews – Some cases require interviews, which can extend the processing time.

Your history – If you have had past visa issues or a criminal record, your application might take longer to review.

Missing or unclear information – If something is incomplete, UKVI may ask for more documents, delaying the process.

Reapply with a Stronger Application

One of the easiest ways to move forward is to submit a fresh application. Check the refusal letter carefully to understand the reason. If it was due to missing documents or unclear details, make sure to provide everything correctly the next time.

Request an Administrative Review

If you believe the decision was made by mistake, you can apply for an Administrative Review. This means asking UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to check your application again. However, this is only helpful if you are sure your documents were correct and the UKVI made an error.

Appeal the Decision

In some cases, you may have the right to appeal—mainly if your visa was refused for family or human rights reasons. This process takes time and might require legal help, so it is important to understand whether it applies to your case.

Waiting for a visa decision can be stressful, but in some cases, you may be able to get a faster result. If you are applying under certain visa categories - SET (AF), SET (F), SET (LR), SET (M) - you might be eligible for priority service. This means you could get a decision within 5 working days instead of waiting longer.

To use this service, you need to fill out a request form and make an extra payment to the UK Home Office. However, only the first 5 requests received each day (Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 12 PM) are accepted.

The cost for this service is £500 per person on top of your regular visa fee. However, keep in mind that this does not increase your chances of approval—it only speeds up the decision process.

[Note: Visa processing times vary, and the UK Home Office updates its website with estimated timelines. If you are asked for additional documents, make sure to respond quickly to avoid delays.]

Rejoice! Your visa has reached you, and you are soon going to take your much-awaited flight to the United Kingdom. But before you pack your bags, there are a few important things to take care of to ensure a smooth journey.

Check Your Visa Details: Make sure all the details on your visa are correct — your name, passport number and visa validity. If there is any mistake, get it corrected before you travel.

Book Your Flights and Stay in Advance: Look for flight deals and book your tickets in advance to save money. Also, arrange your accommodation—whether it is a hotel, Airbnb, or staying with family.

Buy Travel Insurance: Unexpected things can happen—flight cancellations, lost baggage, or even medical emergencies. A good travel insurance plan will protect you from unexpected expenses and give you peace of mind.

Keep Important Documents Handy: Print and carry copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance and flight tickets. It is also smart to save digital copies on your phone or email.

Plan Your Budget: Check the exchange rate and carry some British Pounds (£) in cash. Also, keep an international debit or credit card for hassle-free payments.

Also Read: Vacation Bound? Here Are Five Reasons You Need Travel Insurance

The whole process of applying for a UK visa and then awaiting its approval can feel overwhelming. But staying informed and planning ahead makes the process much easier. Once your visa is approved, the real excitement begins—booking your trip, packing your bags, and preparing for an amazing experience in the UK!

While you focus on your travel plans, do not forget to secure the right travel insurance online. Unexpected situations can disrupt your trip. With TATA AIG travel insurance, you get benefits like baggage insurance to cover lost or delayed luggage, medical coverage for emergencies, and much more.

Plus, if you are hospitalized abroad when your policy is about to expire, we will extend your cover for up to 60 days or until you are discharged. And if your return flight is delayed, our travel insurance policy automatically extends for 7 days, ensuring you are always protected.

These are just a few of the perks that we offer. If you wish for a stress-free trip to the UK, get in touch with our insurance experts who can help you with finding the right plan. With TATA AIG by your side, you can buy travel insurance online and travel with confidence.

Safe travels!

Also Read: Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in the UK

What details do I need to check my UK visa application status?

To track your visa application, you will need your application reference number. This number is usually found on the receipt or confirmation email you received when you applied. You may also need to enter your passport number and date of birth for verification.

Can I check my visa application status in person?

No, you cannot check your visa status in person. The only way to track your application is online or through UKVI’s contact services. However, if you applied through a visa application centre (VAC), you can visit for general assistance, but they will not be able to provide updates on your application status.

Is there a way to speed up checking my visa status?

There is no special service to get a faster update on your visa status. However, UKVI does offer priority and super-priority visa services for an extra fee, which speeds up the visa decision process. You can find more details about these services on the UKVI website.