Key stages in UK immigration applications
Key stages
Our lawyers provide strategic alternatives and procedural timing options right for the circumstances of each client, and although the majority of immigration applications follow three key stages, the timeframe for each will depend on the type of application, country where the application is being submitted, the type of service chosen and any specific complexities related to the matter.
Stage | Activity | Timeframe |
Stage 1 | Obtaining instructions, providing strategic advice and preparation of application. | Factoring in the needs of each client, the completion of stage 1 can take from a few days to a few weeks/months depending on the individual circumstances and the timings of the strategic plan agreed. |
Stage 2 | Submission of application, consideration and decision-making by the Home Office. | Home Office processing times can vary between 24 hours to more than six months, depending on the type of application, the availability of premium services, the country from which the application is made, and any case-specific complexities. For an indication of the most recent Home Office processing times please click here. |
Stage 3 | Post-decision advice. | Once an application has been decided we promptly provide post-decision advice, explaining the next steps. |
*Some applications may have additional stages, for example applications under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) and certain categories for sportspeople require prior endorsement. Applications under Tier 2, 4 and 5 require the sponsor to already hold a licence. Tier 2 (General) may be subject to additional steps, for example obtaining a Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship (RCoS) (allocated monthly) and running the 28-day Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) prior to sponsoring the migrant.
Latest Insights
1 November 2024
Common compliance pitfalls
Following the government’s recent announcements, it is clear that there is a crackdown on compliance and the Home Office are ramping up compliance…
25 October 2024
How the 2024 election will determine America’s immigration policies
Immigration is one of the top issues in the US 2024 presidential election. Most US adults consider it to be a priority, however there is little…
22 October 2024
eVisas – Are we prepared?
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be issued after 31 October 2024. Instead, individuals will have online access to their immigration…