Uk Visa Rules - Visa News for Indians

When you apply for a visa to the UK, people from the Home Office check your application and papers. They decide if you can get the visa or not. They will tell you their decision in a letter.

The time it takes for them to decide is called the 'processing time'. The Home Office has rules about how long this should take.

Here's what happens:

• First, you apply online and prove who you are.
• Then, they decide on your visa and let you know by email or letter.

If you apply from outside the UK:

• Regular visas take about 3 weeks.
• Long-term visas take about 24 weeks.

Sometimes, it might take longer if they need more information or if your case is not easy. They will tell you if this happens.

Right now, many people are applying for visas because of new rules starting soon. This means the Home Office is very busy. So, it might take longer than usual to get your visa.

As per the UKVI website, here are the current times it takes to process applications from outside the UK:

Here are the current processing times for visas:

• Work visas: 3 weeks
• Temporary work visas: 3 weeks
• Visit visas: 3 weeks
• Student visas: 3 weeks
• Family visas: 24 weeks
• Ukraine visas: 3 weeks
• British National (Overseas) visas: 12 weeks

If you're in a hurry, you can pay extra for faster service. This can get you a decision in a few days instead of weeks. But even then, it's not guaranteed.

To avoid delays:

• Make sure your application is complete and correct.
• Check that you've given all the documents they need.
• Mistakes or missing information can slow things down.
• Get it right the first time for the best chance of getting your visa quickly.

So, remember these tips to speed up your UK visa process. Stay positive and keep track of the timeframes. With a little effort, you'll get your visa soon.

The United Kingdom has announced significant revisions to its visa regulations, set to take effect on January 31, 2024. In a move aimed at enhancing both business opportunities and tourism, holders of tourist visas will now be permitted to work within the country.

Under the updated guidelines, employees of companies operating both in the UK and internationally can undertake work involving clients abroad. However, this work must constitute only a minor aspect of their responsibilities outside the UK and must be integral to a project or service based in the UK. While remote work is permissible, the primary purpose of the visit must not be remote employment.

The UK government will also extend permissions for scientists, researchers, and academics conducting research within the country. Exceptions include academics who may apply for a 12-month visit visa, with the option to seek extensions while in the UK. Additionally, lawyers will have the opportunity to engage in various activities such as providing legal advice, acting as expert witnesses, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.

In a bid to streamline processes, the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be incorporated into the Standard Visitor route. This integration eliminates the need for a separate visa for individuals involved in paid engagements, provided that such engagements are arranged within 30 days of arrival.

The revisions follow the earlier commitment made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to expand business visitor regulations. This expansion aims to afford business professionals a wider array of approved activities, including participation in paid engagements, thereby facilitating increased business opportunities within the UK

Indian passport holders who are doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives need not attend IELTS and TOEFL for the application of General (Tier 2) Visas for the UK. Occupational English Test (OES) scores are enough for these applicants.



Previously, the candidates had to take the IELTS and TOEFL for the visa along with the OES to register with the two healthcare boards in the UK, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the General Medical Council. This change will apply to all the applications made after the 1st of October.

“The Home Office has also streamlined English language testing ensuring that doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives who have already passed an English language test accepted by the relevant professional body, do not have to sit another test before entry to the UK on a Tier 2 visa," stated the UK Government during the release.

The OET was mainly designed to ensure that the applicants meet the English language requirements of the healthcare sector and are able to practise the language proficiently. It is meant to examine the language expertise of the professionals in the sector. The OET examination is conducted by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA), which is a pursuit between Cambridge Assessment English and Box Hill Institute.