The UK Border Agency and the British Government are committed to providing a high standard of service to all our customers.  We process and take a decision on every visa application, and then return your passport to you, as quickly as possible.

If you have any comments please contact us in writing or by e-mail.  

Public Service Agreement targets

The performance of the UK Border Agency operations worldwide is measured against Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets set by the British Government.  These targets measure the time spent by a UKvisas’ office processing and reaching a decision on  your application and supporting documents.  These targets do not take into account the time when your application is in transit to and from a UKvisas office. They cannot be used as an indication of how long your application will take.

Please allow enough time to make your application before travelling, although not more than 3 months before travelling.

Worldwide PSA Target 1

90 per cent of straightforward non-settlement visa applications to be processed and available for return to the applicant within 24 hours from the date of receipt by a visa section of the application and all supporting documents including the fee.

Worldwide PSA Target 2

90 per cent of non-settlement applications requiring further enquiries or interview to be decided within 15 working days, from date of receipt by a visa section of the application and all supporting documents including the fee.

Worldwide PSA Target 3

90 per cent of applicants for settlement visas to be assessed or interviewed within 12 weeks (except for posts where Ministers have agreed alternative targets).

More statistical information is available on the UK Border Agency website.

From 2 March 2009, all passports, applications & related documents will be sent to the British Embassy in Bangkok, where they will be assessed.

The process will not change for applicants, other than the process time. The whole process will normally be completed in 7 to 15 working days for non-settlement applications. Settlement applications will still be processed within 12 weeks.

From 17 April 2008, all applicants must apply online and book an appointment to submit biometrics fingerprints.