Many students apply to UK universities each year, and among the toughest elements of the process is waiting to receive a visa. You’ve completed your application, collected all your documents, and attended the biometrics session, and now the most important issue is:
“How long does getting a UK visa processing time after biometrics take?”
This thorough guide will guide you through all the steps following biometrics. Learn about how it works behind the scenes, the time it usually takes, what causes delays to occur, and what steps to take if you’re experiencing delays in your application. No matter if you’re applying for admission from Pakistan, India, Nigeria, or another country, this article can alleviate your stress.
What Happens After You Submit Biometrics?
Biometric data comprises your fingerprints, and a photograph was taken at an individual Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a similar VFS Global or TLS contact.
After you’ve completed your biometrics:
- Your application has been officially deemed complete.
- Your application forms, documents, and biometrics are submitted directly to your local UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office for processing.
- This is when the visa processing time officially starts.
You’ll receive a confirmation email or receipt acknowledging that your biometrics have been successfully taken. On the day that you receive your confirmation, you’ll be able to begin counting the days of work to figure out when you’ll be able to get your Visa.
Standard Processing Time for UK Student Visa
Average Timeline After Biometrics:
- between 15 and 20 days of work (about 3-4 weeks)
This period is for an ordinary Student Visa (Tier 4, Student Route). It covers working days only, not weekends or public holidays.
Factors that Influence This Timeline:
- The country you are applying from
- The time of the year (peak months, like July through September, may cause delays)
- The type of applicability is standard priority or super-priority
- The volume of work is high UKVI.
Students who apply during normal times get their visas within the timeframe they are expected to receive them.
Realistic Examples
Here are a few average timelines of students who applied in 2024:
- Student from India Biometrics taken on July 10, Visa issued June 30 (15 Working days)
- Student from Pakistan Biometrics taken on August 1st – Visa received on August 27 (18 work days)
- Student from Nigeria Biometrics was taken on September 5, Visa issued on October 3 (20 work days)
They show that even when applying from different locations, the average processing time is within the 3-to-4-week time frame—except for delays.
What Can Delay Your Student Visa?
Even if everything appears to be in order at your end, There are a variety of reasons that your UK student visa could be delayed:
1. Incomplete or Wrong Documents
If your financial, academic, or identity documents are unclear, false, or missing, UKVI could deny your application or request additional details.
2. Verification Issues
If the UKVI requires verification of your financial proof, a language test, or CAS letters from your institution, it could take longer.
3. High Volume of Applications
During peak seasons (June until September), the number of student applications increases dramatically, adding additional stress to the UKVI process teams.
4. Public Holidays
If it’s a day off within the UK or your country, processing may be stopped for a few days.
5. Security Checks
Sometimes, background checks are more thorough according to the applicant’sapplicant’s background or the country of origin.
6. Technical Glitches
Sometimes, VACs or UKVI systems could be affected by mistakes that cause delays in passport returns.
How Can You Track Your Visa Application?
After you’ve completed your biometrics, you won’t receive an update every day. However, you can be informed with the following methods:
Option 1: SMS & Email Notifications
If you select this option at the time of application, you will receive notifications at every stage as documents are submitted, visa processing is completed, or passports are returned.
Option 2: VAC Account
Log in with the VFS and TLS accounts from which you made your application. The status of your application is displayed (e.g., “In process” or “Ready for collection”).
Option 3: Paid UKVI Email Service
You can contact UKVI directly for an update request, but there is a cost. The details are on the gov.uk Contact page.
What If Your Visa Is Taking Too Long?
If your Visa isn’t in the mail within 20 days of working, Do not panic. Here’s how to get it:
Step 1: Wait a few more days
Sometimes, there’s only one small delay, and you’ll be notified in the coming week.
Step 2: Contact the VAC
Contact VFS and TLS to verify that your passport was returned and is ready for collection.
Step 3: Contact UKVI
Utilize their email address to inquire about your application. Be sure to explain that your application exceeded the time limit.
Step 4: Contact Your University
If you are concerned about being late for your start date, notify your school immediately. Most universities understand the delays and will assist you by deferring or extending your time.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
If you’re not yet applying, then you can apply for the priority option to receive more rapid results.
| Service Type | Timeframe | Notes |
| Standard | 15–20 working days | Most common & affordable |
| Priority | 5 working days | Extra fee applies |
| Super Priority | 1 working day | Only in select countries |
Wichtig: Make sure you select priority or super-priority when you apply. You cannot upgrade later.
Pro Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply Early—Don’t wait until the very last minute. Make sure you apply within 6-8 weeks prior to the start date of your course.
- Check Your CAS Letter Carefully – Ensure all information corresponds to your passport and other documents.
- Submit Genuine Financial Proof – Beware of fake bank statements and last-minute deposits.
- Stay Available – Respond promptly to any email coming from UKVI and VAC.
- Don’t Book Flights Before Visa – Wait until your Visa has been valid before you confirm your travel.
Conclusion
Waiting to get a UK visa processing time after biometrics may be nerve-wracking, but knowing the process will help you stay relaxed. The majority of students get their visas in 15 to 20 days, particularly if they submit all of their accurate documents. Delays can be caused by technical or verification issues or high application volumes. However, armed with the correct information, you’ll be equipped to deal with them.
The key to having a pleasant experience is making an early application, staying in contact with your school, and checking for updates frequently. If you’re a student concerned about your UK visa or require expert assistance in reviewing your documents, you’re not on your own.
Check out BFLConsultants.com today and receive expert advice on your UK student visa, from the forms to the final approval. Begin your journey to study with confidence. We’re here for you throughout the journey.
