You have meticulously prepared your evidence, completed the lengthy online form, and submitted your UK Family Visa application. This can be an anxious waiting period, and understanding what happens next is crucial. This guide explains the final steps of the process, from your biometric appointment to receiving your decision and understanding your rights and responsibilities in the UK.
Our team of specialist immigration advisors provides support throughout this final stage. We ensure you are fully prepared for your appointment and can help you interpret your decision, providing clarity and peace of mind at the end of your application journey.
The Biometric Information Appointment: The Final In-Person Step
After you have submitted and paid for your online application, you are not yet finished. You must attend a mandatory in-person appointment to provide your biometric information.
- What is it? This is a straightforward appointment where you will have your fingerprints scanned and a digital photograph taken.
- Where do you go?
- If you applied from outside the UK, you will attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- If you applied from within the UK, you will attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
- Booking Your Appointment: You will be directed to book your appointment online after you have submitted your application form. You must attend this appointment for your application to be processed.
- Submitting Your Documents: This appointment is also your final opportunity to submit your supporting documents, which can usually be scanned by a member of staff at the centre.
Waiting for Your Decision: Timelines and Staying Informed
Once your biometric information is enrolled, your application is officially under consideration by a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) caseworker. Standard processing times can vary, but you can typically expect a decision within:
- 12 weeks if you applied from outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you applied from inside the UK (for standard cases).
These timelines can be longer for more complex applications. We will keep you informed of any updates we receive on your behalf from the Home Office.
Needing Your Passport Back Urgently?
If you have submitted your passport and need it back for urgent travel while your application is being processed, it is possible to request its return. However, be aware that doing so may require you to withdraw your entire visa application, so this step should only be taken after careful consideration and, ideally, after seeking professional advice.
Your Application is Successful: What Happens Next?
Receiving a positive decision is a moment of immense relief and excitement. The way you receive your visa has recently been modernised.
- You Will Receive an eVisa: For most applications, you will no longer receive a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. Instead, you will get an eVisa, which is a secure online record of your immigration status.
- Your Decision Letter: You will receive a decision email or letter from the Home Office. This is a critical document that will contain instructions on how to access your new eVisa.
- Creating a UKVI Account: To view and manage your eVisa, you will need to create a secure UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account. Your eVisa can be used to prove your right to live, work, and rent in the UK.
Your Rights and Conditions of Stay in the UK
Once your Family Visa is granted, you will have specific rights and responsibilities in the UK.
You CAN:
- Work: You have the right to work in the UK in almost any job, for any employer.
- Study: You are free to enrol in courses of study.
You CANNOT:
- Claim Public Funds: You are generally not entitled to claim most benefits or housing assistance. This is a very important condition of your visa.
- Settle Immediately: You cannot apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) until you have completed the required qualifying period, which is typically 5 years on a partner or parent route.
Special Conditions for Fiancé(e) Visa Holders
If you have been granted a 6-month Fiancé(e) Visa, your conditions are much more restrictive. You cannot work or study in the UK. After you have married or entered into a civil partnership, you must apply to switch to the full 5-year partner route to gain the right to work and begin your path to settlement.
Your Journey with Us Doesn’t End at the Decision
Our commitment to you continues even after your visa is granted. We can help you:
- Understand your decision letter and access your eVisa.
- Plan for your future visa extension and settlement applications.
- Answer any questions you have about your rights and life in the UK.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.