Applicants outside the UK for a Returning Resident visa now have a published processing time of 3 weeks, added to the UK Visas and Immigration guidance on 26 June 2026.
Key facts
- Who: People applying from outside the UK for a Returning Resident visa
- From: 26 June 2026
- Source: Visa processing times: applications outside the UK
The guidance "Visa processing times: applications outside the UK" lists the Returning Resident visa under "Other visas and permits", with a processing time of 3 weeks. It sits alongside British National (Overseas) at 12 weeks, and International Sportsperson, Minister of Religion and Scale-up Worker at 3 weeks each.
The guidance says processing times are based on the current volume of visa applications and differ if an applicant paid for a faster decision. They follow the UK working week (Monday to Friday) and include UK public holidays, but not public holidays in other countries.
Processing starts when UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has either verified the applicant's identity and received their documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or the applicant has attended a visa application centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Processing ends when the applicant receives a letter or email saying a decision has been made.
The guidance lists reasons an application may take longer, including inaccurate information, a request for further evidence, document verification, an interview, further questions about personal circumstances, increased demand and technical outages. UKVI says it will contact applicants within the current processing times if an application will take longer. It will not reimburse travel costs or other expenses if an application is refused or takes longer than expected.
What this means for applicants
Returning Resident applicants outside the UK can use 3 weeks as the published time for a decision, counted from when identity and documents are submitted online or when biometrics are given at a VAC. The guidance says not to book travel until a decision is received, and not to travel to the UK before the visa is approved. A fee refund is only available if UKVI has not started processing the application.
Applicants whose application is still within the current processing times do not need to contact UKVI to track it. The guidance says UKVI will not be able to provide information on the status of an application. If an application has taken longer than the current processing times and UKVI has not made contact, the guidance says to contact UKVI. Anyone who left a passport at a VAC should not return until contacted.
Related guide: UK visa delay