UK Spouse Visa Processing Times in 2022

Long waiting times for visa approvals can be very unsettling and concerning. However, it’s crucial to manage your expectations reasonably. This helps you to plan your activities more realistically and also saves you any unnecessary disappointments. At Cromwell Wilkes, we have analysed the factors affecting UK spouse visa processing time in 2022. Based on our analysis, we have provided guidance below on when to expect your visa to be ready for collection.

How long does an out-of-country UK spouse visa application take?

Due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the Home Office have extended the processing times. On out-of-country spouse applications from 3 months to 6 months, and have temporarily the suspended the priority service.

The processing time begins from the moment you attend your appointment at a visa application centre, following the submission of your application online. Once you have attended your appointment, you can expect a decision on your application within 6 months.

We have managed to successfully half the decision-making time to three months in the most exceptional circumstances. If there is a reason why you need to be in the UK urgently, let us know and we will do our best to make the decision-making time as short as possible.

How long does an in-country spouse application or extension take?

If you meet all of the rules for an extension to your existing spouse visa, or you are planning to switch into a spouse visa whilst in the UK on an eligible visa type, the decision-making time is closer to 3 months, and sometimes even 2 weeks.

However, if you want a decision within one working day, then you can use the super-priority service at an additional cost. If the correct application form is filled in without mistakes, with all of the required information supplied and supporting documents provided. Then the application may process within 24 hours from registering your biometric information. However, if the application is more complex, perhaps because the Home Office has to complete some administrative checks and verifications to confirm your eligibility. Then you may have to wait longer for a decision, but it is still likely to process it quicker than a standard service application. We will be happy to advise you on how likely the Home Office will adhere to the priority service standards, based on the specific facts of your case.

Note that if you applied for a spouse visa using the super-priority service on a Friday, then you will most likely get a decision on the following Monday.

With more complex applications, where the rules are not met, decisions can take up to 12 months.

The Effects of Covid Disruptions

Considering the disruptions that the pandemic has caused in travel, the UK spouse visa processing time in 2022 could be longer than in pre-Covid years. This is because the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) might experience delays in assessing applications. Your application could be affected by such delays.

Fortunately, the Home Office will communicate these possible delays beforehand, within the standard timelines for your visa processing.

How will I know when my Visa is ready?

Waiting for a decision on your visa application can be an anxious experience. You will receive a letter or email from the Home Office informing you about the final status of your application.

If your application is successful and you’re applying from within the UK, you should get your Biometric Residence Permit within 7 to 10 days after receiving the decision letter by email.

In case the application is from outside the UK, you will get an email from the visa application centre asking you to collect your passport, or await the return of your passport to your home address by courier. If your application has been successful, you will not receive the final decision, or know the outcome of the application, until you have received your passport and accompanying letter. In case the application has been refused, you will typically receive a refusal letter by email, before your passport is returned or collected.

If successful, your passport will include an Entry Clearance visa, usually valid for three months. You must enter the UK before the expiry of this visa and then collect your Biometric Residence Permit within 2 weeks of your arrival.

However, if you are unable to travel before the expiry of the visa in your passport, you may apply to extend this for a further period for a small fee.

How to track the status of your application

The Home Office do not provide live updates on the status of your application, but if there is anything else they need, the Home Office will contact you and give a short time frame by which to provide the further documents or information.

In rare cases, if an application has been pending for more than six months, or your situation has changed and you need to enter the UK urgently, it is possible to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) by phone or email to request an update on your application, or to provide them with additional information.

Please note that contacting UKVI via phone or email comes at a cost. In addition to your normal network charges, calling by phone will cost you £1.37 per minute. An email enquiry currently costs £2.74.

After looking into your request, a caseworker will respond with an update on your application’s status and possibly inform you of how long you need to wait for a final decision. However, you may have to wait for fifteen working days for this feedback.

Get A Free Consultation

Would you like expert help to get your spouse’s visa application process it quickly? Our team will ensure that your application process is seamless, in order to optimise your chances of approval within the shortest possible time frame.

Contact our team today for a free consultation. https://cromwellwilkes.co.uk/contact-us

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   Katherine Bellenie 
 2 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a really positive experience with Cromwell Wilkes. They helped us obtain our sponsorship license and process Skilled Worker visas for a couple of our employees, and we couldn’t be happier with the service we received. The team has always been incredibly prompt, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process. They made what could have been a complicated process feel much more straightforward, and we’ve always felt that we were in safe hands. I would definitely recommend Richard and his team to other businesses looking for support with sponsorship and immigration matters.
  
 
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   Azadeh Harandi 
 26 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Christine highly enough. I am extremely grateful for all her help and support throughout my visa application process. Her advice was always accurate, detailed and very clear, and she guided me through every step of the process with great professionalism. She was always available, responsive and happy to answer any questions I had, which made a potentially very stressful process feel so much easier and more manageable. I am genuinely so happy that I had the opportunity to work with Christine. Her knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail gave me so much confidence and significantly reduced the stress and anxiety I had throughout the visa process. Thank you so much, Christine, for all your hard work and support. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent immigration solicitor.
  
 
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   Devin WIlson 
 17 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cromwell and Wilkes successfully helped me obtain my partner visa on the first attempt without any hiccups. Lucy was phenomenal, exceptionally professional, helpful, and prompt in all matters.
  
 
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   Anila Galica 
 15 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was the second time we used Cromwell Wilkes and we are very pleased with the outcome. We really appreciate Sadia's time and effort with our case and a big thank you to Richard and the team.
  
 
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   Axburr Lnu 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Cromwell Wilkes during my entire visa journey.  These visas included my fiance visa, 2 residency visas, and Indefinite Leave to Remain.  All these applications were successful and we highly recommend them for anyone needing these services. We worked with Richard Roberts, Jessica Bishop and Christine Bacon and always felt like we were more than just billable hours.  They cared about us as people and wanted the process to be successful. They were always available for meetings and took a lot of time to explain processes, impacts and consequences. I’m sure it’s always stressful to go through immigration processes, but this firm, and these wonderful people, made it work in the most efficient and least stressful manner possible. I highly recommend you choose them for your immigration needs.
  
 
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 11 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For any immigration-related matters, where compliance, attention to detail, and adherence to all regulatory requirements are essential, I can genuinely recommend this firm. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to delivering work to the highest possible standard provide complete confidence that matters will be handled correctly and efficiently. In particular, both Richard and Rushi are exceptionally knowledgeable, highly responsive, and dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Their thorough understanding of immigration requirements and practical approach ensure that everything is completed properly, on time, and to the required standard. What sets them apart is their ability to navigate complex immigration matters with confidence while ensuring full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Their advice is clear, practical, and tailored to the specific needs of their clients, giving reassurance throughout the entire process. I have found their service to be outstanding and would confidently recommend them to any individual or business requiring expert immigration support. If you are looking for a firm that combines technical expertise, professionalism, and exceptional client service, Richard and Rushi are the people to trust. Their commitment to achieving the right outcome while maintaining the highest standards of compliance is second to none.
  
 
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   Reem Hejrat 
 18 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with Cromwell Wilkes on our visa process. Richard and William were absolutely phenomenal, professional, efficient, and incredibly responsive throughout the entire journey. They answered all our questions quickly and clearly, which made everything feel smooth and stress-free. The whole process was handled with care and attention to detail. We are truly grateful for their support.
  
 
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   Federica Zappalà 
 17 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I asked Cromwell Wilkes to assist me when I decided to apply for a Spouse Visa and I couldn't honestly be happier with the quality of service, the warmth and the amazing level of professionalism Christine has displayed throughout the whole process. She was by my side every step of the way going above and beyond to help and reassure me when things seemed confusing or difficult. I really recommend this excellent firm and thank Christine in particular for her outstanding work and support.
  
 
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 17 April 2026
 
 
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 25 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had to find an experienced Sports Law legal representative to help me with a terrible situation I found myself in. After many initial contacts with other firms, I had received a very warm and understanding reply from Richard Roberts of Cromwell Wilkes and the Sports Law Team. I immediately felt more comfortable and confident that these guys would look after my best interests. I opted for a face to face initial meeting to explain the situation and decided that I had made the right choice, as Richard Roberts and his team took great care in extracting relevant information and I felt that they were already battling on my behalf, despite not even leaving the offices! I faced a serious situation with the National Governing Body of my sport, which if I’m honest would have ended my career in sport and coaching. Richard unraveled everything and saw a number of flaws in the NGB and played a chess like strategy to turn around a sanction that had been imposed, and essentially saved my life. Richard proposed a pathway that filled the NGB with confidence and proved the previous sanctions were wrong. The team got the sanctions lifted and also managed to get me a number of aftercare support sessions from the NGB as it had taken an extreme toll on my mental health. Throughout, the Sports Law Team, especially Richard Roberts, who in my opinion is an amazing lawyer, treated me with respect, care and humility, with tonnes of patience, saw me as a human being needing help rather than just a customer. His attention to detail and background work is an amazing forensic advocate,  surprised me no end and is I’m sure one of the reasons we won our case! I can’t thank Richard and the team at Cromwell Wilkes enough for the help, support and dedication that’s been given to me on my case. You really don’t know how much you saved me.