What is the GWF Reference Number?

The full form of the GWF reference number is the Global Web Form number. The GWF reference number is a unique identifier that allows you to track your UK visa application status. It is also used to communicate with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department. You will receive this number after you have submitted your visa application. What to learn more about the GWF reference number? Keep reading this blog to learn its meaning, and how you can track it.

What is the Meaning of GWF Reference Number?

After you have registered with the UKVI for a visa you will receive a unique reference number. This reference number is called the GWF reference number. You will receive this number at the start of your application process. The number is useful in tracking your visa application status. It is usually in this format.- GWF0XXXXXXXXX.

GRF Number Examples

These are some examples of the GWF reference number.

S.No	GWF Number
1	GWF741852963
2	GWF456123789
3	GWF963852741
4	GWF654987321
5	GWF852741963
6	GWF369258147
7	GWF123456789
8	GWF987654321
9	GWF147258369
10	GWF321654987

Where Can I Find My GWF Number?

You can find your GRF Number in the following ways

• Check the application form and look at your name. The GRF number is provided right below it
• The number starts with GRF and will be 9 digits.

Difference Between GWF Reference Number & UK Visa Application Number 

The GWF reference number and the UK visa application number are different. The main difference between them is provided in the table below:

Aspect	GWF Reference Number	Visa Application Reference Number
When Generated	When you submit the online visa application form via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system.	After your visa application has been processed.
Purpose	Online application form tracking	Official administrative purpose/ communication
Format	GRF+ Numbers	Letters + numbers (for example-  XA12345678_
Location	Online application confirmation page (email)	UKVI correspondence. For example, an email consisting of visa decision

Importance of GWF Reference Number Tracking 

Checking the GWF reference number is extremely important. Some of the reasons for this are provided below:

• You will get to know how long you have to wait for a decision on your visa application
• You will get to know the errors in your application and rectify them before it is too late. For example, if your application is pending for a long period you can contact the UKVI and identify the reason for it.
• Checking the application status helps make your travel arrangements ahead of time. On the other hand, if your application is rejected, you can quickly seek assistance and consider reapplying, or an appeal.

Information You Need to Check the UK Visa Application Status 

To check the UK visa application status you need to provide information. Some of the key information that you need to give is provided below:

• Personal details– nationality, name, date of birth, and email address
• Passport Number- Used for the visa application 
• Visa type- The category of visa you have applied for
• Application/Biometrics Date– Your visa application date, and date of providing biometric information
• Place of Application– Where your visa application centre is located 
• GWF Reference Number– A 9-digit reference number that starts with GRF
• IHS Reference Number– This is the Immigration Health Surcharge number

Steps to Track your UK Visa Application with GWF Number

You can track your UK visa application status with the help of the GWF number. The good news is, there are 4 ways to do it. They are-

• You can use the VFS Global website 
• Use the TLScontact website 
• Use the UKVI website 
• Directly call the UKVI 

Visit the VFS Global Website & Track Your Visa Application Status 

You can use the GWF reference number to track the status of your visa application. For this, the easiest way is to visit the VFS Global website. The steps for the same are provided below:

• Visit the official website of VFS Global India
• Go to track your visa application page 
• Enter your GWF reference number and your last name (applications before 24th July 2024)
• Enter your reference number and your email address (applications after 24th July)
• Solve the captcha and click on submit 
• You can now view the status of your visa application.

Visit the TLS Contact Website & Track Your Visa Application Status 

You can track your visa status using the TLS contact website as well. However, you need to enter the GWF reference number for the same.

• Check the confirmation email provided by the UKVI
• Sign into your application on the UK government website using this link
• Go to the TLS contact website, and then select the option to provide documents and biometrics. You can then, click on the continue option to go to your account.
• Select the option to ‘track’ your visa application status 
• At this stage, you can view the status of your application

Visit the UKVI Website & Track Your Visa Application Status 

Another way to use the GWF reference number and track your visa application is to visit the UKVI website. Follow the steps below to track your visa application status.

• Visit the UKVI official website, and click on start (an option highlighted in green colour)
• Choose the option general enquiry (highlighted in green). This will take you to an online form
• Provide all details in the online form, and in the enquiry section mention that you want to track the status of your application
• Lastly, click on submit. You will receive a response within 5 working days. Some exceptions are- Sunday, Saturday, and UK official holidays.

Contacting UKVI by Telephone

You can also provide your GRF reference number to the UKVI to understand the status of your application. The contact details for the UKVI are provided below:

Particulars	Phone Number	Availability
UKVI contract number	+44 (0)300 790 6268,+44 (0)203 875 4669.	Monday to Friday. (24 hours)

To learn how to track your visa application or contact the UKVI watch this video:

Steps to Track the UK Visa with GRF Reference Number (inside the UK)

Those who are living inside the UK can track their visa application status only by calling the UKVI directly. This means they cannot use the UKVCAS website, the UKVI website, or the UKVCAS website to check the status. The phone number is provided below:

Particulars	Phone Number	Availability
UKVI contract number	300 790 6268	Monday to Thursday (9 am to 4:45 pm). & on Friday (9 am to 4:30 pm on Friday)

Note- Calls are not accepted during bank holidays.

How will I be Notified of the Refusal or Approval of my UK visa?

You will know if your UK visa application has been approved or rejected when receive a notification. Generally, an email notification is sent to all applicants. This notification will consist of information regarding your next steps. You need to check your spam or junk folder if you can’t find the email in your inbox. 

Can I Track my UK Visa Application without the GWF Reference Number?

Yes. You can track the status of your UK visa application without the GWF reference number. There are several methods for this. For example, entering your passport number, and date of birth, a reference number provided in the application from, directly contacting the visa application centre or the UKVI.

Learn to check the UK Visa Status using your Passport Number

Understanding the Types of UK Visa Status 

You can provide the GWF reference number to know the status of your visa application. However, to understand the status of your application you need to know the different types of status reflected on the page. They are provided below:

• Application submitted- This means you have completed the application from and have successfully submitted it,
• Under consideration– This means that the visa officers are reviewing your application.
• Decision- This means that the authorities have taken a decision. They will soon communicate the decision to you.
• Visa approved- This means that your visa application has been approved
• Visa rejected- This means that a visa application has been refused
• Visa issued- This means that your visa has been approved and is currently issued. You just need to collect or receive it.
• Visa expired- This means that the time provided to you to stay in the UK has come to an end. You either need to leave the country or apply for a new visa, or a visa extension.
• Visa extension granted– This means that the immigration authorities have taken the decision to extend the visa validity period.
• Administrative review – If the initial decision is not clear, then your visa application has been taken for review. After this review, the application can be accepted or refused.
• Appeal lodged– This means that your visa application has been rejected. However, you find the decision taken to be unfair and have applied for a visa appeal.

Steps to Take If You Have Lost Your GWF Reference Number 

You can take the following steps if you have lost your GWF reference number. 

• Check the email provided by the UKVI. It consists of the GWF number
• Contact your visa application centre (if you have already applied). They will have a record of the GWF reference number.
• Contact the UK Home Office, and provide details like your passport number and date of birth.
• You can also seek professional assistance. That is, hire an immigration lawyer or consultant.

How Long Does UK Visa Processing Take Now?

The standard UK visa processing time is provided below. Note- The visa processing time can vary depending on the visa type.

Visa Type	Processing Time
UK student visa	3 weeks
UK work visa	3 weeks
UK visitor visa	3 weeks
UK transit visa	3 weeks
UK family visa	12 weeks
UK visa for international sportsperson/minster of religion/scale up worker	3 weeks

Learn all about the UK student visa

Factors that Can Dealy the UK Visa Processing Time

Several factors can delay a UK visa processing time. Some of these common factors include-

• Huge number of applications received 
• If you have previously overstayed your visa or have a criminal record 
• If you have not provided the required documents to process your application
• Complexity of the visa case. For example, accessing the rights of EEA extended family members
• In case, an interview is scheduled to take place
• Time of the year, and the capacity of the workers 

Can I get a Faster Decision on a UK Visa Application?

You can get a faster decision on a UK visa application. The UK immigration offers a priority service or super priority service. You can opt for this service by providing additional fees. If you choose a priority service then your application will be placed in front of other applications.

How Do I Know My UK Visa is Approved?

You will know if your UK visa is approved by tracking the status of your visa application. Another way is to wait till the processing time is complete. After that, you can check your email for confirmation. If a visa application is accepted then the email will provide the status as ‘approved’. On the other hand, if an application is rejected then you will receive a refusal letter. You can also call the visa application centre to know the status of your application.

FAQs

We hope you now understand the meaning of GWF reference number. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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