How Long Does It Take for a Visa to Be Approved?

Have you applied for a visa? Then, you need to wait for visa approval. The visa approval time or the processing time depends on the visa you have applied for, and the country you want to travel to. After the processing time is over, your visa may be approved or rejected. However, you must know about the processing time to know when exactly the visa application centre will inform you about the status of your visa application. Want to know more about the visa approval time? Keep reading our blog.

How Many Days Does It Take for Visa Approval?

The time taken for visa approval depends on several factors. They are provided below:

1. The country you are applying to visit– The visa application processing time differs based on the country.
2. The visa you are applying for -Typically, a short-stay visa is approved faster than a long-stay visa.
3. Documents you have submitted– If you have submitted the necessary documents. Your visa application will be processed on time. Otherwise, additional documents have to be submitted, and it can cause processing delays.
4. Your profile– At times, the processing time also depends on the kind of application submitted. If your application requires further infestation, it can cause processing delays. For example, in case you have a criminal record.

How Fast Can a Visa Be Approved?

There is a standard processing time set for every visa application. You can visit the official website of the embassy or consulate to check the same. During the processing time, you can check for any updates regarding the decision on your application. Generally, you have to wait for the processing time to be over to get a decision on your application. At times some countries permit you to choose a priority option. This means you pay additional fees to get your visa processed faster.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa Approval?

Travelling to a European country for a short period? You need a Schengen visa. How long does it take for a visa to be approved? Irrespective of the country you are travelling to the processing time for a Schengen visa is the same. The processing time is as follows:

Visa	Processing Time
Schengen visa processing time (general)	15 working days
Schengen visa processing time (for exceptional cases)	45 to 60  working days

Note- The Schengen area consists of countries like Iceland, Germany Austria, Finland, Denmark, Lituania, Luxembourg, Spain, Malta, Lithuania, Portuga, Switzerland, etc. 

Want to know more about Schengen visa processing time? Watch this video below:

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in the UK?

The general processing time for a UK visa is provided below;

Visa Type	Processing Time
Visit visas	3 weeks
A Study visa	3 weeks
Work visas	3 weeks
Family visas	12 weeks
Other visas and permits (For example, International Sportsperson, Minster of Religion)	3 weeks

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved US?

The visa processing time for a US visa is provided below:

Particulars	Processing Time
US visa (in general) if the visa application is approved	3-5 working days. An additional 2 -3 workdays to deliver the same
Those eligible for the interview waiver programme	10 working days
If you were told at the time of the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued	9 months

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in Canada?

The visa processing time for a Canada visa is provided below:

Visa Type	Processing Time  (if you are applying from India)
A visitor visa	110 days
Study permit	9 weeks
Work permit	18 weeks
Permanent Residence Card	22 days

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in UAE?

The time taken for a visa approval in the UAE is as follows:

Visa Type	Processing Time
UAE visas (in general)	3 to 4 working days

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in France?

France is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, the visa processing time for short stays is the same as any other Schengen state.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Short stays (tourism, business activity, short-term study, etc)	15 working days to 45 working days
Long stays	Up to 2 months

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in Australia?

The processing time for an Australian visa is as follows. 

Visa Type	Processing Time
Student Visa (subclass 500)	10 days to 4 months
Temporary skill shortage visa (medium term)	61 days to 6 months
Temporary work (short stays)	8 days to 21 days
Visitor Visa (subclass 600) -visiting as a tourist	7 days to 26 days

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in China?

The general processing time for a China  visa is as follows 

Visa Name	Processing Time
China visa (in general)	6 working days

How Long Does it Take for a Visa to Be Approved in South Africa?

The processing time for a South Africa visa is as follows:

Visa Type	Processing Time
South Africa visa (in general)	At least 60 days from the day of submission

How Long Does it Take to Get a Tourist Visa?

The tourist visa processing time is different for every country. Therefore, examples of tourist visa processing time for different countries is provided below:

Country	Tourist Visa Processing Time
Thailand	Visa fee for Indians. Therefore, no processing time
Singapore	Up to 3-5 working days
Bali (An Indonesia visa)	Provides visa on arrival. Hence, the visa processing is immediate
Dubai	3-5 working days (for normal visa application process). An express visa processing can be done in 24 hours
UK	3 weeks
Australia	7 days to 26 days

Note- The visa processing times are subject to change. The embassy or consulate can change the processing time at any time. Therefore, to get up-to-date information it is advised that you visit the official website of the embassy.

Why Visa Takes so Long?

Now you know how long does it take for a visa to be approved? However, you must note that the visa application can take a long time to process in certain cases. For example,

1. You have not provided accurate information
2. The information you have provided requires further investigation 
3. The supporting documents you have submitted require further verification
4. You are required to attend a visa interview
5. The officials need additional information on your situation. For example, a criminal record 
6. Too many applications are sent for a visa 

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How Can I Get a Visa Approved Faster?

It is possible to get your visa approved faster. You have two options-

1. Apply for priority processing– You can get your visa application processed faster if the country permits priority visa processing. For example, the UK offers this service. If you provide an additional fee they will process your application fast.
2. Ensure that you submit a complete visa application– Fill out the visa application form completely, ensure that you have submitted accurate information, that you have sufficient funds, and all documents required for the visa application are submitted.

How Will I Know if My Visa is Approved?

There are different ways to find out if your visa application is approved. These options are provided below:

1. Wait for an email or SMS update from the visa application centre/embassy/consulate 
2. Track your visa application online- Visit the official website of the embassy, or partner websites like VFS Global, and track your visa application Typically, you will need to submit your visa application reference number and your date of birth

After Visa Approval When Should I Travel?

You can travel to your destination country after the visa approval. Generally, the start date of visa validity and the visa expiry date are provided along with the visa. You can also the nearest embassy or consulate or your visa application centre to know when you are permitted to travel.

You are permitted to travel from the date of your visa validity. However, you need to return to your home country before the visa expiry date. 

Can a Visa Be Rejected After Approval?

A visa approval means your application is approved. The visa is recongised internationally, Therefore, it cannot be rejected. However, you can be refused entry at the border even if you have a valid visa. That is, if you do not meet the requirements to stay in the country, or if you violate any rules.  

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question- How long does it take for a visa to be approved? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!