Travelling to another country proper planning. You need to get a visa before your intended travel. Are you wondering when is the best time to apply for a visa? This blog will help you answer this question. When you know the best time to apply for a visa, and submit your application you can avoid any delays, and make your visa application process smooth. Read our blog to understand the ideal time to apply for a visa application.
This Blog Includes:
- Why Should You Know When is the Best Time to Apply for a Visa?
- Right Time to Send in a Visa Application
- How Far in Advance Should You Apply for a Visa?
- Best Time to Apply for a Vis for Different Purposes
- When is the Best Time to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
- How Long is the Schengen Visa Processing Time?
- When Should You Apply for a US F-1 Visa?
- Special Circumstances: Emergency Visa Applications
- How Can I Get a Visa Approved Faster?
- FAQs
Why Should You Know When is the Best Time to Apply for a Visa?
As a visa applicant, you must know when to apply. This is because applying on time will avoid any visa delays. You will also be able to reach your intended destination on time. A delayed application is generally not processed, or the visa officials will take time to process the application, and you will not be able to reach the destination on time.
Right Time to Send in a Visa Application
When is the best time to apply for a visa? The right time to send in a visa application varies depending on your circumstances. Here are some of the factors you must consider.
The Country and the Visa You Are Applying For
There is no standard time to send in a visa application for all countries. The visa application acceptance time can vary from country to country. It can also differ based on the visa type. For example, you can get a tourist visa processed faster than a work visa.
Date of Intended Travel
Consider the date of your intended travel. If you are travelling in December, you cannot send an application in January. Similarly, you cannot apply for a visa application few days before your date of intended travel.
Peak vs Off-Peak Seasons
If you are sending your visa application during the peak seasons processing delays are possible. Therefore it is better to send your visa application in advance. During the working days (when the number of applications is moderate), you will get your visa processed on time. That is if your application does not require further investigation.
Consider the Processing Time
When is the best time to apply for a visa? Check the processing time of your application. If the visa processing time takes longer than two weeks, you must apply at least a month in advance. On the contrary, if you are applying for an e-visa and the processing time is just 3-4 days, you can apply weeks before (just not the last minute).
Ask The Visa Application Centre
The officials at the visa application centre know when the applications are accepted, and the right time to apply. You can ask them, or visit the official website of the embassy/consulate to know exactly the right time to apply.
How Far in Advance Should You Apply for a Visa?
Generally, at maximum, a visa application is accepted 3- 6 months before. Not earlier than that. The visa application for study or work should not be sent later than 2 weeks before the date of intended travel. Delayed applications may not be processed.
Best Time to Apply for a Vis for Different Purposes
The best time to apply for a visa for different purposes is provided below
Tourist Visa
Are you wondering when is the best time to apply for a visa for tourism? Below we have provided the ideal time to apply
Country | Best Time to Apply for a Visa |
UK | Maximum 3 months in advance |
US | At least 3 months before the date of intended travel |
Dubai | At least 1 month before the date of intended travel |
Singapore | At least 1 month before the date of intended travel |
Australia | 3 weeks before the date of intended travel |
Note- The application for a visa on arrival is only submitted at the last moment. That is, after you have arrived in the country. On the other hand, the best time to apply for an e-visa (for tourism) is at least 2 days before the date of intended departure.
Student Visa
When is the best time to apply for a student visa? See the table below:
Country/City | Best Time to Apply for a Visa |
UK | Immediately after receiving Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) |
New Zealand | 3 months before the date of intended travel |
Ireland | 3 months before the date of intended travel |
Australia | 6 to 8 weeks before the date of commencement of the course |
Dubai | Immediately after recovering the offer letter from the university |
A Comprehensive Guide to 8 Common Visa Types
Work Visa
When is the best time to apply for a work visa? See the table below:
Country | Best Time to Apply for a Visa |
UK | 3 months before the date of the intended travel |
New Zealand | 3 months before the date of the intended travel |
Ireland | Several months before the date of the intended travel |
Australia | Several months before the date of intended travel |
US | At least 2 months before the date of intended travel for a general work visa |
When is the Best Time to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is the visa you apply for staying less than 90 days within 180 days in any European country that is part of the Schengen area. For example, Germany, Itlay, Belgium, France, Denmark, Iceland, Swizerland, etc. You may get this visa for tourism, for undertaking short-term study, seasonal work, visiting family or friends, and for medical treatment.
When is the best time to apply for a visa? As per the EU, the best time to apply for a Schengen visa is as follows:
Particulars | Number of Working Days |
Earliest accepted applications | 6 months beforehand |
Late submissions accepted | 15 days before the date of intended travel |
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How Long is the Schengen Visa Processing Time?
The Schengen visa processing time is as follows. It is advised that you apply well in advance to aviod any processing delays.
Particulars | Number of Working Days |
Normal application processing time | 15 days |
Delayed visa application processing time (in exceptional cases) | 45 days |
When Should You Apply for a US F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is the student visa you can apply for. If you are interested in applying you must know when is the right time to apply. When is the best time to apply for a visa- F-1 is provided below:
Particulars | When to Apply |
F-1 visa (after receiving the I-20 Form) | At least 120 days before the date of intended travel |
Learn the ex-visa officer’s tips for applying for an F-1 visa:
Special Circumstances: Emergency Visa Applications
Now you know when is the best time to apply for a visa. However, in emergencies, the visa application processing can be done faster. For emergency visa processing you can contact the embassy or consulate, and identify how soon you can apply. It must be noted that an emergency refers to circumstances like war, death, or unstable political system.
To get your visa application processed quicker, ensure that you have all your documents with you. You must be prepared to explain the reason for your emergency and to pay additional visa fees.
How Can I Get a Visa Approved Faster?
Several countries provide you with an option for priority visa application processing. You will have to pay additional fees for this service. For example, the UK offers you the option to pay additional fees and get your decision faster.
On the other hand, you can also ensure that you will get the visa application processed quickly if you ensure the following-
- You do not have a criminal record
- You have provided clear information
- You have provided accurate and necessary information
- You have provided all the necessary documents providing your eligibility
- You have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
- You have already attached proof of health insurance (if applicable)
Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?
FAQs
The best time to get a visa appointment is after you have met the eligibility criteria, filled out the application form, and gathered the necessary documents. You need to apply at the earliest before the date of the intended travel. Late applications can cause delays.
The best time to apply for a visitor visa is at least 1-2 months before the date of intended departure, Ensure that applications are accepted early, and then apply.
A tourist visa is the easiest to get. This is because these visas require the submission of fewer documents, and less verification is required. That is, compared to a long-stay visa for study or work.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- When is the best time to apply for a visa? 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!
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