If you’ve applied for a UK visitor visa, it’s natural to feel anxious while waiting for an update. Knowing how to check UK visitor visa status can help you stay informed, avoid unnecessary delays, and plan your trip with confidence. 

Whether you're tracking it online or through an offline method, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process. Keep reading to find out more!

Importance of Checking Your Visa Application Status for the UK 

While applying for a UK visitor visa, it’s crucial to track your application for the following reasons:

⏺️This gives you an idea of how long you need to wait 

⏺️Keeping track of your visa application helps you make better travel arrangements

⏺️You can be prepared ahead of time and make all the necessary preparations accordingly 

⏺️You can know the expiration date of your UK visa 

⏺️It helps you identify any errors or changes in your visa application

Information Required to Check Your UK Visa Status 

You may require the following details to track your UK visa status in the UAE: 

✅Passport number 

✅Email address through which visa is applied 

✅GWF reference number

✅Personal details, such as applicants’ last names, and more 

✍️Note: Additional information may also be required to check your visa application status, so it is important to keep all the details related to your UK visa request readily available. 

How to Check UK Visit Visa Status Online? 

You can easily check your UK visitor visa status online by following the steps below: 

• Go to the VFS Global website 
• Look for the ‘Track Your Application’ option 
• Click on the link to track your application on the webpage 
• Provide the GWF (Global Web Form) reference number along with your email address or last name
• Proceed to check your UK visa application status 

✍️ Note: Furthermore, you can track of your visa application by receiving mail or SMS directly from the visa application center. 

How to Check UK Visa Status Offline? 

You can also check the UK visit visa status by visiting your nearest Visa Application Center. 

Visit the following VFS Global visa application centers in the UAE:

✍️Make sure to have all the required documents or information ready before visiting the centers. 

UK Visa Processing Time 

Once your documents have been verified and your biometric information is provided, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will begin processing your application. 

Generally, a visitor visa application may take up to 3 weeks or 21 days to process. However, this processing time changes depending on your visa type or application. 

Common Reasons for UK Visa Rejections or Delays

Your UK visit visa may take a longer time to process or get rejected due to the following reasons:

🔵The information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration

🔵You need to provide additional evidence, such as proof of sufficient funds

🔵Your supporting documents need to be verified

🔵You are required to attend an interview

🔵Further clarification is needed regarding your personal circumstances (e.g., criminal convictions)

🔵UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

🔵There is an unexpected technical outage affecting visa systems

🔵Failure to meet eligibility criteria (e.g., incorrect visa category)

🔵Lack of clear intent or purpose for visiting the UK

🔵Past immigration violations or criminal record

What to Do If a UK Visa Is Rejected or Delayed? 

Now that you understand ‘how to check UK visitor visa status, let’s dive into pro tips to navigate delays or rejections of your UK visa application:

Carefully Review the Refusal Letter

Understand the exact reason for the rejection. It may be related to finances, documentation, intent to return, or inconsistencies.

Avoid Immediate Reapplication

Don’t reapply without addressing the refusal reasons, as there may be a chance that the UKVI will reject it again.

Consult an Immigration Expert

A UAE-based immigration consultant or lawyer can guide you if your UK visa gets rejected. 

Correct Errors from the Previous Application

Fix any mistakes, inconsistencies, or missing documents before applying again.

Upgrade to a Priority or Super Priority Service

If eligible, consider this for faster processing (not available for all categories). With this, you can get the visa in just a day.