On 8 July, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) updated its online service-level chart for out-of-country applications, trimming the target for Skilled Worker visas from eight to seven weeks and for Global Talent visas from five to four weeks. The page also confirms that all successful applicants now receive eVisas only, following the end of physical vignette stickers on 1 July. While headline targets have improved, immigration lawyers caution that performance is still volatile, with decision times ranging from two days to 12 weeks depending on case complexity and biometrics-enrolment backlogs at visa-application centres. They welcome the integration of ‘apply-online, pay-online’ portals with an API that pushes application data directly into the UKVI case-working system—a change UKVI credits with shaving an average of 1.2 days off processing. HR and global-mobility teams should refresh onboarding timelines: the shorter indicative windows could support quicker deployment of critical talent but also raise expectations among hiring managers. Premium ‘Priority’ and ‘Super Priority’ upgrades remain available in 67 countries, although fees (£500 and £1,000 respectively) are under review. Employers must remind eVisa holders to keep their UKVI account up to date with current passport numbers—failure can cause carriers to deny boarding as physical evidence is no longer provided.
Source: UK Visas & Immigration (GOV.UK)
