Table Of Contents:
- What is Tracking Your UK Visa Application in 2026
- Information Required to Track Your UK Visa Application in 2026
- How to track your UK Visa In-Country Application in 2026
- How to track your UK Visa Application outside the UK in 2026
- Tracking the British Citizenship Application
- Summary
If you are awaiting a Home Office decision on a UK visa application for entry clearance, leave to remain, or settlement, you would like to track its progress, as it can be essential to planning, especially if it is going to affect your life situation, for example, you have applied to join your family member in the UK. Hence, whether you are applying for entry clearance from overseas, to extend your existing visa or to change/switch to another UK visa category from within the UK, or for settlement in the UK, you should know how to track your UK visa application in 2026.
Importantly, the process for tracking your UK visa application differs depending on whether you apply from outside or inside the UK.
What is Tracking Your UK Visa Application in 2026?
Tracking your UK visa application is a crucial step after you have submitted your application. It will keep you informed, and you will get a fair idea of how long you may have to wait for a decision from the Home Office. Tracking your UK visa application regularly helps you ensure that your application is moving through the process as expected and address any issues or delays.
Importantly, tracking your UK visa application also helps you identify any errors or omissions that you may have made early and correct them before it’s too late. For example, if you notice that your application is taking longer than the average relevant visa processing time, you may want to contact the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) Contact Centre VAC to enquire about an update on a decision against your application and ensure that any issues that you need to address are handled properly.
Information Required to Track Your UK Visa Application in 2026
To check your visa application processing time, you can use the online service at https://www.gov.uk/check-visa-processing-time.
Before you start, you will need to have the date you verified your identity by either using the mobile app ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ or visiting a VAC (Visa Application Centre) – for example, VFS Global.
You will be able to estimate the date if you are not sure.
You will need the following key information to track your UK visa application.
• A 9-digit GWF number – given if you applied from outside the UK, or a 16-digit UAN (Unique Application Number) – often used for applications made within the UK.
You receive this:
- In your confirmation email
- On your visa application form
- On your payment receipt
Without this number, UKVI cannot trace your file.
• Personal and contact details you used on your UK visa application form. For example, your first and last name, nationality, date of birth, and email address.
• Passport number you used when you applied for your UK visa
• Type of visa you have applied for. For example, a UK visitor, skilled Worker, student, or UK family visa. Different UK visa types have different processing times.
• Date you submitted the form or date of your biometric enrolment. Processing time usually starts after biometrics, not form submission.
• Location of the visa application centre (If you submitted your visa application overseas).
• Immigration Health Surcharge reference number (if applicable).
Importantly, you need to ensure that before you try to track your UK visa application, you have in hand all of the necessary information and documents. This will help you avoid any unnecessary complications or delays, and you will be able to access any information that you need as easily and quickly as possible.
How to track your UK Visa In-Country Application in 2026?
You can track your in-country UK visa application by calling the UKVI contact centre through telephone on 0300 790 6268, followed by selecting option 2.
The telephone line is open from 9 am to 4:45 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Friday.
How to track your UK Visa Application outside the UK in 2026?
You can track your UK visa applications outside the UK in 2026 through the VFS Global website, TLS Contact website, UKVI website, or by calling UKVI by telephone.
1. VFS website
Open the Global website, choose the location of the VAC (Visa Application Centre) where you enrolled your biometrics, then select ‘Track your application’. If you do not find the option to track your UK visa application, you should try using the UKVI website instead.
2. The TLS Contact Website
On the TLScontact website, click ‘Provide Documents and Biometrics’ and then ‘Continue’. You will be redirected to your account. On this page, select the option ‘Track’ here, which will display your application’s real-time status.
3. The UKVI Website
You can also track your out-of-country application through the UKVI website. You will be charged £2.74 per application to use the ‘General Enquiry’ service.
UKVI will usually reply to your email within 2 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
4. Contact UKVI by Telephone
You can call UKVI by telephone on +44 (0)300 790 6268, then select option 1, or call +44 (0)203 875 4669 if you have a question about your UK visa application. This phone call service is open Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day.
Please note that if you need an urgent message, you can call the contact centre instead, although the staff at the contact centre will not be involved in any way in the outcome of your case.
Tracking the British Citizenship Application
To ask any question about your British citizenship application, you should contact the Citizenship and Nationality Enquiries at their email address, nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk, or call them at 0300 790 6268, followed by selecting option 2.
You can call between 9 am and 4:45 pm on Monday to Thursday and between 9 am and 4:30 pm on Friday.
Summary
Tracking a UK visa application in 2026 is important because, depending on the visa type and where you apply from, processing times can vary, and staying informed reduces any uncertainty and stress. It helps you respond quickly if decision makers request additional documents and ensures you do not miss important updates or deadlines. Monitoring progress also allows you to plan better for travel, work, or study arrangements in the UK.
You can track your UK visa application in 2026 by using your GWF or UAN reference number through the official UKVI online account. If needed, you can contact UKVI directly or check updates through the VAC (Visa Application Centre) where you submitted your biometrics.
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