Visa processing times
The window between application submission and a decision, per visa, as published by the issuing government portal. Every entry shows the primary source and the date we last verified it. Priority / premium services and consular-specific variance are called out where they exist.
Reviewed 2026-04-20. Processing times are indicative and change without notice — always confirm on the linked government portal before acting.
What does the visa processing-times hub compare?
The processing-times hub compares 98 sourced route clocks across 20 destinations, separating published windows from routes with no central clock. The fastest published upper bound currently tracked is UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa at 3 days – 10 days.
Verified against UAE Government Portal — Work visas on 1 June 2026.
Global skilled-route ranking evidence
Cheapest, fastest, settlement and no-sponsor skilled-route methodology
Processing speed is only the decision clock. It is not the same as time to settlement, total route cost or no-sponsor access.
No universal best route
A low mandatory sunk cost, a fast published decision window, a direct settlement path and no employer sponsor are different dimensions. This cluster keeps them separate so search engines, AI retrievers and reviewers can cite the methodology without turning one metric into a recommendation.
Lowest tracked sunk cost
- United States of America - TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)US$80; proof-of-funds stays separate.
- Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)SGD 330; proof-of-funds stays separate.
- Kingdom of Sweden - Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)SEK 2,200-SEK 3,200; proof-of-funds stays separate.
Fastest published decision clocks
- Republic of Singapore - Employment Pass (EP)10 days – 2 weeks; settlement is separate.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Skilled Worker visa3 weeks; settlement is separate.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Health and Care Worker visa3 weeks; settlement is separate.
No-sponsor access
- Canada - Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Canada - Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)No employer sponsor required; check points, funds or endorsement gates.
- Cheapest work-visa ranking
- Settlement pathway ranking
- No-sponsor route ranking
- No-sponsor guide
- Settlement dataset
- Computed figures
- Unsponsored work routes
- Cost-to-complete JSON
- Processing-times JSON
- Route-record JSON
- How our route rankings are sourced
Source dates: cost, processing, settlement and route records checked through 21 July 2026. FX normalisation reviewed 30 June 2026 and used only for ordering. This cluster supports retrieval and review, not ranking, traffic, AI-citation or market-share outcome claims.
By destination
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
11 routes · source: UK Home Office
Republic of Ireland
7 routes · source: Department of Justice (Ireland)
Federal Republic of Germany
8 routes · source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Portuguese Republic
7 routes · source: AIMA (Portugal)
Kingdom of Spain
7 routes · source: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations (Spain)
Kingdom of the Netherlands
7 routes · source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND)
United Arab Emirates
6 routes · source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP)
Canada
8 routes · source: IRCC
Commonwealth of Australia
9 routes · source: Department of Home Affairs (Australia)
United States of America
14 routes · source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Republic of Singapore
1 routes · source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
New Zealand
5 routes · source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
French Republic
1 routes · source: Ministry of the Interior (France)
Italian Republic
1 routes · source: Ministry of the Interior (Italy)
Swiss Confederation
1 routes · source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Kingdom of Sweden
1 routes · source: Migrationsverket
Republic of Austria
1 routes · source: Federal Ministry of the Interior (Austria)
Kingdom of Denmark
1 routes · source: SIRI / Ministry of Immigration and Integration
Kingdom of Norway
1 routes · source: Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI)
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
1 routes · source: Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR)
All routes, fastest first
| Destination | Route | Typical window | Reality check | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)# | 1 days – 4 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 30 days | USCIS - TN USMCA Professionals | 1 July 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa# | 3 days – 10 days | Official window only Delay trigger: After 10 days | UAE Government Portal — Work visas | 1 June 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Green Visa# | 5 days – 2 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 15 days | UAE Government Portal — Green Visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Virtual Working Programme# | 5 days – 2 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2 weeks | UAE Government Portal — Virtual working programme | 1 June 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE freelance permit with residence# | 5 days – 2 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 15 days | UAE Government Portal — Freelancing | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)# | 7 days – 2 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2 months | Home Affairs — Working Holiday Maker | 1 June 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Green Residence — investor / business partner# | 10 days – 4 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 30 days | UAE Government Portal — Investor residence | 1 June 2026 |
| Singapore | Employment Pass (EP)# | 10 days – 2 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 2 weeks | MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass | 1 July 2026 |
| Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)# | 2 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | IND — Decision periods | 1 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | Orientation year (Zoekjaar)# | 2 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | IND — Orientation year | 22 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | EU Blue Card (Netherlands)# | 2 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | IND — EU Blue Card | 22 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Student residence permit# | 2 weeks – 2 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2 months | IND — Study permit | 22 June 2026 |
| Australia | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)# | 2 weeks – 8 weeks | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 7 weeks (published percentile) | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | E-2 Treaty Investor# | 2 weeks – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 months | DOS — E-2 Treaty Investor | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)# | 2 weeks – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 months | DOS — Student visa (F-1) | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | J-1 Exchange Visitor# | 2 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) | 1 June 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Golden Visa# | 2 weeks – 4 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 30 days | UAE Government Portal — Long-term residence visa (Golden Visa) | 1 June 2026 |
| Spain | Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)# | 3 weeks – 6 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 45 days | UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) — Teletrabajadores | 22 June 2026 |
| Spain | Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit# | 3 weeks – 6 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 45 days | UGE-CE — Highly Qualified Professional | 22 June 2026 |
| Spain | Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)# | 3 weeks – 2 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2 months | UGE-CE — Entrepreneur residence | 22 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Skilled Worker visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Visa decision waiting times | 12 July 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Health and Care Worker visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Global Talent visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Global Talent visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | High Potential Individual visa# | 3 weeks – 4 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 weeks | GOV.UK — High Potential Individual visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Innovator Founder visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Innovator Founder visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Scale-up visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Scale-up visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Youth Mobility Scheme visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Student visa# | 3 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Student visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Standard Visitor visa# | 3 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | Critical Skills Employment Permit# | 3 weeks – 6 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 6 weeks | DETE — Employment permits current processing dates | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Canadian Study Permit# | 3 weeks – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 112 days | IRCC — Study permit processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)# | 4 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | Irish Immigration Service — Visa Decisions | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Australian Student visa (subclass 500)# | 4 weeks – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 112 days | Home Affairs — Student visa | 1 June 2026 |
| Hong Kong | General Employment Policy (GEP)# | 4 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 4 weeks | Hong Kong Immigration Department - General Employment Policy | 27 June 2026 |
| Germany | EU Blue Card (Germany)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 months | Make-it-in-Germany - EU Blue Card | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 months | Make-it-in-Germany — Opportunity Card | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 months | Make-it-in-Germany — Skilled Worker visa | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | German Federal Foreign Office - Job Seeker visa | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | German Student residence permit# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | Make it in Germany - Studying | 22 June 2026 |
| Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | Portal de Inmigración — Non-lucrative residence | 22 June 2026 |
| Spain | Spanish Student Visa# | 4 weeks – 2 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2 months | Portal de Inmigración — Student residence | 22 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | IND — Self-employed residence (DAFT) | 22 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | Startup Visa (Netherlands)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | IND — Startup residence permit | 22 June 2026 |
| Denmark | Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | New to Denmark - Pay Limit Scheme | 1 July 2026 |
| Sweden | Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 months | Swedish Migration Agency - Employees | 27 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Graduate visa# | 6 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Graduate visa | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | General Employment Permit# | 6 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 91 days | DETE — Employment permits current processing dates | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)# | 6 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 84 days | Irish Immigration Service — STEP | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)# | 2 months – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 months | Make-it-in-Germany — Recognition Partnership | 22 June 2026 |
| Germany | Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG)# | 2 months – 4 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 4 months | Make-it-in-Germany — Freelance residence permit | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | D7 visa (passive income / retirement)# | 2 months – 6 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 6 months | Portuguese Consulate network — D7 | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)# | 2 months – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 months | Portuguese Consulate network — National visas | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment)# | 2 months – 6 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 6 months | Portuguese Consulate network — D2 | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | D3 visa (highly qualified activity)# | 2 months – 4 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4 months | Portuguese Consulate network — National visas | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | Portuguese Student visa# | 2 months – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | Portuguese Consulate network — Student visas | 22 June 2026 |
| Netherlands | Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor)# | 2 months – 6 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 6 months | IND — Family reunification | 22 June 2026 |
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)# | 2 months – 6 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 6 months | IRCC — PGWP processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | H-1B Specialty Occupation# | 2 months – 8 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 8 months | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)# | 2 months – 8 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 months | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)# | 2 months – 9 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 9 months | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement# | 2 months – 6 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 6 months | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Family visa (partner/spouse)# | 3 months – 6 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 168 days | GOV.UK — Family visas | 1 June 2026 |
| Germany | Family reunion residence permit# | 3 months – 12 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 365 days | Make it in Germany - Family reunification | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | Family reunification (residence)# | 3 months – 12 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 365 days | AIMA — Family reunification | 1 June 2026 |
| Spain | Family reunification (Spain)# | 3 months – 6 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 6 months | Portal de Inmigración — Family reunification | 22 June 2026 |
| Australia | National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent)# | 3 months – 12 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 365 days | Home Affairs — Global Talent visa | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)# | 5 months – 7 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 7 months | IRCC — Check processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)# | 5 months – 8 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 months | IRCC — Check processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)# | 5 months – 8 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 months | IRCC — Check processing times | 1 July 2026 |
| Ireland | Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)# | 6 months – 12 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 365 days | Irish Immigration Service — Join Family | 22 June 2026 |
| Portugal | Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment)# | 6 months – 18 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 18 months | AIMA — Residence for investment activity | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)# | 6 months – 12 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 365 days | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)# | 6 months – 12 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 365 days | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)# | 6 months – 12 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 365 days | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)# | 6 months – 14 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 14 months | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)# | 6 months – 18 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 18 months | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)# | 6 months – 2.5 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2.5 years | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen# | 6 months – 18 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 18 months | USCIS — Fiancé(e) Visas | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)# | 7 months – 2.5 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2.5 years | USCIS — Green Card for Family Members of U.S. Citizens | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)# | 11 months – 18 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 18 months | IRCC — Check processing times | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers# | 12 months – 3.3 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3.3 years | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)# | 15 months – 1.7 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 1.7 years | IRCC — Sponsor your spouse | 1 June 2026 |
| Australia | Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)# | 15 months – 2.5 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 2.5 years | Home Affairs — Partner visa | 1 June 2026 |
| United States | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program# | 18 months – 4.9 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4.9 years | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 1 June 2026 |
| Canada | Start-Up Visa (Canada)# | 3.3 years – 4.3 years | Official window only Delay trigger: After 4.3 years | IRCC — Start-up Visa | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | Stamp 4 permission# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Irish Immigration Service — Registration Office | 1 June 2026 |
| Ireland | Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Department of Justice — IIP closure FAQ | 22 June 2026 |
| Spain | Spain Golden Visa (ending April 2025)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | BOE — Ley Orgánica 1/2025 | 1 June 2026 |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa# | Immigration New Zealand's resident-visa wait times page currently reports 80% of Skilled Migrant Category applications completed within 4 months, with an 11-week average wait. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 4 months (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Resident visa wait times | 1 July 2026 |
| New Zealand | Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa# | Immigration New Zealand lists the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa at 80% within 7 months; the resident-visa wait times page currently shows a 5.5-month average. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 7 months (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 1 July 2026 |
| New Zealand | Working Holiday Visa# | INZ working holiday country pages, including the United Kingdom scheme, currently list 80% of applications processed within about 2.5 weeks. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 18 days (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa | 1 July 2026 |
| New Zealand | Student Visa# | Immigration New Zealand lists the Fee Paying Student Visa at 80% within 9.5 weeks. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 67 days (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Fee Paying Student Visa | 1 July 2026 |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)# | Immigration New Zealand lists Accredited Employer Work Visa worker applications at 80% within 7 weeks. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 7 weeks (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Accredited Employer Work Visa | 1 July 2026 |
| France | Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Passeport Talent Salarié)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Service-Public.fr - Passeport talent | 27 June 2026 |
| Switzerland | B Permit — Third-Country National (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | SEM - Non-EU/EFTA nationals | 27 June 2026 |
| Austria | Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations | 27 June 2026 |
| Norway | Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som faglaert)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UDI - Skilled workers | 27 June 2026 |
| Italy | EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | MAECI - The entry visa | 27 June 2026 |
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Global visa processing times dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times. Last verified 12 July 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary sources (74)
- GOV.UK — Visa decision waiting times
- GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker visa
- GOV.UK — Global Talent visa
- GOV.UK — Graduate visa
- GOV.UK — High Potential Individual visa
- GOV.UK — Innovator Founder visa
- GOV.UK — Scale-up visa
- GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- GOV.UK — Student visa
- GOV.UK — Family visas
- GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa
- DETE — Employment permits current processing dates
- Irish Immigration Service — STEP
- Irish Immigration Service — Registration Office
- Irish Immigration Service — Visa Decisions
- Irish Immigration Service — Join Family
- Department of Justice — IIP closure FAQ
- Make-it-in-Germany - EU Blue Card
- Make-it-in-Germany — Opportunity Card
- Make-it-in-Germany — Skilled Worker visa
- Make-it-in-Germany — Recognition Partnership
- Make-it-in-Germany — Freelance residence permit
- German Federal Foreign Office - Job Seeker visa
- Make it in Germany - Studying
- Make it in Germany - Family reunification
- Portuguese Consulate network — Student visas
- AIMA — Residence for investment activity
- AIMA — Family reunification
- UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) — Teletrabajadores
- Portal de Inmigración — Non-lucrative residence
- UGE-CE — Highly Qualified Professional
- UGE-CE — Entrepreneur residence
- BOE — Ley Orgánica 1/2025
- Portal de Inmigración — Student residence
- Portal de Inmigración — Family reunification
- IND — Decision periods
- IND — Orientation year
- IND — EU Blue Card
- IND — Self-employed residence (DAFT)
- IND — Startup residence permit
- IND — Study permit
- IND — Family reunification
- UAE Government Portal — Long-term residence visa (Golden Visa)
- UAE Government Portal — Investor residence
- UAE Government Portal — Freelancing
- IRCC — Check processing times
- IRCC — PGWP processing times
- IRCC — Start-up Visa
- IRCC — Study permit processing times
- IRCC — Sponsor your spouse
- Home Affairs — Partner visa
- Home Affairs — Working Holiday Maker
- Home Affairs — Global Talent visa
- USCIS — Case Processing Times
- DOS — E-2 Treaty Investor
- DOS — Student visa (F-1)
- DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1)
- USCIS - TN USMCA Professionals
- USCIS — Fiancé(e) Visas
- USCIS — Green Card for Family Members of U.S. Citizens
- MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass
- Immigration New Zealand - Resident visa wait times
- Immigration New Zealand - Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Immigration New Zealand - United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa
- Immigration New Zealand - Fee Paying Student Visa
- Immigration New Zealand - Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Service-Public.fr - Passeport talent
- SEM - Non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Hong Kong Immigration Department - General Employment Policy
- Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
- New to Denmark - Pay Limit Scheme
- Swedish Migration Agency - Employees
- UDI - Skilled workers
- MAECI - The entry visa
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are these visa processing times?+
Each window is the figure published by the issuing government portal, shown with the date we last verified it. They are indicative, not guarantees — case complexity, biometrics, security and medical checks, and consular backlogs all shift real timelines. The linked source is authoritative on the day you apply.
Which visas are processed fastest?+
Short-term, points-tested, and youth-mobility routes are typically quickest — often 1–3 weeks — while permanent-residence, family-reunion, and investor routes sit at the slower end, often several months. The table above is sorted fastest first.
Can I pay to speed up a visa decision?+
Sometimes. Several countries offer priority or super-priority services for an extra fee (for example the UK), while others have no paid fast-track for permanent skilled visas (for example Australia). Each route page notes whether a priority option exists.
Why is my application taking longer than the published time?+
Published windows are typical, not maximum. The most common reasons for a longer wait are incomplete documents, a request for more information, referred security or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs. The per-route page explains what drives each timeline.