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 99 sourced route clocks across 20 destinations, separating published windows from routes with no central clock. The fastest published upper bound currently tracked is Employment Pass (EP) at 10 days – 2 weeks.
Verified against MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass on 10 September 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. Consider them separately when comparing routes; one favourable measure does not make a route suitable for every applicant.
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
Source dates: cost, processing, settlement and route records checked through 11 September 2026. FX normalisation reviewed 30 June 2026 and used only for ordering. Treat the ordering as a planning aid and review each route's linked requirements before deciding.
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
2 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 | Published timing | Reality check | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Employment Pass (EP)# | 10 days – 2 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 2 weeks | MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Skilled Worker visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Visa decision waiting times | 10 September 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 | 11 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Global Talent visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Global Talent visa | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Innovator Founder visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Innovator Founder visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Scale-up visa# | 3 weeks – 8 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Scale-up visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Youth Mobility Scheme visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Student visa# | 3 weeks | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Student visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Standard Visitor visa# | 3 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 3 weeks | GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| Denmark | Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen)# | 4 weeks – 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | New to Denmark - Pay Limit Scheme | 10 September 2026 |
| Sweden | Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)# | 4 weeks – 2 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 2 months | Swedish Migration Agency - Employees | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Graduate visa# | 8 weeks | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 8 weeks | GOV.UK — Graduate visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | D7 visa (passive income / retirement)# | 2 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 2 months | gov.pt - Residence visa for retirees and people living on their own income | 10 September 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Family visa (partner/spouse)# | 3 months – 6 months | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: After 168 days | GOV.UK — Family visas | 10 September 2026 |
| Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)# | 3 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 3 months | Ministry of Inclusion - Initial non-lucrative residence | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)# | 7 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 7 months | IRCC — Check processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)# | 7 months | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 6 months (published percentile) | IRCC - Service standards | 10 September 2026 |
| Sweden | Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)# | 8 months – 13 months | Official window only Delay trigger: After 13 months | Swedish Migration Agency - Self-employed people | 10 September 2026 |
| Ireland | Critical Skills Employment Permit# | DETE’s page, published as at 04 September 2026, listed Critical Skills Employment Permit applications received on 26 August 2026. That 9-day difference is a queue-position snapshot, not a decision-time estimate. | Published queue-position snapshot Delay trigger: Queue position only; recheck the current official date | DETE — Employment permits current processing dates | 10 September 2026 |
| Ireland | General Employment Permit# | DETE’s page, published as at 04 September 2026, listed new General Employment Permit applications received on 30 July 2026. That 36-day difference is a queue-position snapshot, not a decision-time estimate. | Published queue-position snapshot Delay trigger: Queue position only; recheck the current official date | DETE — Employment permits current processing dates | 10 September 2026 |
| Ireland | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Irish Immigration Service — STEP | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| Ireland | Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Irish Immigration Service — Visa Decisions | 10 September 2026 |
| Ireland | Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Irish Immigration Service — Join Family | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | EU Blue Card (Germany)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make it in Germany - EU Blue Card | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make it in Germany - Opportunity Card | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make-it-in-Germany — Skilled Worker visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make-it-in-Germany — Recognition Partnership | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make-it-in-Germany — Freelance residence permit | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | German Federal Foreign Office - Job Seeker visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | German Student residence permit# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make it in Germany - Studying | 10 September 2026 |
| Germany | Family reunion residence permit# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Make it in Germany - Family reunification | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portuguese Consulate network — National visas | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portuguese Consulate network — D2 | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | AIMA — Residence for investment activity | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | D3 visa (highly qualified activity)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portuguese Consulate network — National visas | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | Portuguese Student visa# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portuguese Consulate network — Student visas | 10 September 2026 |
| Portugal | Family reunification (residence)# | 9 monthsStatutory deadline, not a typical wait | Statutory decision deadline Delay trigger: Legal deadline: 9 months (not a typical wait) | Diário da República — Foreigners Law, Article 105 | 9 September 2026 |
| Spain | Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) — Teletrabajadores | 10 September 2026 |
| Spain | Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UGE-CE — Highly Qualified Professional | 10 September 2026 |
| Spain | Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UGE-CE — Entrepreneur residence | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| Spain | Spanish Student Visa# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portal de Inmigración — Student residence | 10 September 2026 |
| Spain | Family reunification (Spain)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Portal de Inmigración — Family reunification | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IND — Decision periods | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Orientation year (Zoekjaar)# | 90 daysStatutory deadline, not a typical wait | Statutory decision deadline Delay trigger: Legal deadline: 90 days (not a typical wait) | IND — Orientation year | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | EU Blue Card (Netherlands)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IND — EU Blue Card | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IND — Self-employed residence (DAFT) | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Startup Visa (Netherlands)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IND — Startup residence permit | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Student residence permit# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IND — Study permit | 10 September 2026 |
| Netherlands | Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor)# | 90 daysStatutory deadline, not a typical wait | Statutory decision deadline Delay trigger: Legal deadline: 90 days (not a typical wait) | IND — Family reunification | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Golden Visa# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | ICP - Golden Residency | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Green Visa# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UAE Government Portal — Green Visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UAE Government Portal — Work visas | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Virtual Working Programme# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UAE Government Portal — Virtual working programme | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Green Residence — investor / business partner# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UAE Government Portal - Residence visa for doing business | 10 September 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE freelance permit with residence# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | UAE Government Portal — Freelancing | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — Check processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — Check processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — PGWP processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Start-Up Visa (Canada)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — Start-up Visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Canadian Study Permit# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — Study permit processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Canada | Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | IRCC — Sponsor your spouse | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)# | 50%: 7 months; 90%: 8 months | Published observed percentiles Delay trigger: Percentiles are not deadlines; use the current official tool | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)# | Direct Entry Pathway: 50% 13 Months; 90% 21 Months | Agreement Pathway: 50% 58 Days; 90% 12 Months | Transition Pathway: 50% 14 Months; 90% 22 Months | Published stream-specific percentiles Delay trigger: Stream percentiles are not deadlines; use the current official tool | Home Affairs — Global visa processing times, subclass 186 stream snapshot | 11 September 2026 |
| Australia | Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)# | Separate subclass 417 and 462 processing figures; offshore cases may take several months. | Official window with caveat Delay trigger: See source guidance | Home Affairs — Global visa processing-time tool, subclasses 417 and 462 | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Global Talent visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Australian Student visa (subclass 500)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Student visa | 10 September 2026 |
| Australia | Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | Home Affairs — Partner visa | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | H-1B Specialty Occupation# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS - Case processing times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Case Processing Times | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | E-2 Treaty Investor# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | DOS — E-2 Treaty Investor | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | DOS — Student visa (F-1) | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | J-1 Exchange Visitor# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS - TN USMCA Professionals | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Fiancé(e) Visas | 10 September 2026 |
| United States | Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)# | Not centrally published | No central processing clock Delay trigger: No fixed delay point - use route guidance | USCIS — Green Card for Family Members of U.S. Citizens | 10 September 2026 |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa# | Immigration New Zealand snapshot checked 10 September 2026: 80% of Skilled Migrant Category applications completed within 4 months, with a 9.5-week average wait. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 4 months (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Resident visa wait times | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 2026 |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)# | Immigration New Zealand lists Accredited Employer Work Visa worker applications at 80% within 8 weeks. | Published percentile available Delay trigger: After 8 weeks (published percentile) | Immigration New Zealand - Accredited Employer Work Visa | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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 | 10 September 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. Latest source check 11 September 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary sources (77)
- 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
- gov.pt - Residence visa for retirees and people living on their own income
- Portuguese Consulate network — Student visas
- AIMA — Residence for investment activity
- Diário da República — Foreigners Law, Article 105
- UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) — Teletrabajadores
- Ministry of Inclusion - Initial 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
- ICP - Golden Residency
- UAE Government Portal — Virtual working programme
- UAE Government Portal — Freelancing
- UAE Government Portal - Residence visa for doing business
- IRCC — Check processing times
- IRCC - Service standards
- IRCC — PGWP processing times
- IRCC — Start-up Visa
- IRCC — Study permit processing times
- IRCC — Sponsor your spouse
- Home Affairs — Partner visa
- 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
- Swedish Migration Agency - Self-employed people
- 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.