Applicants intending to study in the UK can conveniently track the status of their visa application online by utilizing their passport number or visa reference number. The duration for visa processing may vary among candidates. Whereas some candidates may receive their confirmation within a few weeks, others may need to endure a wait spanning several months.
In this blog, candidates will discover the necessary information on how to check the status of their UK Visa using their passport number. They will also learn the essential details required to verify their UK Visa application status and track it online.
Information Needed to Check the Status of a UK Visa Application
Applicants seeking a UK Visa should be aware of the necessary information to monitor the status of their application. The following details provide guidance on checking the UK Visa application status, enabling candidates to track the progress of their application:
Differential Application Number
A Unique Application Number, or UAN, is a 16-digit number that will be sent to applicants by the home office through email and physical letters.
Number for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
If candidates make a payment for the NHS immigration health surcharge during the application process, students will be provided with an Immigration Health Surcharge Number or IHS. This number will consist of a combination of letters and numbers in the format IHS013256748.
Reference Number for Payment
Candidates can track the status of their UK Visa by using the Payment Reference Number that is provided to them when they make the application fee payment.
Case ID (Case Identifier)
The Home Office issues an 8-digit number that is present on all letters. The case ID number begins with a zero (0) and candidates can choose to omit it when entering the numbers in the status form.
How to Use a Passport Number to Check Visa Status?
To check the status of their UK Visa application, candidates can do so easily online by using their passport number. How to determine the status is outlined in the stages below:
- Visit the official UK website.
- Look for the option that allows you to check the status of your visa application.
- Enter the passport number, date of birth, or acknowledgement number provided to you when you submitted your UK visa application.
- Click on the Submit button.
- The candidates will then be able to view the status of their visa application.
Online UK visa status monitoring
The VFS, also known as Visa Facilitation Services, is a partner of the British High Commission’s Visa Department. One of the distinctive features of VFS is its ability to track the status of visa applications online. Students have multiple methods to check the status of their visa application, which are listed below:
- Message VFS for updates on your visa status: Send a message with the format “VISA [space] UK [space] student [space] Passport Number” to VFS.
- Students can also use the UAN, Case ID, or IHS Number to track the visa status.
- Candidates can use the Reference Number mentioned on the receipt or invoice received from the Visa Application Centre to obtain an update on their visa status from the UK Visa and Immigration Department.
- Candidates can contact the UK Visa and Immigration Department at the following contact number: +44 2034811736 (charges of £1.37 per minute apply, along with other international call costs).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take for a student to receive a response from the UK Immigration Department?
The UK Immigration Department aims to answer mail inquiries within a minimum of 2 days. However, for immediate assistance, individuals can reach out to them via telephone.
What are the available methods for a student to get in touch with the UK Visa and Immigration department?
Candidates can contact the UK visa and immigration department via telephone or mail using the following information:
- Telephone number: +44 2034811736 (available 24 hours from Monday to Friday). The call is charged at £1.37 per minute, in addition to any other international call charges.
- Email: Sending an inquiry via email incurs a cost of £5.48, but subsequent follow-up emails are not charged.
What information do you need to check the status of a UK Visa application?
The following information is needed to check the status of a UK visa application:
- UAN (Unique Application Number)
- IHS Number (Immigration Health Surcharge Number)
- Payment Reference Number
- Case ID (Identification number)
