How long before Start Date should I apply for Tier 2 General visa?

[sgtpepper]

Hello,

My sponsor has received RCOS for me during last month's allocation. I'm yet to discuss the details of my start date with the company. I need some help understanding the visa application timeline.

Since I'll be taking a personal trip in the first week of June, the earliest I can apply for the visa online is June 10th. If I apply on this date, would I be able to travel to the UK by July 9?

My concern is if the 30 days from June 10 - July 9 sufficient to: apply online, go for the biometrics appointment, submit document, HO to make a decision and for me to get back the passport in time?

Thanks a lot in advance

[ashishkm]

U can apply up to 90 days prior to your start date.

And about VISA processing timelines....It is mostly (90% of applications) 15 working days from date of biometrics if standard service...And 5 working days if on priority service.
In some cases (5 to 10% of applications) UKVI are taking more time

Please plan accordingly

[ashishkm]

Between online application submission and biometrics u may lose 3 or 4 working days for biometrics appointment in vfs.... However u can avoid it by using walk-in service immediately on online application date

[sgtpepper]

Thanks for the quick reply I have two follow-up questions..

1) Suppose my application is processed by the 15th day, how long do I typically have to wait to receive the passport? Or do I have the option of collecting it in person the very next day?

Between online application submission and biometrics u may lose 3 or 4 working days for biometrics appointment in vfs.... However u can avoid it by using walk-in service immediately on online application date

2) Can you explain the difference between the two? My understanding is - when I complete the online application on gov.uk, I get to book an appointment over the next few days. And the 15 working days timeline starts from the date of my online application. Is this not the case?

[ashishkm]

Thanks for the quick reply I have two follow-up questions..

1) Suppose my application is processed by the 15th day, how long do I typically have to wait to receive the passport? Or do I have the option of collecting it in person the very next day?

Between online application submission and biometrics u may lose 3 or 4 working days for biometrics appointment in vfs.... However u can avoid it by using walk-in service immediately on online application date

2) Can you explain the difference between the two? My understanding is - when I complete the online application on gov.uk, I get to book an appointment over the next few days. And the 15 working days timeline starts from the date of my online application. Is this not the case?

1. Normally in a day or 2 u should receive it to VFS (application center - where u submit biometrics) or in courier to home (if courier service is opted)
At VFS centre, only when u get a message/email to come collect, u can go to collect

2.15 working days timeline start from the day (biometrics), not the online app submission date. So hence I advise u to go walkin (they may charge 2500 in INR) for that....so it can save u additional 2 or 3 days

[UKLL]

Hello,

My sponsor has received RCOS for me during last month's allocation. I'm yet to discuss the details of my start date with the company. I need some help understanding the visa application timeline.

Since I'll be taking a personal trip in the first week of June, the earliest I can apply for the visa online is June 10th. If I apply on this date, would I be able to travel to the UK by July 9?

My concern is if the 30 days from June 10 - July 9 sufficient to: apply online, go for the biometrics appointment, submit document, HO to make a decision and for me to get back the passport in time?

Thanks a lot in advance

Why do you need to travel to the UK by 9th July? Your employer cannot use you until your visa is granted so the actual start date depends on when you get your visa

[sgtpepper]

1. Normally in a day or 2 u should receive it to VFS (application center - where u submit biometrics) or in courier to home (if courier service is opted)
At VFS centre, only when u get a message/email to come collect, u can go to collect

2.15 working days timeline start from the day (biometrics), not the online app submission date. So hence I advise u to go walkin (they may charge 2500 in INR) for that....so it can save u additional 2 or 3 days

Thank you for this. I think i'll go with Walkin application on June 11th then!

Why do you need to travel to the UK by 9th July? Your employer cannot use you until your visa is granted so the actual start date depends on when you get your visa

I know I cannot start working (or travel to UK) before getting my visa. My query was from a planning perspective. To plan my travel, accommodation etc. My work start date is on July 16, and I intend to travel on July 10. Is this doable, if I apply for my visa on June 11?