Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average processing time was for Student visa applications made outside the UK in each of the last 12 months; how many applications remain outstanding beyond the published service standard; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce the time taken for the processing of Student visas.

UKVI continued to meet published service standards for straightforward Student visa applications during the 2026 summer peak, despite sustained high demand.

Some applications require additional checks and may take longer where this is necessary to verify the information provided, assess individual circumstances or protect the integrity of the UK immigration system. Applicants will be notified if their application cannot be concluded within the published service standard.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Sponsors can use established escalation routes where applications have exceeded published service standards and enrolment deadlines are at risk. Information on visa processing times and service standards is available at Visa processing times - GOV.UK.

UKVI continues to work with the UK and International Education sectors to encourage applicants to apply in good time and submit the correct documentation. UKVI also keeps its guidance and training materials under review to ensure they remain clear and accurate.

The Home Office publishes statistics on student visa applications in its quarterly Immigration System Statistics. The latest figures are available at Why do people come to the UK? Study - GOV.UK.