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Visa Processing Times — [James Gray in the Chair]
14 December 2022
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
North East Fife
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Robert Jenrick
Tags
ImmigrationUkraineEconomyTaxationStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 4713
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about visa processing times — [james gray in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Chamberlain asks the Minister to clarify how the Home Office designates cases as private life applications, set target processing times for all visa types, improve communication with applicants during the waiting period, and address delays affecting skilled workers' visas and academic technology approval scheme (ATAS) certificates.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Wendy Chamberlain is concerned about the systemic issues in visa processing times, particularly for families and workers waiting long periods without a decision. She cited cases where applicants have waited over a year for responses on family visas, causing significant stress to individuals and their families. The Home Office's designation of cases as private life applications also adds complexity and uncertainty, often leading to delays beyond target processing times. The lack of transparency in the visa application process further exacerbates these issues.
Daniel Poulter
Con
Stortford
I have had a case in my constituency of a sixth-form student who was already studying at a sixth-form college but faced difficulties re-entering due to visa rules. Some cases are still taking several months, which interferes with student studies and staff supply.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member highlighted that workers face over eight weeks of wait time for visa extensions, preventing them from staying on to extend their contracts and continue working in the UK, which he argued is mutually beneficial.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
A constituent's husband missed his wife's pregnancy and the birth of their child due to a delayed spousal visa application process. The hon. Member called for a review of service level agreement times and transparency in criteria for expedited cases. I questioned the Minister about the criteria for expedited case handling, noting that a spousal visa example we provided was not deemed worth expediting despite taking 26 weeks.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
A constituent's family faced a three-month wait for visas after the wife's death, despite the case being considered under 'urgent and compassionate' dispensation. The hon. Member questioned whether this timeframe should be regarded as urgent.
Government Response
Robert Jenrick
Government Response
Acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs about visa processing times, highlighted improvements made in recent months despite challenges posed by the pandemic and Ukraine crisis. Stated that resources were prioritised for work and study visas post-pandemic to support economic recovery and student returns, noting high numbers of processed study visas (590,000) as of September 2022. Mentioned family visa delays still needing improvement with targets set but longer processing times noted. Reassured MPs that the Home Office is working towards meeting or exceeding customer service standards for all visa categories in early 2023.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.