Visa Processing Timelines
A practical view of how long visas take — by stage (employer approvals, biometrics, medicals, embassy decision, residence card/ID) and by route (UAE, KSA, Qatar, Malaysia, Schengen, UK, Canada, USA, Australia). Includes typical ranges, variables, and official links to check live status.
Stages in Most Cases
- ✔Employer/Sponsor approvals (quota, portal pre-approvals)
- ✔Embassy/consulate appointment and biometrics
- ✔Medical fitness (pre- or post-decision depending on route)
- ✔Decision (visa stamping/e-visa)
- ✔Arrival formalities (ID/residence card biometrics, insurance, registrations)
What Affects Your Timeline
- ✔Appointment availability (biometrics/embassy/medical)
- ✔Background checks, security or additional documents
- ✔Public holidays & peak travel seasons
- ✔Employer quota and portal readiness
- ✔Courier logistics and ID card production time
Typical Ranges — At a Glance
| Route | Key Stages | Typical Range* | What Moves the Needle |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE — Employer-sponsored | Work permit → Entry permit → Medical & EID → Residence issuance | ~2–6 weeks | Free zone vs mainland, medical/EID slots, insurance activation |
| Saudi Arabia (KSA) | MOFA auth → Wafid medical → Embassy stamping → Qiwa/Absher → Iqama | ~3–7 weeks | MOFA queue, Wafid slots, biometrics & insurance, Nitaqat compliance |
| Qatar | Work auth → Entry visa → Medical & fingerprints → Qatar ID | ~3–6 weeks | Metrash2/Hukoomi steps, medical & fingerprint availability |
| Malaysia | Approval (VDR/EP) → Visa → Arrival medicals/PLKS or Residence | ~2–8 weeks | Category (foreign worker vs EP), medicals, employer readiness |
| Schengen (Type C) | Appointment & biometrics → Decision | ~15–45 days | Seasonality, mission caseload, additional docs |
| United Kingdom | Online app → Biometrics → Decision → BRP/eVisa | ~3–8 weeks | Priority services, VAC capacity, security checks |
| Canada (IRCC) | Online app → Biometrics/medicals → Decision → eTA/visa | Varies by stream | IRCC workload, medicals, background checks |
| USA (USCIS/DOS) | Petition (if applicable) → Visa interview → Issuance | Varies by visa & post | USCIS center times, consulate capacity, security checks |
| Australia (DHA) | Online app → Biometrics/medicals → Decision | Varies by subclass | DHA pipeline, health checks, character checks |
*Guidance only. Always confirm with the official portals linked below.
Check Live Status — Official Links by Route
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Malaysia
Schengen
United Kingdom
United States
Australia
Peak Seasons, Holidays & Common Delays
When It’s Busiest
- ✔June–September (summer travel & student visas)
- ✔November–January (year-end travel & holiday closures)
- ✔Pre-Ramadan & major local holidays (reduced hours)
How We Mitigate
- ✔Submit early & hold the first available biometrics slot
- ✔Pre-check documents to avoid additional evidence requests
- ✔Track parallel tasks (medicals, insurance, translations)
- ✔Book contingency dates where rules allow
Visa Timelines — FAQs
Can paying for priority speed up my visa?
Some routes offer priority/super-priority services for an extra fee (e.g., UK). Availability is limited and not guaranteed in all locations. Always check the official portal for your route.
Do public holidays affect processing?
Yes. Local public holidays at the mission and destination can pause intake and decisioning. Plan buffer days during peak periods.
Why do two applicants on the same route get different timelines?
Factors include employer readiness, background/security checks, medical clearances, and appointment availability. Even within one category, cases are assessed individually.
Need a date-driven plan?
Tell us your route and target start date. We’ll map the critical path (appointments, medicals, ID issuance) and build realistic buffers.