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UK Visa Desk

Processing

Settlement processing time from India

Direct answer

The Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) takes about 26 weeks from the biometric appointment in India on the standard service; priority service is not offered for this route in India. UKVI figures as of 9 September 2026.

Reviewed by UK Visa Desk counselling team, Visa counsellors, Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd, Patiala. Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024. Last verified .

Standard service

26 weeks

From biometrics at VFS to the decision email

Verified 8 October 2026

Priority

Not offered

Not available for this route in India

Verified 8 October 2026

Super priority

Not offered

End of the next working day after biometrics

Verified 8 October 2026

In-UK ILR: service standard 6 months; priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) are available for most ILR applications in the UK.

What slows Indian files

  • Bank statements that need verification with the branch; Indian co-operative and small private banks take longest.
  • A sponsor in the UK whose status or income is checked against HMRC records.
  • Peak months: May to July for students, October to December for visitors before the holidays.
  • Any previous refusal, which moves the file to a more senior officer.
Processing times for every route
Information only. We do not file the Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Already in the UK? We refer you to a regulated adviser (OISC or SRA) and charge nothing for the introduction. Applying from India and unsure which route fits? Ask the desk on WhatsApp.

Related questions

Can you file my ILR from India?

No. Settlement is applied for inside the UK and the applicant must be there. We inform and refer you to a regulated UK adviser.

Is the 5-year rule changing to 10 years?

The government consulted on an earned-settlement model with a 10-year baseline and shorter periods for people who contribute more. The consultation closed on 12 February 2026 and no decision has been announced as of October 2026. We will post the outcome in our updates hub.

What is the English change in March 2027?

The required level rises from B1 to B2 for settlement applications from March 2027. If you are close to qualifying, consider applying before that date or booking a B2 test now.

All 7 questions
  • Punjab licence: 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024valid to 22 July 2029
  • CIN: U52291PB2024PTC060508Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd