How to check UK visa status with passport number

After submitting my first UK visa, I spent the next few weeks opening my email at every point.

Every day, I’d check my email constantly, hoping to hear from the authorities.

If you’ve applied for a visa in the past, I’m sure you can relate to the overwhelming urge to check your inbox every few hours.

Read also: If my visa is cancelled, can I apply again?

It’s like waiting for exam results, except this time, it’s whether you’ll be entering the UK or not.

If you’re currently waiting for your UK visa application, instead of checking your inbox every few hours.

Follow the steps below to know your visa status and monitor its processing with your passport number.

How to check UK visa status with passport number 

You can check your UK visa status with your passport number through the UKVI portal, VFS Global visa status tool, TLScontact or by contacting the UKVI authorities directly.

This works whether it’s a visitor visa, a work visa, or any other visa category.

How to check your visa status with passport number through VFS Global

VFS Global, as a service provider is responsible for handling visa applications for many countries including the UK.

If you submitted your UK visa application through VFS Global, you can check your application status through their platform.

If you didn’t submit through VFS Global, this won’t work for you, however, there are other methods you can use to check your visa status – which we explained below.

I have used VFS Global a few times and their services are great.

If you submitted your application through them, check its status by following the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the VFS Global website

Visit the  VFS Global website for the UK visa section.

Their platform is designed to respond to you based on your location.

If the link above doesn’t work for you, you can start from the main page at http://www.vfsglobal.com and navigate to the UK visa section.

Step 2: Find the track your application section

Once you’re on the VFS Global UK visa page, look for the “track your visa application status online” option.

It’s located in the track application services section.

Click on it to proceed.

Step 3: Enter your details

You’ll be prompted to enter your details like reference number and last name.

Your reference number is contained in the confirmation receipt sent to you by VFS Global after submitting your visa through them.

Read also: Where do they drop you off when you get deported?

For some locations, you’ll be asked to enter your passport number instead.

Make sure you enter the details correctly to avoid any errors.

Step 4: Check your application status

After entering your details, click “submit” and you’ll view the current status of your visa application.

The system will show you whether your application is under processing, if a decision has been made, or if your passport with the visa is ready for collection.

Step 5: Subscribe to VFS Global SMS updates

Aside from checking your visa status online, you can subscribe to SMS updates from VFS Global.

They offer an SMS service that sends you real-time updates.

Read also: If my UK visa is rejected when can I apply again?

You can subscribe to this service during your application submission, or later through the VFS Global website.

How to check your UK visa status through TLScontact

Just like VFS Global, TLScontact operates in many countries and assists many countries’ immigration authorities (including the UK) in handling visa applications.

You also need to apply through them before you can check your visa status on their platform.

Here’s how you can check your application status:

Step 1: Visit the TLScontact website

Start by visiting the official TLScontact website for your country.

You can find the specific country page by going to http://www.tlscontact.com and selecting your region.

Step 2: Log in to your TLScontact account

To check your visa application, you need to log in to your TLScontact account.

Read also: How to retrieve a lost international passport in Nigeria

This is the same account you used when submitting your application and booking your appointment.

Click on the “Login” button at the top right corner of the page and enter your email and password.

Step 3: Access your application dashboard

Once logged in, you’ll be directed to your application dashboard.

Here, you can view the details of your application, including the current status.

Step 4: Check your application status

On your dashboard, you’ll find the status of your application.

Read also: What happens if I withdraw my UK visa application?

It will indicate whether your application is still being processed, if additional documents are needed, or if a decision has been made.

Step 5: Get notifications

TLScontact also offers email and SMS notifications to keep you updated on your visa application status.

You can opt into these notifications through your TLScontact account settings.

How to check your visa status with passport number through UKVI

If you’ve applied for a UK visa from outside the UK, you can check your application status through the UKVI website.

Please note that this is a paid service, costing £2.74 per enquiry, which covers your initial email and any follow-up messages regarding the same enquiry.

Here’s how to check your status:

Step 1: Visit the UKVI website

Start by going to the UKVI website at https://ukvi.mysecurepay.co.uk/Home in your web browser.

Step 2: Click ‘Start’

On the main page, you’ll see a green button labelled ‘Start.’ Click on this button to proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Select ‘General Enquiry’

Next, you’ll see another green button labelled ‘General Enquiry.’ Click on this option to open an online form.

Step 4: Fill out the form

Complete all the required fields on the form.

In the ‘Enquiry’ box, clearly state that you are asking for an update on your visa application status.

Read also: What are your chances of getting the UK student visa after refusal?

If your application has taken longer than the standard processing time, mention this.

Step 5: Proceed to payment

After filling out the form, click on the ‘Continue’ button to enter your payment details. Confirm your payment to proceed.

Step 6: Submit your enquiry

Finally, click ‘Submit’ to complete your enquiry.

If you don’t click ‘Submit,’ your request won’t go through, and you won’t be charged.

You should receive a response within 5 days, excluding Fridays, weekends, and UK public holidays.

Common visa application statuses and their meanings

• Application Submitted/Under Consideration: This means your visa application has been successfully submitted and is currently under review by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authorities. No decision has been made yet –  your application is still in the initial processing stage.
• Processing/In progress: If you get this reply, it means that your application is actively being processed by the immigration authorities – it is under consideration, but a decision has not been reached yet.
• Further information required: This means the immigration authorities need additional information or documents from you to proceed with your application – ensure you provide the required documents.
• Decision Made – Visa Granted: Congratulations! Your visa application has been approved.
• Decision Made – Visa Refused: Unfortunately, your visa application has been rejected. You’ll receive details explaining why your application was refused. Depending on the type of visa, you may have the option to appeal the decision.
• Ready for Collection/Dispatched: Your processed visa is ready for collection or has been dispatched to you. If you applied in person, you can now collect your passport and visa.

Aside from checking online with your passport number, you can also check your UK visa status offline.

How to check UK visa status offline

If you prefer to check your visa status offline, you can contact the visa application centre where you submitted your application.

When you call, you’ll provide your full name, passport number, or visa application reference number.

Their customer representative will check your visa status and inform you of its situation.

If you run into any issues or can’t find the information you need online, you can also contact the UK Visas and Immigration department directly at:

• Inside the UK: 0300 790 6268
• Outside the UK:  +44 (0)300 123 2241

How do you know when your UK visa is approved?

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a congratulatory email from the UK immigration authorities. The email will contain instructions on what to do next, your visa conditions, and its expiration date.

What should I do if I can’t access my account on VFS Global or TLScontact?

If you’re unable to access your account, try resetting your password or contact customer service for assistance.

Can I contact UK immigration for my visa status?

Yes, you can reach out to the UK immigration authorities if you prefer not to check your status online. The contact information is provided above.

If you applied for a UK visa, you don’t have to wait for the authorities to update you before you know the status of your application.

Read also: I overstayed my visa in the UK, can I return?

You can use the methods explained here to monitor the progress of your visa application.