What a decision has been made on your visa application mean

Once you’ve submitted your visa application, the next steps are handled by the immigration authorities of the country you’re applying to.

At this stage, they’ll carefully review your documents, verify your information, and examine your eligibility for the visa.

They can also carry out background checks, verification of your travel intent, and check if you have met all the visa requirements.

Upon concluding these checks, you’ll be notified of the outcome.

This is when you’ll get the “a decision has been made on your visa application” notification.

Below is what it means:

What a decision has been made on your visa application means

A decision has been made on your application means that the immigration authorities of the issuing country have completed their review of your visa application and have decided whether to issue you a visa or not.

It simply means that the authorities have finished processing your application, and the outcome is now ready for you to receive.

Read also: What happens if your visa expires in another country?

However, receiving this notification does not necessarily imply that your visa has been approved.

It simply means a decision—whether approval or denial—has been made.

You’ll wait for further communication to know the actual outcome, which could either be an approval with your visa issued or a rejection with reasons provided for the refusal.

What happens when a decision has been made on your visa application?

When a decision has been made on your application, next, you’ll be instructed to collect your passport from the visa application centre where you submitted your application or have it returned to you by mail.

If you applied in person at a visa application centre, you’ll receive your passport through the postal service or courier, depending on the options you selected during your application process.

You’ll know whether your visa application was successful when your passport returns.

The outcome (approval or rejection) of your application will be indicated in your passport.

If your visa has been approved, congratulations!

You now have the green light to travel to the issuing country within the dates specified on your visa vignette which will be stamped or affixed to your passport.

Read also: How to write a consent letter for a minor’s passport application

On it, you’ll find information like your visa type, start and end dates of your visa, and conditions of your stay (e.g., work restrictions or sponsorship details).

If your visa was not approved, you’ll find a refusal letter instead of a vignette.

Read also: Why does an embassy hold your passport?

This letter will explain why your application was refused and what your options are – if you wish to appeal the decision or reapply.

What does it mean when you receive the “I Can confirm that your application is being considered and is currently awaiting a decision” notification?

This notification means that your application has been received and is currently under review by the immigration authorities.

It hasn’t been approved or rejected yet, and the processing is ongoing, pending a final decision.

No decision has been made at this point.

Read also: Can I edit my Australian visa application after submission?

It is a standard update indicating that your application is in progress.

What does a decision has been made on your UK visa application mean?

It means that the processing of your UK visa application is complete. This message can be communicated to you via email or a letter from the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department.

When you receive this notification, the UKVI has reviewed your application, checked all the documents and information you submitted and reached a conclusion.

The decision could be either an approval (positive) or a rejection (negative), depending on your compliance with immigration visa requirements.

Read also: When I get pregnant in the US under a student visa does that allow me to stay permanently?

If your application is approved, the notification will come with instructions on how to collect your passport and any additional steps you need to take before travelling to the UK.

Does UKVI send emails about visa decisions?

Yes, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sends emails to notify applicants of their visa decisions. However, some applicants need to check their online accounts for updates.

If you didn’t choose “email notification” during your application process, you need to check your online account for updates.

When does UKVI send an email about a visa decision?

UKVI sends an email about your visa decision once the application has been processed. This can happen after your biometric appointment and final review of your application.

How quickly will you receive a decision on your UK visa application if you’re applying from inside the UK?

If you’re applying from inside the UK, it takes 8 weeks for standard applications, but for priority services which are often faster, you’ll get a decision within 5 working days.

Final words

When you receive the notification that a decision has been made on your visa application, it doesn’t necessarily mean your application has been approved.

It simply means that immigration authorities of the issuing country have thoroughly assessed your documents, background, and purpose of travel to determine if you meet the criteria for a visa.

Read also: Do I have to enter the country that issued my Schengen visa?

They have decided whether to grant you a visa or not, you’ll find out the specific decision when you get your passport.