On the applicant’s side, the visa interview is often the final hurdle in the application process.
Once you’re done with your interview, the rest is for the immigration authorities to decide.
Your answers, and overall performance during the interview, plus, the content of your application will be examined to determine your suitability for a visa.
Read also: What happens if I don’t use my Schengen visa?
At this stage, it’s out of your hands, and you can only hope that you’ve provided a compelling case.
If after examining your application, you deserve a visa, it’ll be approved.
If otherwise, you know the result – a refusal!
Here’s how long it can take to get your visa after your interview.
How long after visa interview will I get my visa?
It takes anywhere from right after your visa interview up to 15 working days for your visa to be processed and a decision to be made.
However, this can last longer if additional administrative processing is required.
In many cases, you can get visa approval on the same day or next day after your interview.
However, if additional checks are required, it’ll take a bit longer.
Read also: Which countries can I visit with a Canadian student visa?
The actual time depends on the country you applied in, your country of origin, your visa type, the embassy’s processing time, and the specifics of your case.
Upon approval of your visa, your passport will take a minimum of 3 working days to be ready for pickup at the visa application centre.
Read also: What happens after my visa is approved?
Here’s a general approval timeline to give you an idea of what to expect after your visa interview:
- The same-day or next-day approval: If your application is straightforward and all your documents are in order, the consular officer can approve your visa on the spot or the next day after your interview.
This quick approval is common for visas with simple requirements, like tourist or short-term business visas, where the officer can quickly verify your details and make a decision.
In these cases, you’ll receive your passport with the visa within a few days (7 to 15 days).
- 3 to 5 business days: For many applicants, especially those applying for tourist or business visas, the processing time takes 3 to 5 business days after the interview.
During this time, the consulate will finalise the paperwork, print the visa, and prepare your passport for return.
- 7 to 15 business days: If there’s a high volume of applications or if your case requires extra review, it can take between 7 to 15 working days to get approval.
Expect this during busy travel seasons or if the officers need to verify your details like checking the authenticity of your documents.
- Administrative processing: In some cases, your application will be placed under “administrative processing,” which involves a more detailed review.
This will delay the processing of your application, often from 7 to 10 business days to several weeks or longer.
Expect this to happen if the consular officer needs to verify part or all of your details or if your application triggers security checks.
Unfortunately, there is no set timeframe for administrative processing.
Read also: I made a mistake on my Canadian visa application, what should I do?
What happens after the visa interview? – stages visa application goes through after a visa interview
After your visa interview, here’s what happens:
- Initial application review: After your interview, the consular officer will review your application and the information you provided.
They’ll check your documents and confirm whether or not you deserve a visa.
If everything looks good, your application moves forward.
- Approval or Refusal: The consular officer will then decide whether to approve or refuse your visa.
If approved, your visa will be processed.
If refused, the officer will explain the reasons for the denial and the specific visa requirements you did not meet.
- Administrative processing (If needed): Sometimes, they conduct additional checks or background screenings.
This delays visa decisions. It takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the issue.
- Visa issuance: Once approved, your visa will be issued and printed on your passport.
Depending on the country, you’ll be notified via email, SMS, or phone when your passport with the visa is ready for pickup or delivery.
- Passport return: After the visa is issued, your passport with the visa will be returned to the visa application centre where you’ll pick it up in person or use a courier.
If your application is approved, you’ll find the visa sticker on your passport.
Read also: How to collect my passport after my visa is approved
When you receive your passport, check its details.
Factors that will determine how long you’ll get your visa after your interview
How long it will take before you get your visa after the interview depends on:
- Your visa type: Processing time is affected by the type of visa you’re applying for.
Tourist visas are often processed faster than work or student visas, which require a more detailed review.
- The volume of received applications: During peak travel seasons, like summer holidays or the holiday season, embassies and consulates receive a higher volume of applications.
If you apply within this time, you’ll wait longer than usual before you receive a decision on your application even after your interview.
This has happened to me severally. Any time I apply for a visa during peak seasons, I always wait longer than usual before I receive a decision on my application – it’s normal.
- Completeness of your application: If you want to get a decision on your application faster, provide all the required details when submitting your application.
In addition, answer all the questions correctly during the interview.
This way, your application is more likely to be processed quickly.
Incomplete or unclear applications require additional follow-up, delaying the process.
- If the officers want to do background checks: If your application triggers a background check, then, you’re in for a long processing time.
This happens often if you apply for a long-term visa or if there are red flags in your application.
- The country you’re applying from: Truth is; countries have different processing speeds, and local factors like holidays, strikes, or political situations also contribute.
For example, if there’s a public holiday in the country where you’re applying, expect some delays.
Read also: Why is my Australian student visa taking so long?
What to do while waiting for a decision on your application
I know the wait can be exhausting, so, do this while you wait:
- Track your application: Many embassies and consulates have online tracking systems where you can check the status of your application.
If it applies to your application, do it and have some peace of mind as you wait.
- Prepare for your trip: While you’re waiting for your visa, use the time to prepare for your trip.
- Put your document and other items in order.
- Stay in touch with the embassy: If the processing is taking longer than expected, contact the embassy or consulate for an update.
- Plan for contingencies: If your visa is delayed and you have urgent travel plans, get a backup plan – no one is ever sure about visa applications.
Read also: Why does an embassy hold your passport?
How do I know if my visa is ready for pickup?
You’ll be notified via email or SMS by the embassy or consulate when your visa is ready for pickup.
You can also check the status of your application online through the visa application portal or the embassy’s tracking system.
Final words
Conclusively, there is no specific timeframe to receive your visa after an interview.
It depends on your visa type, the volume of applications received by the embassy, how complete your application is, and if there is a need for additional checks.
Read also: Your passport is ready for pickup; does it mean visa approval?
While most visas are issued within a few days, some cases take longer, especially if your application is subject to administrative processing.
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