Methodology & limitations

How we calculate waiting times

• Data comes from anonymised timelines submitted by applicants.
• We group data by application type, office, and reason for applying.
• We only publish groups with at least 5 submissions.
• We show typical waits (medians), not simple averages, so one extreme case has less impact.
• If a record is missing a needed date, we skip it for that one waiting-time value only.

Limitations

• Submissions are self-reported and may contain mistakes or omissions.
• Case complexity varies, so similar groups can still have very different timelines.
• Policy and process changes can make past timings less predictive.
• Small groups change more quickly than larger groups.

Use of this information

Use this site to understand broad patterns, not to predict an exact decision date. For official requirements, always check the relevant government guidance directly.

Read the privacy notice and cookie notice for data handling details.