How long does it take to issue a visa?
When planning an international trip, one of the most important challenges we face is the process of applying for and issuing a visa. This process, which is directly related to obtaining a permit to enter the desired country, affects the travel plan. Several factors play a role in determining the duration of visa issuance, including the type of visa, issuing country, number of applications, travel season and immigration laws. In addition, the number of applications also has a great impact on the visa issuance time, and each country has its own rules and procedures for visa issuance. Join us to talk about the factors affecting visa issuance time, visa validity and the approximate duration of visa issuance in different countries.
What factors does the duration of visa issuance depend on?
As we mentioned earlier, various factors affect the duration of this request. These factors include visa type, destination country, application time, document review process and applicant's conditions. We will explain each of these factors below.
destination country
One of the determining factors is the destination country. Political relations between two countries affect the process of visa issuance. For example, the process of obtaining a visa from a country like Canada, which does not have an embassy in Iran, is much longer than obtaining a French visa. On the other hand, policies and visa issuance processes are different in each country. Some countries make the visa issuance process faster, while other countries check the applicant's documents and conditions more.
Type of visa requested
The type of visa requested is one of the main factors in determining the time of its issuance. Visas are divided into several main categories, which include the following:
● tourist visas;
● Business visa;
● Study visa;
● Family Joining Visa.
For the issuance of each of these visas, different documents and procedures are required, which affect the visa issuance time.
Normally, if there is no special issue, tourist visas are issued faster; While the process of processing documents for work study and residence visas is more; Therefore, in order to get a visa and according to the plan you have planned for your trip, it is recommended to consider issues such as the time required to issue a visa, and consider enough time for this process so that you do not have any problems.
Visa application time
Another factor affecting the visa issuance time is the application submission time. If you send your application when it is the travel season, the visa issuance time will be delayed due to the high volume of applications and files; Therefore, if time is important to you, definitely keep this issue in mind and it is better to plan in such a way that you have one to two months to fly and start your trip; As a result, if your visa is delayed, you will experience a calm and stress-free trip.
The process of checking documents at the embassy
Another factor that affects the time of this request is the process of checking your documents at the embassy. Some documents need a more detailed review. For example, if you have an invitation from the destination country, this invitation will be checked and validated at the embassy. Such processes are usually time-consuming and will increase the time it takes for your application to be issued.
Providing complete and correct documents such as passport, birth certificate images, financial ability, etc. has a significant impact on the speed of visa issuance. Mistakes in the submission of documents or defects in them will delay the visa issuance process. Sometimes the decision-making authorities at the embassy request you to provide documents, which will also affect the speed of the visa issuance process.
Applicant conditions
Another determining factor is the applicant's condition. For example, some embassies restrict the history of travel to certain countries, and if the visa applicant has traveled to these countries, he will have a lower chance of issuing a visa. Also, if the applicant has a criminal or security record, the visa issuance time may be longer due to the embassy's investigations and more sensitivities.
Visa validity period
Every visa issued has an expiration date. The validity period of the visa is determined according to the type of visa and the country that issues the visa. The validity period of the visa indicates how long this document is valid and the visa will be used from the date of issue until its expiration date. In some cases, the validity period of the visa is determined by the immigration officer upon arrival in the country and according to the type of visa
The duration of your stay in a country is recorded by the immigration officer on the entry stamp. If you want to stay in the country for more than the specified time, you must apply for the extension of your visa, the process of which is different in each country.
Schengen visa validity
The validity period of the Schengen visa for travel is between 3 and 6 months; But with this visa, you can stay in this region for a maximum of 90 days. In other words, from the time the Schengen visa is issued, you have 180 days to use the visa and enter the Schengen area; But you are only allowed to stay in this area for 90 days.
If for any reason you stay in this area for even one day longer than the validity period of your Schengen visa, you have broken the law and you will most likely be fined. Also, your name will be registered in the black list of all Schengen member embassies and your visa application will be rejected for the next time.
Study visa validity
The validity period of the study visa depends on the duration of the study period. In fact, when you receive an admission from a university, the length of your study period is determined according to the type of admission; As a result, the validity of the study visa is determined according to the length of your study period.
Duration of visa issuance according to the type of visa
As we mentioned earlier, one of the most influential factors in visa issuance is the type of visa. Types of visas include study visas, tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. In the following, we will check the visa issuance time based on each type of request.
How long does it take to issue a study visa?
For the issuance of a study visa, the response time to the visa application usually takes between three weeks and one month. However, the duration of the application process depends on the country and the university in question. Before receiving a study visa, you must apply for university admission and pay fees that are sometimes non-refundable (according to university rules).
Read more: Studying Nursing in English in Germany: Is it possible?
How long does it take to issue a tourist visa?
The duration of issuing a tourist visa for most countries usually varies between two to six weeks. However, if you send your application during a busy time or if you have special conditions that require your documents to be checked more, this period will increase somewhat.
When applying for a tourist visa, it is better to present your documents completely and accurately and also pay attention to the date of your trip. Before sending the documents and applying for a visa, get the necessary information from the official website of the embassy or consulate of the country in question to prevent delays in processing your documents.
How long does it take to issue a business visa?
Issuance of business visas is usually faster than other types of visas and varies between two to four weeks. Business visa processing time is also faster for urgent business trips. However, it should be noted that this period is not fixed and it may take longer due to various factors such as the volume of requests, the need for more detailed examination of documents or special conditions.
To ensure faster processing of your business visa, it is better to submit the required documents accurately, completely and without defects with your application and if possible, take advantage of the expedited processing service. It is recommended to contact the relevant embassy or consulate before sending the documents to get detailed and up-to-date information about the visa processing process and time.
How long does it take to issue a student visa?
Issuance of student visas usually takes longer than business and tourist visas. This request normally varies between 6 and 12 weeks; Because its processing steps will include detailed review and validation of your documents. Due to the specific nature of the student visa, which requires verification of academic status, university admission, financial ability, and other related matters, you will need to wait more time for the documents to be reviewed and the visa issued.
Read more: Converting a student visa to a work visa in Germany, is that possible?
The duration of visa issuance according to the selected country
The visa issuance time is different in each country and according to its policies and processes. Countries consider different times for reviewing and approving visa applications according to their needs and conditions. Some countries issue visas within a few weeks or even a few days. While in other countries, this process will take more time.
Duration of German visa issuance
It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to process German visa applications from the time of interview with the German Embassy. In fact, you should start the necessary procedures for visa application about 4 to 5 months before traveling to Germany.
Thailand visa issuance period
This time for Thailand is about 5-10 working days after receiving the application for most applications and depending on the type of visa. Note that all required documents must be submitted completely and accurately. Tourist visas of this country are issued very quickly; But the duration of issuing work and study visas requires more time.
India visa issuance period
Processing time for Indian visa applications is 30 days from the date the application is accepted by BLS. However, in certain cases, it may take more than 30 days to process the application and issue the visa. Also note that the validity of the visa starts from the date of issuance and not from the date of entry into India.
Azerbaijan visa issuance period
Currently, Azerbaijan visa is only issued electronically. It usually takes 12 working days to receive Azerbaijan e-visa. However, the issuance of this country's visa depends on various factors, such as the speed of application processing and possible delays due to further investigations, and may take more than 12 days.
Indonesia visa issuance period
Indonesia visa processing time is between 3 and 5 working days; But it is recommended that you apply for a visa at least 2 weeks before your trip. The most requested Indonesian visa is to travel to Bali, which will take a maximum of 12 working days to process. This visa is valid for 2 months and you can stay in this country for 30 days.
The duration of issuing an invitation to enter Iran
It takes about 3 to 7 working days to process requests to issue an invitation to enter Iran. After this period, you can receive your reference number and receive your visa within two working days by going directly to the embassy. You can pay the visa fee in cash in Iran.
Duration of Singapore visa issuance
Your Singapore entry visa application will be processed within 3-5 working days (excluding shipping days, weekends and holidays). Some visa applications may take longer to process based on the applicant's requirements and the documents provided.
Duration of Dubai visa issuance
Processing time for Dubai visa applications is approximately 3-4 working days. Entry to the UAE is subject to the approval of the country's immigration department. All visas for entering Dubai are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. 96-hour and 48-hour visas that will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Philippine visa issuance period
Visa issuance for the Philippines takes between two and ten working days. The time required for visa processing depends on the number of applications at the embassy, the correct presentation of documents and your conditions, and based on these factors, the approximate time of visa issuance may be longer.
South Cyprus visa issuance period
The process of applying for a South Cyprus visa is the same as the process of issuing a Schengen visa and takes at least 15 working days.
Tajikistan visa issuance period
You will receive a Tajik visa only if your application is approved by the Tajik embassy. Issuance of online visa or e-visa verification of this country usually takes 3 to 5 days.
Japan visa issuance period
Japan has strict visa policies. Japan visa processing time varies according to the type of visa and the time of visa application, and it takes between 7 and 10 working days on average.
Kyrgyzstan visa issuance period
Kyrgyzstan visa can be received within 7 working days. However, if your application is urgent, you can apply for an urgent visa and receive your visa 3 days later. The application process for this country's visa is electronic and an electronic visa will be issued to you.
Oman visa issuance period
The entire process of applying for an Oman visa can be completed in just a few minutes. Oman visa applications are processed online and very fast and are issued within 48 hours of submitting the application.
How do we know that the visa has been issued?
After you have submitted your visa application, you can track it. Pursuing a visa application in different countries has different steps; Therefore, a general and uniform rule cannot be considered for following up the result of the request.
Some embassies inform applicants of the visa application response via email. The embassies of some countries have considered an online system to follow up on applications, and applicants can track the answer to their application through the system by entering the necessary information.
How to inquire about a Schengen visa
To receive a Schengen visa answer, applicants usually have to go to the agency or consulate in person; But if possible, you can request that the Schengen visa answer be sent to you by post or courier. If you have chosen SMS or email tracking services, tracking SMS will be sent to the mobile number and email entered in the visa application form.
Visa tracking with national code
There are usually different ways to track visa status, one of which is to use the national code. When you apply for a visa, you can use your national code to get various information such as when to receive a visa, how to inquire about the status of a visa, etc.
Note that the visa tracking does not affect the process of the case and you will only be informed of the status of your application. By visiting the website of the agency or embassy at any hour of the day and night, you can follow up on the visa with your national code. The advantage of this method is that you no longer need to visit the embassy and you can easily get the necessary information.
Visa tracking from vfs
VFS Global or Visa Application Center (VAC), with a team of experts and a safe environment, performs the process of receiving documents from applicants and identifying the identity and processing applications on behalf of the embassies. To use the services of this company, applicants must first make an appointment with the relevant unit from the embassy's website.
One of the valid methods of pursuing a visa is to use the services of VFS. Before visiting the VFS Global office, you can send the necessary information and documents to prepare your application by filling out the relevant form through communication channels. For example, information about fingerprint registration, facial photo and national identity verification are among the services that this company provides, and you can use this information later to follow up on your request.
Due to the need to register biometric information such as fingerprints and facial images, personal presence at the VFS Global office is mandatory. This company performs all the services related to receiving documents and sends the documents to the embassy, so that the information reaches the embassy without defects. Then it provides you with the complete process of processing the case.
The duration of follow-up visa response
The duration of follow-up for the visa answer is different according to the immigration laws in each country. In fact, the duration of follow-up for the visa answer and the way of visa inquiry depends on the destination country, the number of applicants and the follow-up method. On average, this period lasts about a month; But people should not expect to receive the result of their follow-up in a short time. In order to have accurate information, use the official and reliable website of the immigration organization of each country regarding the duration and procedure of following up the visa answer.
final word
The duration of visa issuance is always one of the most important concerns of travelers. The approximate time of issuing a visa depends on various factors, including the type of visa, the destination country, the applicant's conditions, and the volume of applications. Among the types of visas, tourist visas are issued faster; But the process of processing applications for business or study visas is longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to issue a visa?
The duration of visa issuance is different in each country and it will be between a few weeks for tourist visas and several months for study visas.
How long does it take to issue a study visa?
For the issuance of a study visa, the application processing process is a bit complicated and may take several months.
What factors affect the visa issuance time?
The type of visa, the time of application, the conditions of the applicant, the document review process and the destination country are factors that will affect the issuance time.
How long does it take to issue a tourist visa?
The time to issue this visa is shorter than other types and will be between a few days and a few weeks.
How to reduce the visa issuance time?
By providing complete, accurate and perfect documents and the help of experts, it is possible to reduce the issuance time.
Is it possible to speed up the visa issuance process?
There is no specific solution to speed up the visa issuance process; But if you provide your documents completely and accurately and submit your application during the reduced travel time, you will prevent delays in the processing of your case.
How many days is the Schengen visa issued?
Schengen visa issuance takes between two weeks and 60 days.
