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Submit your complaint →Indian student Shyam P.S. faces a prolonged delay in his UK student visa application for Teesside University’s September 2025 intake despite applying under the Priority category. Learn what to do if your UK visa is delayed, how to escalate through UKVI and VFS Global, and what rights international students have.
Complaint Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Shyam P.S. |
| Not disclosed | |
| Company/Organization | VFS Global / UKVI |
| Complaint Type | Delay in Visa Processing |
| Service Type | UK Student Visa (Priority Category) |
| University | Teesside University, UK |
| Intake Session | September 2025 |
| Issue Description | Despite applying under the priority category 30 days ago and completing biometrics and interview, no update has been received from UKVI. |
| Date of Incident | Ongoing (September–October 2025) |
| Company’s Response | Application still “under process”; no timeline shared |
| Source | Verified LinkedIn Post by Complainant |
Full Complaint Narrative
Complainant: Mr. Shyam P.S.
Issue: Prolonged delay in UK student visa processing
Platform: Public LinkedIn Post (13 hours ago)
Indian student Shyam P.S. has raised serious concerns regarding the delay in his UK Student Visa (Tier 4) application, despite having opted for the Priority Processing Service, which usually guarantees a decision within 5 to 10 working days.
Mr. Shyam submitted his application over 30 days ago for the September 2025 intake at Teesside University, but he has yet to receive any decision or communication from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
He explained that:
- He completed biometrics promptly and attended a visa interview as requested.
- Despite multiple follow-ups with UKVI and VFS Global, he received the same response: “Your application is still under process.”
- The delay has forced him to reschedule his flights twice, causing financial loss and emotional distress.
- His university enrollment deadline (17 October 2025) is approaching fast, putting his academic future at risk.
The complainant requested urgent assistance from VFS Global and UKVI to either expedite the decision or provide a clear status update, expressing his distress and uncertainty over the situation.
Understanding the Issue: Priority Visa Delays
The UK Priority Visa Service, managed by UKVI (Home Office) and facilitated through VFS Global, promises faster decisions for additional service fees (around ₹25,000–₹30,000). However, delays have become increasingly common in 2025 due to:
- High student visa volumes before intake deadlines.
- Security and background verifications taking longer.
- Staff shortages or document verification delays at UKVI.
- Administrative backlogs post-interview or due to case escalation reviews.
In Shyam’s case, despite fulfilling every procedure, the delay undermines the very purpose of the Priority Service, causing both academic and financial hardship.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com acts as a consumer advocacy and complaint amplification platform that highlights genuine public grievances to increase accountability and ensure fair treatment for affected individuals.
In cases like this, we:
- Help students escalate delayed visa complaints to the UKVI Resolution Hub and British High Commission.
- Draft professional representation letters to universities for deadline extensions.
- Publish verified cases to create public awareness and pressure on agencies like VFS Global and UKVI.
- Guide affected applicants on compensation claims for service delays where premium fees were charged.
Our mission is to ensure that no student loses their education opportunity due to administrative inefficiency.
Applicable Legal and Regulatory Avenues
| Authority/Platform | Purpose | Action You Can Take |
|---|---|---|
| UKVI (Home Office, UK) | Official visa decision-making authority | File complaint about delay via online feedback form |
| VFS Global | Application submission & tracking partner | Escalate unresolved priority cases through their helpline |
| British High Commission, New Delhi | Diplomatic escalation for urgent student cases | Submit written representation via email |
| Teesside University International Office | Deadline flexibility & sponsor letter extensions | Request revised CAS validity or reporting |
| Choice4Voice.com | Advocacy & publication for awareness | Submit complaint for public coverage and support |
Step-by-Step Guide to Escalate a Delayed UK Visa Application
Step 1: Contact UKVI Directly
Visit the UKVI Contact Centre at https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y.
Use your GWF number and select “Priority Visa Delay” as the issue.
Request an update or escalation and retain the email confirmation.
Step 2: Escalate via VFS Global
Email: feedback@vfsglobal.com
Include your GWF number, biometrics date, and payment reference.
Clearly mention that you paid for priority service but have crossed 30 days with no response.
Step 3: Write to the British High Commission
Address:
Visa Section – British High Commission
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Email: public.enquiries@fco.gov.uk
Attach your supporting documents and explain that the delay could result in missing your university reporting deadline.
Step 4: Inform the University
Contact Teesside University’s International Admissions Team at international.admissions@tees.ac.uk and explain the delay with a request for CAS validity or enrollment extension.
Step 5: Submit to Choice4Voice.com
Visit https://choice4voice.com and submit your case for visibility, advocacy, and direct public escalation.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Template – UKVI/VFS Global
Subject: Urgent – 30-Day Delay in UK Priority Student Visa (Teesside University, GWFXXXXXXXX)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to raise concern over my UK student visa application (GWFXXXXXXXX) submitted under the Priority Service category on [Date]. It has been over 30 days since submission, but I have not received any update regarding the decision.
I have already completed biometrics and attended the visa interview as requested. Despite multiple follow-ups, I am repeatedly informed that my application is still “under process.” My course enrollment deadline is 17 October 2025, and further delay may cause academic loss.
Kindly expedite my case or provide a written update at the earliest.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Passport Number]
[University Name]
[Contact Details]
LinkedIn Source
Original Post: Shyam P.S. on LinkedIn (13 hours ago)
Author
Complainant: Shyam P.S.
Verified LinkedIn Complaint Post
Frequently Asked Questions (Detailed Q&A)
1. How long does a UK Priority Student Visa normally take?
A Priority Visa typically takes 5–10 working days from the date of biometrics. However, during peak university seasons (August–October), delays may extend up to 30 days due to high application volumes or additional verification.
2. What should I do if my Priority Visa is delayed beyond 15 working days?
Contact UKVI immediately using your GWF number through their feedback or escalation form. Keep copies of every follow-up as proof. If no update after 7 days, email VFS Global with all supporting details.
3. Can I request a refund for Priority Service if my visa decision is delayed?
Yes, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund if UKVI fails to process your application within the advertised timeframe and no “valid reason” (like security checks) applies.
4. What are the official contact points for delayed visa cases?
- UKVI: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y
- VFS Global Feedback: feedback@vfsglobal.com
- British High Commission: public.enquiries@fco.gov.uk
5. What documents should I attach while following up?
Attach your GWF reference, passport copy, biometric acknowledgment, visa fee receipt, and email history of previous communications.
6. Can my university help if the visa is delayed?
Yes. Most UK universities, including Teesside University, can extend CAS validity or delay enrollment dates if you provide evidence of visa processing delays.
7. Does a delay mean my visa is likely to be refused?
Not necessarily. Many genuine applications face delays due to administrative backlogs. However, if additional checks are being done, UKVI will contact you directly for documents or clarification.
8. Can I contact the British High Commission directly about my case?
Yes. You can write to the Visa Section at the British High Commission in your country, attaching proof of urgency and academic deadlines.
9. Are student visa delays common in 2025?
Yes. Following a surge in applications for the September 2025 intake, UKVI reported significant backlogs, particularly in India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
10. What happens if I miss my university enrollment deadline?
If you miss the official reporting date, your CAS may be withdrawn, and you might have to defer your admission to the next intake. Always coordinate with your university’s admission office.
11. How can Choice4Voice.com assist me in such cases?
Choice4Voice.com provides awareness, visibility, and escalation support by highlighting your verified complaint online. We help you connect with the right authorities and create digital pressure for action.
12. Is there any government portal in India to report such issues?
You may contact MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) via https://madad.gov.in for guidance related to foreign visa delays impacting Indian citizens.
13. How can I track my visa application status?
You can check the latest status through the VFS Global tracking portal or the UKVI email notifications sent to your registered address.
14. Can I cancel my application and reapply?
You may withdraw your application anytime before a decision is made, but the visa fee is non-refundable. Priority service charges are also usually non-refundable once processing begins.
15. What is the difference between Priority and Super Priority Visa services?
- Priority Visa: 5–10 working days.
- Super Priority Visa: Decision within 1–2 days after biometrics.
Both are paid services, but neither guarantees a specific date due to possible background checks.
16. Does attending a visa interview delay processing?
Yes, sometimes. If additional interview verification is needed, processing may extend until the review is completed and verified by UKVI officers.
17. Can I seek legal remedy for excessive delay?
In extreme cases causing monetary loss or career damage, you may approach Consumer Courts in India for refund claims if VFS failed to honor its service-level agreement.
18. What should I mention when emailing VFS Global?
Include:
- Your GWF number
- Full name as per passport
- Biometrics date
- Category (Student Visa – Priority)
- A clear statement that your case exceeds the standard processing period.
19. How long can I wait before escalating to media or public advocacy platforms?
If you’ve waited 30 days without an update, it’s advisable to go public through trusted advocacy platforms like Choice4Voice.com to attract quick response from the relevant authorities.
20. How to ensure my next visa application is processed faster?
- Apply early (minimum 6 weeks before intake).
- Submit all required documents upfront.
- Avoid errors in CAS or financial proof.
- Keep communication with university open for real-time support.
