Residence permit delay · the UK

Direct answer

Yes. Immigration authorities have legal decision deadlines (typically 3–6 months, sometimes longer for specific permits). After the deadline you can send a formal notice of default and, in many countries, claim a penalty or go to court to force a decision. Write to UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) (0300 790 6268) with the file number and the date of application, ask for the reason and the expected date; if there is no answer, Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman / Parliamentary Ombudsman (0300 061 0614) takes complaints about administrative delay; Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres (0345 345 4 345) files the court action, free below an income threshold. Meanwhile, ask for the certificate that proves your application is pending — it keeps you lawful.

Call firstUK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)

Report toLocal Government & Social Care Ombudsman / Parliamentary Ombudsman

If that failsCivil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres

🗣️ What to say

"Application [file number] for [permit] submitted on [date]. The legal deadline of [months] expired on [date]. I give you formal notice to decide within [14 days / the legal period]. Please confirm my lawful stay meanwhile and issue a certificate of pending application."

🪜 Step by step

Know the deadlineIt is in the law for each permit type; Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres or a migrant-support organisation tells you the exact one.
Certificate of pending applicationAsk for it in writing — it lets you stay, and often work, while you wait.
Notice of defaultAfter the deadline: a formal letter with the file number. Registered mail or the online portal.
Complain: Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman / Parliamentary OmbudsmanOmbudsmen handle systemic delays and can push a file.
Court: Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresAn action to compel a decision is usually fast and often ends with the permit being issued before the hearing.

📇 All contacts

UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)Visas, settlement, citizenship applicationsFor residence and citizenship📞 0300 790 6268 🔗 www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman / Parliamentary OmbudsmanComplaints about councils and government departments, freeWhen a public body does not answer or acts unfairly📞 0300 061 0614 🔗 www.lgo.org.uk

Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresLegal aid on low income, free adviceWhen you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0345 345 4 345 🔗 www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

Administrative Court — judicial review / First-tier TribunalJudicial review (3-month limit) and tribunalsWithin the deadline on the decision🔗 www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals

❓ Frequently asked

Can I travel while it is pending?

Risky. Leaving may count as withdrawal in some countries, and re-entry needs a visa or a return document. Ask UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) in writing before booking.

Can I work while waiting?

Depends on the permit type and the country; a renewal usually keeps the existing right, a first application often does not. The certificate states it.

They asked for documents I already sent

Send them again with a covering note listing the dates you sent them before. It is faster than arguing and it documents the delay.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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