Have you ever tried tracking your UK visa application and felt lost without a guide? The GWF number is a mystery for many applicants. But don’t worry. In this post, we’ll share what it is, where you find it, and how to use it to check your UK visa status.
Our step-by-step complete guidelines for the UK Visa Track GWF Number and the authority links will help you know your status within a minute. We also share two more ways (online telephone number, and email address) to know the UK visa application status. So, No more second-guessing or endless waiting. Let’s get started.
What is a GWF Number?
You’re applying for a UK visa and don’t know the importance of the Global Web Form (GWF) number can’t happen. Yes, it’s true for most applicants. But, there are a few who rarely know about it. So, first, let us help you know about the GWF Number. The GWF number is commonly known as the UK visa reference number. It is like your visa application’s unique ID.
To easily understand, think of it as a unique code that helps the UK authorities identify you and process your visa amidst thousands of others.
Now, the burning question: How and when do you get this number?
The moment you submit your online visa application, the system generates a unique GWF number for you. It’s typically provided in your application confirmation email. Or if you apply in person, you get it on the receipt. After getting your GWF number, keep this number safe and handy. Why?
Because you’ll need it for various purposes. You can track uk visa application with gwf which is one of the purposes of this number.
How Do You Identify Which Is The GWF Number of Your UK visa?
It’s simple. There are two ways to identify your GWF number.
- You find there’s a 9-digit (GWFxxxxxxxxx) unique number in your application form at the bottom of your name.
- And if you get it through email, keep in mind the number of characters (9). Check the email that is sent from the UKVI and most cases you get it there.
Tracking UK Visa with GWF Number
You are ready to track your UK visa application and shed that cloak of uncertainty. Right?
With your GWF number in hand, you’re just a few steps away from clarity. Here’s how you can check uk visa tracking gwf number, step by step:
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials
There’s not any paperwork for this. You just need two pieces of information as the essentials.
- Your GWF number
- Your last name
Got them? Great, let’s move on
Step 2: Visit the Official Tracking Portal
Head over to the official UK visa tracking website vfs.global by clicking this link.
Tip: Bookmark this site; you might want to visit it more than once.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
Now, you’ll find a section prompting you for your GWF number. Punch it in carefully and ensure no typos. Enter your last name too. Then, verify you are a human, ticking the “I’m not a robot” captcha.
Step 4: Click “Submit”
There are two buttons labeled “Submit” and “Reset”. Click the submit button and hold some patience. Your visa status like; “Received, Processing, Under consideration, Approved, or Refused” will pop up on the screen within a minute.
Note: The above official link will only work if you apply for the UK visa and put the correct GWF number and applicant’s last name. Otherwise, it won’t work.
Understand Your UK Visa Status
After submitting your details, it shows you different visa status. But what’s that mean? What should you do getting which status? They are also important to know to avoid confusion. Let’s see the below table and informed about them
| UK visa application status type | What it mean | What should you do |
| Received | The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office just received your application. It is under processing and checking to complete. | Just wait. Here you have nothing to do. |
| Processing | Seeing the “Processing” status informs you that UKVI still processes it based on your visa type. | Just wait. Here you have nothing to do. |
| Under Consideration | You can see the “Under Consideration” status when it has already passed the checking process verifying your info. | It’s a good sign that you will get your visa. You can be a bit happy. |
| Approved | If UKVI accepts your application, you will see the “approved” status. | You can get ready to fly, managing all the things. |
| Refused/Rejected | If UKVI rejects your application for a UK visa, you may unfortunately see the status “refused”. | You can appeal for their decision. Get ready for this. We’ll discuss it later. |
UK Visa Application Status
“Okay, I understand the process of knowing my UK visa application status with GWF number. What if I want to know the status any other way?” Good question.
Yes, there are two ways to know your visa status except gfw. You can contact their official support center or send email. Let’s learn how to do this.
Method 1: Call UK Visas and Immigration
If you want to talk 1-1 and know the UK visa application status, it’s best to contact them via phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for this.
- Browse the UKVI contact center website from your mobile’s, tab’s or laptop’s Chrome extension.
- There, you can see it’s written, “Phone us.” click on it, and the link will lead you to a page “What do you need help with?”.
- On this page, you can see 10 options. Click on “Viewing and proving your immigration status, right to work or right to rent online.”
- Then click the “next step” button.
- Now you’ll reach the contact center of UK Visas and Immigration.
- From here, you get two telephone numbers.
- If you choose +44 (0)300 790 6268 numbers, then after dialing, select option 3.
- If you can’t dial 0300 numbers, choose this number: +44 (0)203 875 4669.
- Then, complete your conversation and know your UK visa status.
But, here’s a catch. This line isn’t free; you have to pay for it. Visit here to know the cost.
Note: They are available from 8 am to 8.30 pm, Monday to Friday. If you want to contact Saturday and Sunday, the time range is from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. And these are the UK local time. They are closed on bank holidays.
Method 2: Know You Visa Status Via Email
There are lots of people who love to connect via email rather than talk. If you are one of them, then there’s also an option. But, still, it is also a paid way. To do that,
- Again, browse the UKVI contact center website from your Chrome extension.
- This time, Press the “start” button instead of “phone us”. By clicking the “start” button, you’ll reach the next page of this process.
- Now, you have to select what type of help you need by clicking “General Enquiry,” “Refund,” or “Technical Support”.
- As you want to know your visa status, click “General Enquiry.”
- Now fill up the form providing 13 kinds of information, from email language to billing country.
- In the middle, you get a box to write your enquiry. Write the purpose of your inquiry, like “I want to know my UK visa status.”
- Next, press the “Continue” button, and it will take you to the payment page, where you must pay the email fees of 2.74 GBP.
- Though the authority says that it takes 5 working days to get a reply from them informing you about your visa status. But, in most cases, you will get the reply within 24-48 hours.
Note: If you need future inquiries for the issue, you can reply to the existing email. But, this time, it’s free.
UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics
Above, we talked about the process of knowing your UK visa application status. Also, we inform you that the status can vary from received to refused. But, many of you may be unfortunate to get the status “approved” when trying. And as you are a human, you feel a bit frustrated seeing this.
So, again, we want to inform you about the average time of UK visa processing time. It gives you a feeling of relaxation if you see the status “Received,” “Processing,” or “Under Consideration.”
According to the official website of GOV.UK, it takes at least 3 weeks to approve most of the visas. However, the visas from the family category need around 24 weeks, except for “Homes for Ukraine” and “Ukraine Family Scheme.” So, if your UK visa application time is less than 3 weeks, there’s nothing to worry about. Hopefully, your visa will be approved within this time.
What To Do If Your UK Visa Rejected?
Sometimes, your luck isn’t in your favor. After checking the application status, you may find your visa is “Refused” or “Rejected.” It may hurt you to think, “why is my visa refused?”. It’s okay to feel like this, but don’t panic. Because you can make a request against it
You can write a letter about why you think their decision was wrong. You can also refer to some rules or policy in your application’s favor that makes your claim bold that they were wrong.
So, now the question: where to get the address to send the letter? You get the address on your decision letter.
Tips: The earlier, the better. Write your request letter within 14 days of getting the final decision that your visa is refused. Also, remember you can send the request one time.
The Importance of Knowing Your UK Visa Application Status
Understanding the status of your application isn’t just a formality. It’s crucial for multiple reasons. Let’s delve into why knowing the UK visa application status is significant.
- Stay Informed: The visa application process can be nerve-wracking. But regularly checking your status can reassure you that your application is progressing from received to under consideration, processing, or approved.
- Plan Ahead: Once you know the status, it helps you to plan your future, especially budgeting better. For example, if you know your visa approval is around the corner, you can keep aside the cost of housing or the daily expenses.
- Inform Stakeholders: If you’re moving for work or study, your employers or educational institutions will appreciate timely updates. It helps them plan on their end, building trust from the outset.
- Emotional Readiness: The transition to a new country is as emotional as it is logistical. Knowing your visa status can help you mentally prepare for this new chapter. Be it excitement, nostalgia, or a mix of both.
- Avoiding Losses: If, unfortunately, there’s an indication of a refusal, you can be prepared to write a request letter. Or reconsider certain non-refundable expenses, like flight bookings.
FAQs
How can I track my UK visa from Bangladesh?
No matter if you are from Bangladesh or any other countries. VFS Global is the official website from where you can track your UK visa status by entering your GWF number and last name.
Can I track my UK visa application status?
Absolutely! You can track your UK visa application status any time from anywhere. There are mainly three ways to check the visa status. Such as
- With your GWF number
- Through phone call
- Through email
Among them, checking the status with your GWF number is the earliest, simplest, and fastest.
Conclusion
The UK visa application status isn’t just a piece of information. It’s a compass guiding you through a significant life transition. It’s about being proactive, prepared, and at peace. So, whether you’re an adventurer, a dreamer, a professional, or a student, staying updated is the key to unlocking a smooth journey to the UK. Knowledge is power and we empower you with this guide about UK Visa Track GWF Number.
No more wandering in the dark, wondering about your visa status. You’ve got the reins now. Track confidently and stay informed. Safe travels!
