Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2002. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 31 January 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average period of time taken to process a visa application from a person seeking to study in the UK was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average period of time taken to process a visa application from a person seeking to study in the UK was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [31223] Mr. Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply. We do not record separate statistics on processing times for visa applications received from students. They are included in the visitors category. Straightforward applications from students and other visitors would normally be processed within 24 hours. During 2001 on average 94 per cent. of straightforward applications received were processed within 24 hours.

Secondary information