Written question asked by Anne Campbell (Labour) on Monday, 8 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 September 2003. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 September 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how long it takes for an international student visa to be issued.

Answer: Mrs. Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how long it takes for an international student visa to be issued. [129425] Mr. Mullin: Visa sections at our overseas posts aim to resolve student applications for entry clearance within 24 hours, However, if the applicant requires an interview, this can delay the resolution of the application. We normally aim to offer an interview within 10 days. However, applicants may face longer queues in some individual posts where security or other factors mean that we are unable to offer the level of service that we would like.

Secondary information