Covid-19 Coronavirus

Immigration

At this time Ukraine Visa applications are being given priority. This may cause an increase in the processing times shown below for all other types of visa application.

Isle of Man Immigration Service Processing
Times – March 2024

The timeframes shown below are intended to provide an indication of how long applications may take. These timeframes are aims and not a guarantee. Whilst every effort is made to work to and exceed these aims, it is not always possible to meet these times, for example:

  • During periods of peak volumes
  • If the application is particularly complex
  • If further information is needed from the applicant
  • Where we rely upon third parties for information
  • Operational matters requiring Immigration Officers to be away from the office.

Therefore applicants should not book travel in anticipation of receiving a decision.

Processing times

  • All Health & Care visa applications* - 7 business days
  • Entry Clearance* - 75 business days (from receipt of application from UKVI)
  • Further and Indefinite Leave to Remain - 90 business days
  • Confirmation of Employment - 30 business days
  • Certificate of Sponsorship - 10 business days
  • Sponsor Licence Applications - 10 business days
  • Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies - 10 business days
  • Queries** - 10 to 20 business days

Processing times are calculated from the date of receipt of all required supporting documentation and the correct fee being paid.

*For applications that are made on-line via the UKVI, the processing times are from receipt of application by the IOM Immigration service. Details of the processing times prior to the application being sent to the IOM Immigration service can be found on the Gov.UK website.

For these on-line applications please note, the UK waiting time starts when you either:

  • Attend your appointment and provide your fingerprints and a (biometric information) at a visa application centre
  • Verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This will depend on the visa you apply for and you'll be advised if you can use this

**Queries

The Immigration Service is continuing to receive a high volume of applications and Officers are unable to provide running status updates on visa applications as our efforts are focused on the processing of the visa applications.

You may find it quicker to find the answer to most queries by clicking on one of the links below to the relevant page on our website:

Ukraine Visas and Immigration

On 3 May 2022, new Immigration Rules came into operation which formally set out the Island's Ukraine Scheme immigration routes under the new Appendix U: Ukraine Scheme. 

There are currently two routes for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine:  the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

Closure of Isle of Man Immigration seasonal worker route

Notice is given that from 9 November 2023 the 'Worker (Seasonal) Migrant' route has closed to new applicants.

This route was introduced in 2022 as a temporary route. It has been closed for a full review of the need for such a route, the requirements, its application and effectiveness.

All other Visa routes, including Worker Migrant, remain unaffected and operational.

Any Worker (Seasonal) Migrant visa applications made prior to 9 November 2023 will continue to be assessed as normal.

All Worker (Seasonal) Migrant visas that have already been issued will continue to be valid until their expiry date, and all existing conditions placed on them remain in place.

Anyone considering applying for a Worker (Seasonal) Migrant confirmation of Employment or Visa is encouraged to look at the requirements of the Worker Migrant route as an alternative.

At this time Ukraine Family Scheme Visa applications are being given priority. This may cause an increase in processing times for all other types of visa application.

Work

The Worker Migrant, Worker (Intra Company Transfer) Migrant and Worker (Seasonal) Migrant routes enable Isle of Man employers to employ non-settled workers to fill full time genuine vacancies on the Isle of Man that cannot be filled by a Settled Worker. The Work pages contain guidance for workers and employers along with the links to apply for these visas.

Visit

For those who want to visit the Isle of Man for a temporary period, (usually for up to 6 months), for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, carrying out a business activity, or undertaking a short course of study. The visit page contains further information including for those seeking to come to the Isle of Man to marry or form a civil partnership.

Business/ Invest

The current Business Migrant routes are Start-up and Innovator. These routes are for a person coming to the Isle of Man for business related reasons. The Isle of Man's Tier 1 routes; Investor, Entrepreneur & Graduate Engineer are now closed to new applications.

Settle

There are 5 routes you can apply under if you would like to settle in the Isle of Man: Entry clearance as a spouse or civil partner, Entry clearance as a family member, Spouse/Proposed Fiancé (6 months) Visa, Relative who'll provide long-term care for you, or Isle of Man/UK Ancestry.

Study

Study visas include our student routes and are for those wishing to study in the Isle of Man. Please see here for information on our Tier 4 (General) Student & Tier 4 (Child) Student visas along with Sponsor Licenses and Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

EU, EEA & Swiss

On 31 December 2020 free movement for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens ended and as such citizens of those countries who wish to live, work, settle or study in the Isle of Man fall within immigration control and will require an appropriate immigration status (visa). Please see here for information on the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Travel information

Please refer to this webpage if you have queries about travelling with an Isle of Man Immigration Status (a visa) within the UK or Common Travel Area. 

Visa forms & fees

These forms are for people already in the Isle of Man who wish to extend their stay. To apply for Entry Clearance visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Important information

The processing times for visa applications are estimates only. The processing of your application could be subject to processes and timescales of third parties over which we may have no control. The Treasury strongly advises against the booking of travel before an individual receives their grant of leave. The Treasury accepts no responsibility for travel booked by applicants that cannot be fulfilled due to their visa application not being considered before they are due to travel.

The Treasury recommends that you do not purchase tickets or make bookings which cannot be cancelled, prior to the issuance of a visa, except where it is a specific requirement stated as part of the visa application, in which case open tickets should be obtained.

The Isle of Man Immigration Service are regulators for immigration services in the Isle of Man. Accordingly, its officers are unable to give advice on immigration matters as this could result in a conflict of interest when considering an application which might be made.

The information contained within this immigration website is intended as a general guide only and should not be taken as immigration advice.

It is the responsibility of any person making an application for entry clearance or to vary their leave to satisfy themselves that they meet the requirements for the category to which they are applying before making such an application. The Isle of Man Immigration Service strongly recommends each applicant seeks their own independent legal advice from a person qualified to give immigration advice.

Information on Isle of Man Advocates who specialise in immigration law can be found on the Isle of Man Law Society website.

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