Applying for a spouse visa is often an emotional and exciting process, as it represents the opportunity for couples to reunite and start a new life together. However, many applicants worry about how long it will take for their visa to be approved. One common question is: Do holidays affect spouse visa processing times?
The short answer is yes, public holidays and peak holiday seasons can influence how quickly your application is processed. In this blog, we will explain why, how it can affect your timeline, and what you can do to avoid unnecessary delays.
Understanding Spouse Visa Processing Times
Before diving into how holidays impact processing, it’s important to understand what affects visa timelines in general. The processing time for a spouse visa can vary based on:
- Country of application – Different embassies and immigration offices have varying workloads.
- Completeness of documents – Missing or incorrect information can cause delays.
- Background checks – Security and verification processes take time.
- Workload of the immigration office – The number of applications currently being processed impacts the speed.
Most immigration authorities provide an estimated processing time. However, this estimate assumes normal working conditions, not accounting for reduced operations during public holidays or peak festive seasons.
How Holidays Can Affect Processing Times
Public holidays can slow down the spouse visa process in several ways:
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Reduced Working Days
Government offices, embassies, and visa processing centers often close on public holidays. Even if the holiday lasts just a day or two, it can cause a backlog of applications. When staff return, they must handle both the pending workload and the new applications that arrived during the break.
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Peak Travel Seasons
Holidays like Christmas, New Year, Eid, Diwali, or national celebrations often see a surge in visa applications. Many people plan to travel during these periods, which increases the workload for immigration officers. As a result, your application may take longer than usual.
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Courier and Mail Delays
If your application involves sending documents physically, postal and courier services may also have slower delivery schedules during holidays. This can delay the receipt and verification of your paperwork.
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Staff Shortages
During holiday periods, many staff members take personal leave. This reduced workforce can slow down internal processing steps, from background checks to final approvals.
Examples of Holidays That May Impact Processing
While the impact varies depending on the country, some global and local holidays that commonly because delays include:
- Christmas and New Year’s holidays (late December to early January)
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (dates vary each year based on the Islamic calendar)
- Chinese New Year (late January or February)
- Diwali (October or November, depending on the Hindu calendar)
- National Days (e.g., Australia Day, Canada Day, Independence Day)
- Golden Week in Japan
- Bank holidays in the UK and Europe
If your application period overlaps with these dates, you should be prepared for potential delays.
Tips to Minimize Delays During Holiday Periods
Even though you can’t control public holidays, you can take steps to reduce the impact on your spouse visa application:
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Apply Early
If you know a major holiday season is approaching, submit your application well in advance. For example, if you want to travel in December, consider applying several months before to avoid the Christmas rush.
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Ensure Your Application Is Complete
Double-check your documents before submission. Missing paperwork can cause additional delays, especially if follow-up requests happen during a holiday period.
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Use Online Submission Where Possible
Many immigration authorities offer online application portals. Submitting online can help avoid delays caused by postal services and ensures your application reaches the office instantly.
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Track Public Holidays in the Destination Country
Research the public holiday calendar of the country processing your spouse visa. This helps you plan your submission timeline strategically.
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Stay Updated with Immigration Announcements
Immigration departments often publish notices about office closures and processing delays during festive periods. Staying informed allows you to set realistic expectations.
Managing Expectations During the Wait
Waiting for a spouse visa can be stressful, especially when delays occur. To reduce anxiety:
- Avoid last-minute travel bookings until you have your visa.
- Keep communication open with your partner so both of you understand the possible delays.
- Check official processing updates on the immigration authority’s website rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Remember, holidays may cause only a minor delay in some cases, while in others, they could extend the wait by several weeks.
Final Thoughts:
So, do holidays impact spouse visa processing time? Yes, they can — sometimes significantly, depending on the type and timing of the holiday. Public holidays often lead to fewer working days, higher application volumes, and slower courier services, all of which contribute to processing delays.
If you plan ahead, submit complete documents, and account for holiday periods in your timeline, you can minimize the impact and improve your chances of getting your visa approved without unnecessary stress.
Planning early is the best way to ensure that a public holiday doesn’t stand between you and your reunion with your loved one.
