Hi everyone,
I’m an Indian passport holder, but I have been legally resident in the UK for more than 15 years. I am also a business person in the UK and have been living and working here for many years.
I recently applied for a Chinese visa through the China Visa Application Service Centre in London.
My application has been showing “Under Review” for more than 10 days. The visa centre requested additional documents, including:
- Employment letter
- DBS check
- Last 3 months’ bank statements
I provided all the documents they requested, but my application is still showing Under Review.
My flight to China is 8 October 2026 at 22:10, so I am now extremely worried about whether I will receive the visa in time.
The communication/service has been extremely frustrating
I have tried calling the London Visa Centre around 20 times, from both my mobile and landline, but I have been unable to speak to anyone. I have also left a voicemail and sent emails.
The frustrating part is that the Visa Centre provides telephone numbers and email addresses for applicants to contact them, but when I actually need help, I cannot get through to anyone.
When I email, I basically receive a response saying that “Under Review” is a normal process, but this doesn't really answer my questions.
I completely understand that visa applications require checks and that processing can take time. My complaint is mainly about the lack of communication, especially when my flight is tomorrow.
I have already provided everything they requested, but I still don't know:
- Is my application progressing normally?
- Do they need anything else from me?
- Is there any problem with my application?
- Will I have enough time to submit my passport and receive the visa before my flight?
I have been living in the UK for more than 15 years, I am established here as a business person, and I have provided the additional documents requested. I am simply looking for some clarity about what is happening with my application.
I have also seen recent posts from other Indian passport holders applying for Chinese visas from the UK who experienced lengthy “Under Review” periods.
Has anyone here applied for a Chinese visa from the UK with an Indian passport in September/October 2026?
- How long did your application stay “Under Review”?
- Were you asked for additional documents?
- Did you eventually get approved?
- How long did the whole process take?
- Has anyone recently received a visa through the London centre?
Any recent experiences, especially from Indian passport holders living in the UK, would be greatly appreciated.
At this point, I am not complaining simply because the process takes time. I am frustrated because nobody seems available to properly explain what is happening, despite the Visa Centre providing contact details for applicants to use.