Initial Application vs Renewal: Which Is Faster?
Compare AIMA processing times for initial residence card applications versus renewals. See which type gets processed faster based on community data.
Initial Application
60 days
Typical range: 30–167 days
Fastest: 6 days
171 reports (66 with timing data)
Renewal
~3 months
Typical range: 21–141 days
Fastest: 2 days
201 reports (73 with timing data)
The Verdict
Based on community data, Initial Application is faster with a median of 60 days, compared to ~3 months for Renewal. Individual results may vary depending on visa type and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster: Initial Application or Renewal?
Based on our data, Initial Application has a median processing time of 60 days, while Renewal has a median of ~3 months.
Where does this data come from?
Our comparison data comes from community reports shared on Reddit and Nomad Gate, plus direct user submissions. Each report includes specific dates and is assigned a confidence level.
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