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
55 days
Typical range: 19–120 days
Fastest: 5 days
981 reports (209 with timing data)
Renewal
~3 months
Typical range: 17–150 days
Fastest: 2 days
809 reports (177 with timing data)
The Verdict
Based on community data, Initial Application is faster with a median of 55 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 55 days, while Renewal has a median of ~3 months.
Where does this data come from?
Our comparison data comes from community reports shared across online forums, plus direct user submissions. Each report includes specific dates and is assigned a confidence level.
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