§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the current average processing time is for immigration applications requesting leave to remain indefinitely. [116580]
§ Mrs. RocheThe time taken to process an application for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom is affected by a number of factors, including the complexity of individual cases. Over 70 per cent, of all after-entry casework, which includes applications for indefinite leave to remain, is now completed within two weeks of receipt. Applications where further inquiries are needed may take considerably longer. However, streamlined procedures have been introduced throughout the Integrated Casework Directorate to speed up the consideration of all applications, and these processes are regularly reviewed.