How long does the visa processing time take after an interview, and can it be approved sooner than expected?

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Update and question please 
Hi everyone, just looking for some clarification and to vent a little too! 😅

I posted yesterday about being asked to attend an interview in London for my visa application. Since I live on an island near London (not in it), I had to book a last-minute flight last night and hotel just to attend — which cost me over £400.

✅ I attended the interview — it lasted about 5 minutes.

Now, I’ve received a follow-up email.

My questions are:

• Does the 10-working-day processing time start from today (the day of the interview)?

• Is there any chance it could be approved before the 10 days? And I will be able to go on the 24th?

When I applied on the 5th of September, I was then asked for proof of flights to Thailand, which I then booked and provided — my flight is on the 24th of September. I honestly thought that would leave plenty of time.

Before anyone asks — no, the flight isn’t flexible (my fault, I know). But it still feels crazy that it might take this long, especially after attending in person.

Feeling a bit stressed and deflated after all the effort and cost involved just to be left waiting 😞

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on the processing time for their visa application after attending a 5-minute interview in London, which required significant travel expense. They are anxious about whether the processing time starts from the interview date and if there’s a chance of approval before their booked flight on September 24th. Community responses suggest patience with the process, checking the online status of the application, and advice on travel plans given the tight timeline.

James ******** · Answer

Stay where you are until the decision is known... period 🩸

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You didn’t have to buy the flight.

I’ll cross my fingers for you.

Steve ****** · Answer

You should be okay. Has it gone to pending approval on the website?

Greg ******** · Answer

Hopefully as you had an interview the process is a little faster. As I said yours was the first interview I had heard of in London. Good luck anyway and hope it all works out.

Paul ******** · Answer

Sometimes the proverbial patience of Job is required in dealing with bureaucracy.  Such an effort and expense for a 5 min interview. I hope you satisfied them.

Suggest you fly as plan on 24/9 and enter the Kingdom on a visa exempt permit.

Do a border run to activate your DTV when it is issued.

DTV_Be******* · Answer

On their website, they recommend applying 4 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.  You gave yourself 2.5 weeks.

How long does the visa processing time take after an interview, and can it be approved sooner than expected?

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