Why does immigration take so long?

Published: 20 Nov 2024Updated: 13 Jan 2026

Navigating the immigration process can be a daunting task, especially when it feels like it’s taking forever. Many people find themselves stuck in a maze of paperwork, waiting for approvals, and facing unexpected setbacks. So, why does immigration take so long? The secret behind the delays often lies in not knowing the process, lacking the right forms, filling out forms incorrectly, or failing to meet requirements due to inconsistent and outdated information. In this blog post, we’ll explore these common pitfalls and how they contribute to prolonged immigration times - and how Issa can help you avoid them entirely.

Not Knowing the Process

Understanding the visa application process is crucial for a smooth and timely experience. However, many applicants are unaware of the specific steps required, leading to unnecessary delays.

The Complexity of the Process:

  • Multiple Steps: Immigration processes often involve multiple steps, including submitting applications, attending interviews, and providing additional documentation. Missing or misunderstanding any of these steps can cause significant delays.
  • Changing Regulations: Immigration laws and regulations can change frequently. Staying updated with the latest requirements is essential, yet many applicants are caught off guard by recent changes, causing further delays.

How Issa helps:

  • Simple Instructions: Issa breaks down the entire process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you know exactly what to do at each stage.
  • Real-Time Updates: The app provides real-time updates on the latest regulations, so you’re always working with the most current information.

Lacking the Right Forms

One of the most common reasons for immigration delays is the lack of correct forms. Many applicants start the process with incomplete or outdated forms, leading to rejections and resubmissions.

Common Form-Related Issues:

  • Outdated Forms: Using outdated forms can result in immediate rejections. Immigration authorities require the most recent versions of forms, which are often updated without notice.
  • Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents or incomplete forms can delay the application process significantly. Without all the required paperwork, your application cannot move forward.

How Issa helps:

  • Up-to-Date Forms: Issa ensures that you always have the correct, most up-to-date forms at your fingertips.
  • Guided Form Filling: The app guides you through each form, ensuring that all necessary sections are completed and no documents are missing.

Filling Out Forms Incorrectly

Even if you have the right forms, filling them out incorrectly can result in significant delays. Immigration forms are often complex and require careful attention to detail.

Common Mistakes:

  • Incorrect Information: Simple errors, such as misspelled names or wrong passport numbers, can lead to application rejections.
  • Incomplete Sections: Leaving sections blank or providing insufficient information can cause your application to be returned for corrections.

How Issa helps:

  • Error-Free Applications: Issa’s intuitive interface checks your entries in real-time, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring your forms are filled out correctly.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: The app offers step-by-step guidance to help you complete each form with confidence.

Not Meeting Requirements (Without Knowing What They Are)

One of the biggest challenges in the immigration process is meeting all the visa requirements, especially when they are not clearly communicated.

The Challenge of Unclear Requirements:

  • Vague Instructions: Immigration requirements can sometimes be vague or difficult to understand, leaving applicants unsure of what is needed.
  • Hidden Criteria: Some requirements may not be explicitly stated in the application guidelines, leading to surprises later in the process.

How Issa helps:

  • Clear Requirements: Issa clearly outlines all the visa requirements upfront, so you know exactly what’s needed.
  • Tailored Checklists: The app provides personalized checklists based on your specific situation, ensuring you meet all criteria before submission.

Inconsistent and Outdated Information

One of the most frustrating aspects of the immigration process is dealing with inconsistent or outdated information. This can lead to confusion and delays as you try to piece together the correct steps.

The Problem with Information Sources:

  • Outdated Information: Some sources may not be updated regularly, leading applicants to follow old guidelines that no longer apply.
  • Inconsistent Guidelines: Different sources may provide conflicting information, making it difficult to know which instructions to follow.

How Issa helps:

  • Consistent Information: Issa is regularly updated with the latest immigration guidelines, ensuring that you always have access to accurate and consistent information.
  • Straightforward UI: The app’s straightforward UI makes it easy to find the information you need, without the confusion of conflicting sources.

Understanding why immigration takes so long is the first step toward streamlining your application process. By knowing the process, having the right forms, filling them out correctly, meeting all requirements, and accessing consistent information, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to secure your visa. Issa solves all of these issues by providing all the necessary information and processes in simple instructions and steps within a straightforward interface, allowing you to complete and fill out your application in just 2 minutes. With Issa, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother, faster immigration journey to Thailand.


Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 62 682 6204 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.

Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.