The UK Home Office now allows applicants to fast-track decisions on visa or settlement (indefinite leave to remain) applications. If you are applying in the UK, you might able to request a ‘priority service’ to receive a decision within 5 working days or a ‘super priority service’ for a decision on the next working day. The eligibility criteria for these services depends on the type of visa you are applying for and where you are applying from.
Applying for immigration services from inside the UK
If you are applying for your visa or settlement from inside the UK, you currently have two options available to get a faster decision:
Decision within five working days from the UK Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment. This option appears at the end of the application, where you can choose ‘priority service’, and costs £500 in addition to your standard application fee.
Decision by the end of the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment, if your appointment is on a weekday. This is extended to the next two working days if your appointment is on the weekend. This option appears at the end of the application, and is called ‘super priority service’. This costs £800 in addition to your standard application fee.
Which visa applications are eligible for fast-track priority service in the UK?
Take a look at the table below which explains which visa applications are eligible for fast-track priority services in the UK.
Applying for immigration services from outside the UK
The procedure of getting a faster decision on your visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application will differ if you are applying from outside the UK, and it will depend on which country you are applying from. The additional fee could also be different depending on the country you are applying from.
If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to contact your application centre and check if they offer priority services.
Applying from Europe, Africa or Middle Eastern countries: You can find out which visa services are eligible for fast-track decisions on the TLS website. Here, you can select the country you are applying from and view the available application centres in your location. Each of these centres will differ so you will need to check if they offer priority services on the ‘Added Value Services’ site.
Applying from the rest of the world: You can find out which visa services are eligible for fast-track decisions on the VFS website. Here, you can select the country you are applying from and view the available application centres in your location. Each of these centres will differ so you will need to check if they offer priority services on the ‘Available Services’ section.
Get legal advice from immigration experts
MSD Solicitors are experts in immigration law and visa applications. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers can help you submit your visa or settlement application. We also correspond with the relevant legal bodies and provide clarity on Home Office guidance, processes and eligibility criteria. Our dedicated team can help you speed up your visa or settlement application by ensuring that all documents and supportive evidence are correctly organised. Get in touch today for a free consultation to discuss your case requirements.
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