The UK priority visa service offers expedited processing for visa and ILR applications, with decisions in 5 working days (priority) or next working day (super priority). This guide explains how priority services work, which visas are eligible, current ILR priority service availability, and expected processing times for 2026. For fee information, see our separate UK priority visa fees guide.
Understanding UK Priority Visa Service 2026
The UK Home Office offers two expedited processing options for visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications: the Priority Service (5 working days) and Super Priority Service (next working day). These fast track visa UK services are designed to expedite processing times after biometric submission, though complex cases may still experience delays.
How does UK priority visa service work?
The UK priority visa service processes applications faster than standard timelines. You select priority or super priority when applying, pay the additional fee, and your application is moved to a faster queue. Processing begins after biometric enrolment at a VFS/TLS centre (outside UK) or UKVCAS appointment (inside UK).
Priority services are available for most visa categories including visitor, student, work, and settlement applications. However, availability varies by visa type and application method. The service is best suited for straightforward applications—applicants with complex immigration histories such as prior refusals or criminal records may experience delays and may not qualify for refunds.
For current priority visa fees, including costs by visa type and VFS premium service charges, see our dedicated fee guide. Processing times start from the day of your biometric appointment (UKVCAS) or the day after uploading documents via the ID Check app.
ILR Priority Service Availability 2026
Is ILR priority service available in 2026?
ILR priority service availability depends on the settlement route. The 5-day priority service is only available for Innovator Founder and SET(O) applications. Most ILR routes—including spouse, skilled worker, and long residence—can only access super priority (next working day) via UKVCAS, not the standard priority service.
The ILR priority service not available message affects many applicants because the Home Office has restricted priority processing for most settlement routes. While super priority remains available for next-working-day decisions, the 5-working-day priority option is limited to specific ILR application forms.
If you see "ILR priority service not available" when booking, this means your settlement route only qualifies for super priority (next working day) or standard processing. The ILR super priority service not available message appears when trying to book via the ID Check app—you must use a UKVCAS centre appointment instead.
Priority & Super Priority Processing Times 2026
What is the ILR priority processing time?
The ILR priority processing time is 5 working days for eligible routes (Innovator Founder, SET(O)) or next working day for super priority. Most ILR applications only have super priority available. Standard ILR processing without priority takes up to 6 months. Actual times may vary based on application complexity.
Processing times for UK visa priority service are measured from the date of your biometric appointment. For applications outside the UK, this is your VFS/TLS centre visit. For in-country applications, processing begins from your UKVCAS appointment or the day after uploading documents via the ID Check app.
Based on Home Office data from Q3 2023, the success rates for meeting service standards were: 97.10% for non-settlement priority, 95.75% for super priority outside UK, 96.47% for ILR super priority, and 97.25% for extension super priority. These figures demonstrate that the vast majority of priority applications are processed within the stated timeframes.
- Day 0: Biometric appointment at UKVCAS/VFS/TLS
- Day 1-5: Priority processing period (working days only)
- Day 1: Super priority decision (by end of next working day)
- Decision notification: Via email from UKVI
- BRP dispatch: 2-3 working days after approval (in-country)
Spouse Visa Fast Track & Priority Service 2026
How does spouse visa priority service work?
The spouse visa fast track UK service reduces processing from 12-24 weeks to 6 weeks for entry clearance applications from outside the UK. For spouse visa extensions inside the UK, super priority provides next-working-day decisions. The standard 5-day priority service is generally not available for spouse/partner applications.
The UK spouse visa priority service differs between applications from outside and inside the UK. Entry clearance (first-time spouse visa) applications use the settlement priority service with a 6-week timeline, while spouse visa extensions and ILR applications can access super priority for next-working-day processing.
*Super priority only—the 5-working-day priority service is not available for spouse visa extensions or SET(M) ILR applications. You must attend a UKVCAS centre appointment to access super priority; it is not available via the ID Check app.
The fast track spouse visa UK service is best suited for straightforward applications with complete documentation. Applicants with complex immigration histories or incomplete supporting documents may experience delays beyond the stated processing times. For current spouse visa priority fees, see our priority visa fees guide.
Visa Eligibility for Priority Services 2026
Which visas are eligible for priority service?
Most work visas (Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Global Talent), student visas, and visitor visas are fully eligible for both priority and super priority services. Family and settlement applications have limited eligibility—typically super priority only. Graduate Route is eligible via ID app only, not UKVCAS.
Eligibility for UK visa priority service varies by visa category and application method. The tables below show which visa types can access priority (5 working days), super priority (next working day), and through which channels (UKVCAS centre or ID Check app). This information is current as of January 2026 and subject to change based on policy updates.
Fully Eligible for All Services (Priority + Super Priority via UKVCAS & ID App):
- Child Student Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Global Business Mobility (all sub-categories)
- Temporary Work Visas (Charity, Creative, Religious, etc.)
Partially Eligible (Restrictions Apply):
For visitor visa applications from outside the UK and those wishing to switch from a visitor visa, both priority and super priority services are available at VFS/TLS centres. Always check the official UK Government website for the most current eligibility information before applying.
Managing Delays & Refund Policy 2026
What happens if my priority visa is delayed?
If your UK priority visa is delayed beyond the stated processing time due to a UKVI error, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the priority service fee. However, delays caused by complex cases, additional verification needs, or late document submission do not qualify for refunds. UKVI will notify you if your case is flagged as non-straightforward.
While priority and super priority services are designed to expedite processing, visa delays can still occur. Understanding the common causes of ILR priority service delay and other processing issues helps you manage expectations and take appropriate action if needed.
Common Causes of Priority Visa Delays:
- Additional Verification: Extra checks on supporting documents or sponsor details
- Interview Required: Occasional requests to clarify application details
- Complex Background: Criminal records or immigration history issues
- Incomplete Documents: Missing or insufficient evidence
- High Volume Periods: Seasonal spikes in application numbers
Refund Eligibility for Priority Services:
If your application is delayed, avoid sending multiple enquiries as this can slow down the review process. Wait for communication from UKVI. If you need to contact them, use the official email service (£2.74 per query) or telephone helpline (£0.69 per minute). For BRP collection after approval, see our guide on Home Office fees including BRP.
- Priority services work best for straightforward applications
- Complex cases may be excluded from time guarantees
- UKVI will notify you if your case is non-straightforward
- Refunds only apply for UKVI errors, not complex cases
- Avoid multiple enquiries—this can slow processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ILR priority service available in 2026?
ILR priority service availability is limited. The 5-day priority service is only available for Innovator Founder and SET(O) applications. Most ILR routes including spouse, skilled worker, and long residence can only access super priority (next working day) via UKVCAS appointments. Super priority is not available via the ID Check app for any ILR application.
What is the ILR priority processing time?
The ILR priority processing time is 5 working days for eligible routes (Innovator Founder, SET(O)) or next working day for super priority. Standard ILR processing without any priority service takes up to 6 months. Processing time is measured from your UKVCAS biometric appointment date.
How does spouse visa fast track work?
Spouse visa fast track reduces entry clearance processing from 12-24 weeks to 6 weeks for applications from outside the UK. For spouse visa extensions and ILR inside the UK, only super priority (next working day) is available—the 5-day priority service is not offered. You must attend a UKVCAS centre appointment; the ID app does not support expedited family applications.
What is the difference between priority and super priority visa services?
Priority service provides a decision within 5 working days after your biometric appointment. Super priority service guarantees a decision by the end of the next working day. Super priority is not available via the UK Immigration ID Check app—only through UKVCAS centre appointments for in-country applications or select VFS/TLS centres for overseas applications.
Why is ILR super priority service not available via the ID app?
The UK Immigration ID Check app does not support super priority (next working day) processing for any ILR application. This limitation exists because ILR applications require more extensive verification that is better handled through UKVCAS centre appointments. If you need super priority for ILR, you must book a UKVCAS appointment rather than using the app.
Can I get a refund if my priority visa is delayed?
Refunds are only available if the delay is due to a UKVI error and your case is straightforward. If your application is flagged as non-straightforward due to complex circumstances, you will not receive a refund even if processing exceeds the stated timeframe. Partial refunds of £500 apply if super priority applications are processed in 5 days instead of next day due to UKVI error.
Is skilled worker visa priority service available?
Yes, skilled worker visa priority service is fully available for both entry clearance and in-country applications. You can access priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) via UKVCAS appointments or the UK Immigration ID Check app. The same applies to Health and Care Worker visa applications and skilled worker ILR applications via SET(O).
How much does UK priority visa service cost?
The UK priority visa service costs £500 for 5-working-day processing and £1,000 for super priority next-working-day processing. These fees are added to your standard visa application fee. For a complete breakdown of priority fees by visa type, see our dedicated UK priority visa fees guide.