Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the UK Priority Visa Fee for 2023. In this article, we cover the costs associated with priority and super priority visa services, including fees for visitor, spouse, student, and ILR applications. We also provide insights on eligibility criteria, average processing times, success rates, and tips for submitting a successful application. Stay with us as we answer frequently asked questions and provide resources for further information.
Table of Contents
UK Priority Visa Fees in 2023: What to Expect?
In 2023, the 5-working day processing fee for non-settlement priority visa applications in the UK, such as tourist, visit, study, and work visas, is £250. For settlement (spouse) applications, the 6-week priority visa fee is £573.
For applicants inside the UK, the 5-working day priority service fee is £500.
The priority service is recommended only for straightforward applications.
Please note that as of April 13, 2022, there have been no increases in UK visa fast track fees and premium service charges.
UK Super Priority Visa Fees in 2023
In 2023, the next working day UK super priority visa fee is £956.
For applicants inside the UK, the next working day super priority (express or premium) service fee for expediting extension, switching, and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications is £800.
UK Priority Visitor Visa Fees in 2023
To fast-track visit visa applications within five working days, the additional cost for non-settlement UK priority visa service is £250.
In 2023, the UK visa fees for 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year visit, tourist, family, or business applications are £100, £376, £670, and £837, respectively. As such, the UK priority visit visa costs for these applications are £350, £626, £920, and £1,087, respectively.
Super Priority Visitor Visa UK Fees 2023
From outside the UK, the next working day super-priority (premium or express service) fee for visitor visa applications is £956.
Including the super priority service, the UK visitor or tourist visa costs for 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year applications are £1,056, £1,332, £1,626, and £1,793, respectively.
Note that the super priority service is only available at select UKVACs.
Priority Spouse Visa UK Fees in 2023
In 2023, the UK priority (settlement) visa service fee is £573. The normal 12-24 week processing fee for UK spouse settlement visas is £1,538. Therefore, the fast track spouse settlement visa UK fee for 6-week processing is £2,111.
Keep in mind that the 5-working day £250 priority or next working day £956 super priority (premium) services are not available for spouse settlement applications.
Priority Spouse Visa UK Renewal Fee
For applicants inside the UK, the spouse visa extension or switching fees are £1,048 for normal 8-week processing. The UK super priority (aka premium or express service) visa fee is £800. Consequently, the fast track spouse renewal (extension) or switching visa UK fee in 2023 is £1,848 for next working day (24-hour) processing.
Note that the 5-working day £500 priority service is not available for spouse visa extension or switching applications.
ILR Super Priority Spouse Visa UK Fee
The ILR super priority spouse visa UK fee in 2023 is £3,204, which includes the ILR application cost of £2,404 and the super priority service charges of £800.
Fast Track Student Visa UK Fees 2023
The standard UK student visa application fee in 2023 is £363 for 15-working day processing. The non-settlement UK priority fee is £250, making the total cost for a fast track student visa from outside the UK £613.
Super Priority Student Visa Fee
For super priority service, which offers next working day processing, the additional charge is £956. The total super priority student visa fee in 2023 is £1,319. Please note, the £956 super priority service is not available if the applicant has used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove their identity.
Priority Student Visa UK Extension or Switching Fee
Within the UK, student visa extension or switching application fees are £490 for standard 40-working day (8-week) processing. The 5-working day priority service fee is £500, making the total cost for a priority student visa extension or switching application £990. This priority service is available for applicants who have used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove their identity.
Super Priority Student Visa UK Extension or Switching Fee
The next working day super priority (premium or express visa) service fee is £800. The total cost for a super priority student visa extension or switching application within the UK is £1,290. However, this service is not available if the applicant has used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove their identity.
ILR Premium Service Cost
Applicants can fast track their ILR applications to next working day processing by paying an additional £800 for super priority (premium or express) service. The total cost for next day processing of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications is £3,204, which includes the ILR application fee of £2,404 and the super priority service charge of £800.
It is important to note that the 5-working day priority service is typically not available for ILR applications.
Priority Visa Service: Key Points
Eligibility for Priority and Super Priority Visa Services
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for priority and super priority visa services, including:
- A valid and complete visa application
- No pending criminal or immigration-related issues
- A valid reason for expedited processing
- All required supporting documentation
Applying for Priority and Super Priority Visa Services
To apply for priority and super priority visa services, follow these steps:
- Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website
- Select the “priority” or “super priority” option during the application process
- Pay the appropriate fee for the selected service
- Submit all required documents and attend a biometrics appointment if necessary
- Track your application online and wait for the decision
Priority and Super Priority Visa Services: Refunds and Cancellations
Refunds and cancellations for priority and super priority visa services follow these guidelines:
- Refunds may be available if the applicant cancels the service before the application is processed
- No refunds are provided once the application has been processed or if the visa is refused
- Partial refunds may be available under certain circumstances, such as application withdrawal or incorrect fee payment
Average Processing Times for Priority and Super Priority Visas
Typical processing times for priority and super priority visa applications are as follows:
- Priority visa service: 5 working days for non-settlement applications, 6 weeks for settlement applications
- Super priority visa service: Next working day for eligible applications
Success Rates for Priority and Super Priority Visa Applications
Success rates can vary, but priority and super priority visa applications generally have higher success rates compared to standard applications due to the stringent eligibility criteria and thorough document review. However, expedited processing doesn’t guarantee visa approval, and each application is evaluated individually.
Testimonials and Reviews
Many applicants have found priority and super priority visa services valuable for their travel needs. Here are some testimonials from satisfied users:
“I needed to travel to the UK for an urgent business meeting, and the super priority visa service helped me get my visa in record time. The process was smooth and efficient.” – John, Business Traveler
“My wife and I decided to apply for the priority service for our UK visit visa. The process was quick, and we received our visas within a week. We highly recommend it to others who need their visas processed quickly.” – Sarah and Tom, Tourists
“I used the priority service for my student visa application and was pleasantly surprised by the fast processing time. It allowed me to make arrangements for my studies in the UK with greater ease.” – Priya, International Student
Tips for a Successful Priority and Super Priority Visa Application
To increase your chances of a successful priority or super priority visa application, consider these tips:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the priority or super priority service
- Submit a complete and accurate visa application form
- Provide all required supporting documents, and ensure they are up to date and organized
- Check if the service is available for your specific visa category and at your local UK Visa Application Center (UKVAC)
- Plan ahead and apply early, as processing times can vary depending on demand and the complexity of your application
Frequently Asked Questions
UK Priority Visa Fee: Key Points
Does priority or super priority visa service guarantee my visa application approval?
Priority and super priority services expedite the processing time of your visa application, but they don’t guarantee approval. The final decision depends on the Home Office’s assessment of your application and supporting documents.
Will I get a refund if my visa application is rejected or if the processing takes longer than advertised?
If your visa application is rejected, you won’t receive a refund for the priority or super priority service fees. Additionally, the Home Office doesn’t provide refunds if the processing time exceeds the advertised duration. However, they will inform you of any delays and provide updates on your application status.
Can I upgrade my existing visa application to priority or super priority service after submission?
Generally, you can’t upgrade your application to priority or super priority service after submission. It’s important to select the desired service when applying. If upgrading is allowed in certain situations, you’ll need to contact your local UKVAC for assistance.
Do I need to pay for priority or super priority service for each family member applying for a visa?
Yes, priority and super priority service fees are per applicant. You must pay the additional fee for each family member if you want to expedite their visa applications.
How will I know if my visa application has been processed using priority or super priority service?
After submitting your application with priority or super priority service, you’ll receive email updates from the Home Office regarding the processing status. Once your application has been processed, you’ll be informed about the outcome and next steps, such as collecting your passport from the UKVAC.
Can I use priority or super priority service for my UK visa extension or switching application?
Yes, priority and super priority services are available for certain types of UK visa extension or switching applications. Check the eligibility criteria and ensure the service is applicable to your specific visa category before proceeding.
For more information, you can visit: Home Office Immigration and Nationality Fees Gov.UK – This official UK government document provides an overview of the fees for various immigration and nationality services, including priority and super priority visa services.
