Priority Visa UK Service 2024 ILR Super Priority Fast Track

1. Priority Visa UK Services Overview

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The UK offers Priority and Super Priority Services for both visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications to expedite processing times after biometric information is submitted. Although these services are designed to fast-track application reviews, complex cases may still experience delays.

UK Priority Visa Processing Time 2024

The processing times set by UKVI for different types of applications under priority services are as follows:

• Non-settlement Priority (Visitor, Work, Student from outside UK):
  • 5 working days post-biometrics.
• Settlement (Spouse) Priority from outside UK:
  • 30 working days (6 weeks).
• Extension/Switching Visa and ILR from inside UK:
  • 5 working days.
• Super-Priority Visa and ILR Fast Track:
  • By the end of the next working day.

Suitability for Priority Service

• Applicants with complex immigration histories, such as prior refusals or criminal records, may find that the priority service is not suitable for their application.
• In these instances, delays are possible, and they may not qualify for a refund of the visa service fee.

Limitations and Availability

• Not all visa types are eligible for priority or super-priority processing, and availability may be limited.
• The pandemic and the Ukraine Scheme led to temporary suspensions of these services, which have since resumed with certain restrictions.

Recent UK Visa Priority Processing Time

Typical processing times based on recent data are:

• Non-Settlement Priority Visa:
  • 5-7 days.
• Settlement Spouse Visa Priority:
  • 20-25 days.
• Super Priority Visa and ILR:
  • 1-2 days.

Note

These processing times are indicative and subject to change based on the specifics of each case, as well as external factors such as policy updates or operational changes.

This overview provides valuable insights into the priority services offered by the UK for visa and ILR applicants, helping to set realistic expectations regarding processing times and the suitability of these services for different types of applications.

2. UK Priority Visa: Benefits, Fees, and Timescales

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The UK’s Priority Visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) services accelerate the processing times for a range of visa applications. Below, we detail the priority visa fees, processing times, and other essential aspects for non-settlement applications from outside the UK (UKVI Priority Service) and applications within the UK (UKVCAS Priority Service).

UKVI Priority Service for Non-Settlement Applications (Outside the UK)

This service caters to those applying for visitor, student, and work visas from outside the UK, offering a quicker decision-making process.

• Fee:
  • £500 as of June 4, 2024.
• Processing Time:
  • Within 5 working days.
• Visa Categories Covered:
  • Visitor, student, and work visas.
• Applications Success Rate:
  • 97.10% of applications met the service standard as of Q3 2023.
• Availability of Service:
  • Via TLS Contact, VFS Global websites, or the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
• Processing Start:
  • On the appointment day at TLS/VFS Global center or the day after uploading documents via the app.
• Decision Notification:
  • Via email from UKVI.

UKVCAS Priority Service for Applications Inside the UK

Designed for applicants within the UK looking to apply for ILR, switch, or extend their current visa status.

• Price:
  • £500.
• Expected Processing Time:
  • Aimed to process within 5 working days.
• Application Types:
  • ILR, switching, and extension applications.
• Success Rate:
  • 78.45% for ILR and 86.20% for extensions/switching met the standard as of Q3 2023.
• Eligibility:
  • For applicants who verified their identity at a UKVCAS center or via the ID Check app.
• Applicable Applications:
  • Child Student, Skilled Worker, Student (Tier 4) visas, and specific ILR applications like SET(O), Innovator Founder.

3. Super Priority Visa & ILR: Faster Processing & Costs

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The Super Priority Service offers the fastest route for processing UK visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, providing expedited outcomes for those in urgent need. Below, we detail the costs, processing timelines, eligible visa categories, and the success rates of this service for applicants both outside and within the UK.

UKVI Super Priority Service for Non-Settlement Applications (Outside the UK)

For applicants applying from outside the UK for non-settlement visas, this service ensures rapid processing.

• Charges:
  • £1,000 for non-settlement applications.
• Decision Time:
  • Typically by the next working day.
• Visa Categories:
  • Visitor, tourist, student, work, and family visas. Settlement applications generally not eligible.
• Success Rate (2023 Q3):
  • 95.75% processed within the next working day.
• Availability:
  • Select TLS Contact and VFS Global centers in a few countries.

UKVCAS Super Priority Service for Applications Inside the UK

For those applying from within the UK, the service facilitates a swift decision, usually by the next working day.

• Cost:
  • £1,000.
• Timeline:
  • Generally, by the end of next working day.
• Success Rate (Q3 2023):
  • 96.47% for ILR and 97.25% for extensions processed within the standard time.
• Eligible Applications:
  • Various ILR types (e.g., UK Ancestry, long residence), FLR extensions (e.g., child student, skilled worker), and switching applications.
• Important Consideration
  • The super priority service is not applicable for applications verified using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
  • Only those verified at a UKVCAS center can avail of this rapid service for a range of ILR, extension, and switching applications.

4. Quick BRP Collection: Fast Track Service Guide

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The Fast Track BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) Service significantly aids the UK immigration process, facilitating the swift collection or delivery of the BRP for immigrants. This service is particularly beneficial for those who have applied through priority or super-priority visa services. Below, we outline how this service operates for various groups of applicants.

For Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants must adhere to specific timelines for BRP collection upon their arrival in the UK.

• BRP Collection Timeline:
  • Required collection within 10 days of arriving in the UK or before the vignette sticker expires, whichever comes later.
• Applicability:
  • Mandatory for individuals in the UK for more than 6 months.

For UK Applicants

Applicants within the UK can expect their BRP to be dispatched to their specified address shortly after their application decision.

• BRP Delivery:
  • BRP usually dispatched within 2-3 working days post-decision for extensions, switches, or ILR applications.
• BRP Processing Time:
  • Standard receipt of BRP via fast track service ranges from 7 to 10 days.

Online Immigration Status for App Users

For applicants who have verified their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, a digital alternative is available.

• Digital Status:
  • Successful visa or settlement applicants will have their immigration status accessible online.
• Physical BRP Not Required:
  • Individuals with digital status do not need a physical BRP, as their status is confirmed digitally.

5. Managing Delays in Priority Visa Processing

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While the UK’s priority and super-priority visa services, including Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), are intended for expedited processing, delays can still occur. Recognizing the common causes of these delays and understanding how they are communicated by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) and the Home Office is crucial for applicants.

Common Causes of Delays in UK Priority Visa Processing

Several factors can contribute to processing delays, each varying in complexity and impact.

• Extra Verification:
  • Additional checks on supporting documents may be necessary, leading to delays.
• Additional Interviews:
  • Required occasionally to clarify details within the application.
• Complex Backgrounds:
  • Criminal records or problematic immigration histories can extend processing times.

UKVI Communication for Overseas Applications

The communication timeline differs based on the application type and any potential complexities identified:

• Standard Non-Settlement:
  • Communication expected within 2-3 weeks.
• Priority Non-Settlement:
  • Typically within 3-5 working days.
• Notification of Non-Straightforward Cases:
  • Extended processing times, ranging from weeks to months, when flagged as non-straightforward.

Home Office Updates for Fast Track ILR

The Home Office provides specific updates for fast-track ILR applications, from decision notifications to handling delays:

• Decision Communication:
  • Notification via email and letter regarding the decision.
• Delay Acknowledgement:
  • The Home Office communicates any service delays, aiming to adhere to service standards.
• Refunds for Delays:
  • A refund of the super-priority service fee may be considered if delays are attributable to UKVI.

Understanding the potential for delays and the associated communication process is essential for managing expectations and preparing for the visa application journey. This guide aims to offer clarity on the challenges that may arise during priority visa processing and the steps UKVI takes to manage and communicate any delays encountered.

6. Refunds for UK Priority Visa: What You Need to Know

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Navigating the refund process for UK fast track priority and super priority visa applications is crucial, particularly in instances of delays or administrative mishaps. Here, we detail the scenarios that may warrant a refund and outline the specific criteria for each.

Refund Policies and Criteria for UK Fast Track Visa Applications

Understanding when you’re eligible for a full refund, entitled to a partial refund, or when an ex-gratia payment might be considered is essential for any applicant. Below is a structured overview of these situations:

Full Refund Eligibility

You may be eligible for a full refund if:

• Application Withdrawn Before Biometrics:
  • The application is withdrawn before biometric information is submitted, and a refund entitlement exists.
• Application Voided or Rejected:
  • The application is voided or rejected as invalid.
• Non-Complex Cases:
  • Non-complex cases are not processed within the service standard due to official error.
• Decision Made but Not Communicated:
  • A decision is made within the standard time but not communicated for collection.

Partial Refund Situations

Partial refunds may apply in the following scenarios:

• Super Priority Non-Settlement Applications:
  • If processed in 5 working days due to an error, a £500 refund is given.
• Super Priority Extensions, Switching Visas, or ILR Applications:
  • If processed in 5 working days due to an error, a £500 refund is given.

Ex-Gratia Payment Considerations

Ex-gratia payments might be considered for:

• Maladministration by UKVI/Home Office:
  • Cases where there has been maladministration by UKVI or the Home Office.
• Incorrect Advice Given:
  • Situations where incorrect advice was given to the applicant.

No Refund Cases

Refunds are not available in these circumstances:

• Applications Withdrawn After Biometrics:
  • Applications withdrawn after biometric information is submitted without entitlement.
• Applications Refused:
  • Applications refused based on eligibility or suitability.
• Complex Cases:
  • Cases assessed as complex and excluded from the service standard.
• Late Submission of Information:
  • Delays due to late submission of required information by the applicant.

7. FAQs on UK Priority Visa Services

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For further information, please visit: official UK government website.