Fast Track UK Visa Priority, Super Priority, ILR Premium Service
This relates to UK Priority and Super-Priority (aka premium or express visa) Service to fast track processing time of settlement, non-settlement, extension, switching and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications. The post also explains the reasons for delays in processing of fast track applications and UK priority and super-priority visa and settlement (ILR) service fees refund.
What is UK Visa and ILR Priority and Super Priority Service?
The purpose of UK visa and ILR priority and super priority service is to fast track processing time by putting applications at the front of the queue.
If the priority or super priority visa and settlement (ILR) application is not straightforward, then it may take longer. However, UKVI (Home Office or UKVCAS) will still put the application at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.
Limit
There is a limit on number of priority and super-priority visa applications. Therefore, if an applicant is not offered the option to apply for a faster decision, then can still complete a standard application.
How many days does UK priority visa take?
The priority visa processing time after biometrics is 5-working days for non-settlement (visitor, work, student) applications from outside the UK.
The priority settlement (spouse) visa processing time is usually 30-working days (6-weeks) from outside the UK.
From inside the UK, the priority extension or switching visa and ILR applications usually take 5-working days to decide.
UK Super Priority Visa and ILR Premium Processing Time
The UK super-priority visa and settlement (ILR) fast track processing time is by the end of next working day.
Non-Straightforward Applications
It is not advisable to use priority or premium super priority service if an applicant:
- has an adverse immigration history due to past visa refusal of UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or the Schengen countries
- was refused a leave to enter at the UK border control
- had overstayed and subsequently was deported or removed from the UK
- was refused or curtailed a leave to remain in the UK by the Home Office
- was interviewed, detained, or prosecuted by the police for any offence in the United Kingdom or elsewhere
- has an unspent criminal conviction in any country
- has committed a criminal offence in any country
Please note, if the UK visa or settlement (ILR) priority or super-priority (premium or express) application is assessed as complex (non-straightforward), then the applicant may not get refund due to delay in processing.
Suspension
After the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak in March 2020, the priority and super-priority service remained suspended for few months. From July 2020 onwards the service gradually resumed.
In March 2022, UKVI again suspended the priority and super priority visa service for a few months due to Ukraine Scheme.
In 2023, UKVI has suspended the priority and super-priority service for new family visa application.
Priority and super priority visa services have been temporarily suspended for new family visa applications.
For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service.
Enquiry Form
*What happens next?
Multilingual qualified London based immigration specialists will get back to you, usually within 2-3 working days. If you have not attached any documents, then the UK based Law firm may ask for the relevant Case-Specific Document(s) such as Refusal Letters, Deportation Orders, Application Forms etc. Moreover, after reviewing the papers and information, the legal advisor may advise a course of action and quote the fees for processing the application.
Have a wonderful day!
UK Priority (Non-Settlement) Visa Service – £250
From outside the UK, the £250 priority (non-settlement) service is to fast track processing time of visitor, student, and work visa applications within 5 working days.
In most of the instances, an applicant receives a decision within 3-7 working days.
Availability
The availability of UK priority (non-settlement) visa service depends on whether an applicant proves their identity at a TLS Contact or VFS Global visa application centre or uses the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
An applicant may find out if they can get a faster decision when they apply for a visa application.
TLS Contact
If an applicant is applying for UK visit, work, or student visa from Europe, Africa, Jordan, Israel then can check the availability of priority service from TLS Contact.
VFS Global
If an applicant is applying from elsewhere (i.e. outside UK, Europe, Africa, Jordan, Israel) then can check the availability of priority service from VFS Global.
UK Priority (Non-Settlement) Visa Processing Time
From outside the UK, the priority visit, work, and student visa processing time are within 5-working days.
Starts
If an applicant has visited TLS or VFS Global application centre to prove their identity, then priority visa processing time starts from the appointment day, when they provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
If an applicant has used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then priority visa processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
UKVI Email
The priority processing time ends when applicants receive an email from UKVI containing the decision on their visa application.
The email usually states that UKVI has processed the application and the UKVAC (TLS Contact or VFS Global) will inform when their passport is ready from collection.
UK Priority (Non Settlement) Visa Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 152,902 applicants used the priority (non-settlement) service to fast track UK visa processing time of following types of applications:
- Visitor 22,192
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 20
- Tier 1 Other 504
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 11,844
- Student (Tier 4) 112,412
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 1,966
- Other Non-Settlement 3,964
UKVI assessed 9,357 priority non-settlement applications (6.12% of the total 152,902) as not straightforward.
The UKVI decided 96.56% straightforward priority non-settlement visa applications within 5-working days.
Therefore, 9-10% applicants experienced delays in fast track UK visa processing time of priority non-settlement applications.
FAQs
What is Non Settlement Priority Visa UK?
From outside the UK, visit, tourist, work, and student visa applications are non-settlement. Therefore, applicants can use the £250 UK priority (non-settlement) visa service to fast track visitor, tourist, work, or student visa applications.
How Much is UK Visitor Visa Fast Track Fees?
UK visitor visa fast track fees are £250.
How Long is UK Visitor Visa Priority Service Processing Time?
UK tourist, family, and business visitor visa priority service (aka premium or express) processing time is usually 5 working days.
How to Track UK Priority Visa Application?
A few years ago, applicants were able to track their application status online. After the introduction of the GWF number, there is no free online service for tracking the UK visa application status. If an applicant is keen to know about the UK visa application status, then may contact UKVI. However, it is not a free service but a paid service.
UK Priority Settlement Visa Service – £573
From outside the UK, the £573 Priority Settlement Visa Service is used to fast track processing time of Spouse, Partner, Fiancé, and other family visa applications under Appendix FM within 30 working days (6 weeks).
UK Priority Settlement Visa Fast Track Processing Time
From outside the UK, the priority settlement visa processing time are within 30-working days.
Starts
If an applicant has visited TLS or VFS Global application centre to prove their identity, then priority settlement visa processing time starts from the appointment day, when they provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
If an applicant has used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then priority settlement visa processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
UKVI Email
The priority settlement visa processing time ends when applicants receive an email from UKVI containing the decision.
The email usually states that UKVI has processed the application and the UKVAC (TLS Contact or VFS Global) will inform when their passport is ready from collection.
UK Priority Settlement Visa Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 2,336 applicants used the priority settlement visa service to fast track processing time from outside the UK.
184 priority settlement visa applications (7.88% of the total 2,336) assessed as not straightforward.
UKVI decided 92.89% straightforward priority settlement visa applications within 30-working days.
Therefore, 15% applicants experienced delays in fast track processing time of priority settlement visa UK.
UK Priority Visa Service for Extension and Switching – £500
From inside the UK, the £500 priority service is used to fast track processing time of eligible extension or switching visa applications within 5 working days.
Eligible Visas
If migrants in the UK have proved their identity at a UK Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment centre, then can use the 5 working day priority visa service for following types of extension or switching applications:
- Child Student visa
- Global Talent visa
- Graduate Trainee – Global Business Mobility visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Intra-company visas
- Investor visa (Tier 1)
- Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Service Supplier – Global Business Mobility visa
- Skilled Worker visa
- International Sportsperson visa
- Start-up visa
- Student visa
- Temporary Work – Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, Religious Worker, Seasonal Worker,
- UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Applying as the dependent child or partner on a work, student, global talent, start up, innovator, or investor visa
UK Immigration: ID Check app
If migrants in the UK have proved their identity using ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, then can use the 5 working day priority visa service for following types of extension or switching applications:
- Child Student visa
- Graduate Trainee – Global Business Mobility visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Service Supplier – Global Business Mobility visa
- Skilled Worker visa
- Student visa
- UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
UK Priority Extension or Switching Visa Processing Time
From inside the UK, the priority visa service processing time is within 5 working days.
Starts
If an applicant has visited UKVCAS to prove their identity, then priority visa processing time starts from the appointment day.
If migrants have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then priority visa processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
Decision Email
The priority processing time ends when a migrant receives decision email or letter from Home Office.
In case of a successful application, the decision email mentions the outcome. Migrants may get the Biometric Residence Card (BRC) within 7-10 days after decision.
In case of rejection, migrants may get the refusal letter by post.
UK Priority Extension or Switching Visa Processing Time 2021
During 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 12,889 migrants used the priority service to fast track UK visa processing time of following types of extension or switching applications:
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 108
- Tier 1 Other 143
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 9,847
- Student (Tier 4) 2,690
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 100
- Spouse/Partner 1
Home Office rejected 20 applications as invalid and assessed 1,522 priority applications (11.81% of the total 12,889) as non-straightforward.
Home Office decided 87.54% straightforward priority extension or switching applications within 5-working days.
Therefore, 25% applicants experienced delays in fast track processing time of priority extension or switching visa UK.
Is Priority Service Available for ILR?
From inside the UK, the £500 priority service is used to fast track processing time of eligible Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications within 5 working days.
Eligible ILR Applications
If migrants in the UK have proved their identity at a UK Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment centre, then can use the priority visa service for following types of ILR applications:
- SET(O) – if migrants work, establish a business, or invest in the UK. And dependent child or partner of such migrants
- Innovator, and dependent child or partner of an innovator
UK Immigration: ID Check app
If migrants have proved their identity using ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, then can use 5 working day ILR fast track service for settlement as an Innovator.
ILR Priority Service Processing Time
The ILR priority service processing time is within 5 working days.
Starts
If an applicant has visited UKVCAS to prove their identity, then ILR priority visa processing time starts from the appointment day.
If migrants have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then ILR priority visa processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
Home Office Decision Email
The ILR priority processing time ends when a migrant receives decision from Home Office.
In case of a successful ILR fast track application, the decision email mentions the outcome. Migrants may get the Biometric Residence Card (BRC) within 7-10 days after decision.
In case of rejection, migrants may get the refusal letter by post.
ILR Priority Service Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 3,743 migrants used the ILR priority service to fast track processing time of following types of indefinite leave to remain (settlement) applications:
- Tier 1 High Value 274
- Tier 2 Skilled Worker 3,469
Home Office rejected 2 applications as invalid and assessed 479 priority ILR applications (12.80% of the total 3,743) as non-straightforward.
Home Office decided 79.38% straightforward ILR priority applications by next working day.
Therefore, 33-35% applicants experienced delays in ILR fast track processing time of their indefinite leave to remain priority (premium or express visa) application.
Super Priority Visa from Outside the UK – £956
From outside the UK, £956 Super Priority Visa Service is used to fast track processing time by end of next working day.
Super-priority service is mostly used to fast track student, visitor, and skilled worker visa applications.
Availability
UK super priority visa service is available at a few TLS Contact and VFS Global application centres.
For instance, the super priority service in India is only available at UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
If the applicant is using ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, then super priority service is only available for student, skilled worker, and health and care worker visa applications.
UK Super Priority Visa Service Processing Time
From outside the UK, the super priority visa processing time is by next working.
Starts
If applicants have visited TLS or VFS Global application centre to prove their identity, then super priority visa processing time starts from the appointment day, when they provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
If applicants have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then super priority visa processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
UKVI Decision Email
The super priority processing time ends when applicants receive an email from UKVI.
The email usually states that UKVI has processed the application and the UKVAC (TLS Contact or VFS Global) will inform when passport is ready from collection.
UK Super Priority Visa Service Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 10,461 applicants used super priority service to fast track UK visa processing time of following types of applications:
- Visitor 1,031
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 1
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 778
- Student (Tier 4) 7,905
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 184
- Other Non-Settlement 202
- Settlement 360
UKVI assessed 730 super priority visa applications (6.98% of the total 10,461) as not straightforward.
The UKVI decided 97.70% straightforward super priority visa applications by next working day.
Therefore, 9-10% applicants experienced delays in fast track processing time of UK super priority visa application.
UK Super Priority Visa Service for Extension or Switching – £800
From inside the UK, £800 super priority (aka premium or express) visa service is used to fast track extension and switching applications by Next Working Day.
Eligible Visas
UK super priority visa service is not available for extension or switching applications if applicants have proved their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check App.
If migrants in the UK have proved their identity at UKVCAS, then can use the super priority visa service for following types of extension or switching applications:
- Child student visa
- Global Talent visa
- Graduate Trainee – Global Business Mobility visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Intra-company visas
- Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Secondment Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Service Supplier – Global Business Mobility visa
- Skilled Worker visa
- International Sportsperson visa
- Start-up visa
- Student visa
- Temporary Work – Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, Religious Worker, Seasonal Worker,
- UK Expansion Worker – Global Business Mobility visa
- Applying as the dependent child or partner on a work, student, global talent, start up or innovator visa
- Form FLR(FP) or Form FLR(M)) on the basis of family life as a partner, parent or dependent child or on the basis of private life in the UK
- Applying for human rights claims, leave outside the rules and other routes through form FLR(HRO)
- Applying for other routes through form FLR(IR)
UK Super Priority Extension or Switching Visa Processing Time
From inside the UK, if the appointment at UKVCAS is on a weekday, then super priority visa processing time is by the end of the next working day after appointment.
For instance, if the appointment is on Monday, then the super priority visa decision will be by the end of Tuesday.
If appointment is on a weekend or on a bank holiday, then the super priority (premium or express visa) service processing time is 2 working days after appointment.
Decision Email
In case of a successful extension or switching application, the decision email mentions the outcome. Migrants may get the Biometric Residence Card (BRC) within 7-10 days after decision.
In case of rejection, migrants may get the refusal letter by post.
UK Super Priority Extension or Switching Visa Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 7,013 migrants used the super priority service to fast track processing time of following types of extension or switching visa applications:
- Spouse/Partner 3,399
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 21
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 2,946
- Student (Tier 4) 495
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 115
- Other Non-PBS 37
Home Office rejected 1 application as invalid and assessed 831 super priority applications (11.85% of the total 7,013) as non-straightforward.
Home Office decided 98.50% straightforward super priority extension or switching visa applications within 5-working days.
Therefore, 13-14% applicants experienced delays in fast track UK visa processing time of super priority extension or switching application.
Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR Super Priority Premium Service
The £800 ILR (aka Premium or Express Visa) Service is used to fast track indefinite leave to remain applications by Next Working Day.
Eligible ILR Applications for Fast Track Premium Service
Migrants cannot use the ILR Premium (Super Priority) Service if they apply using the UK Immigration: ID Check App to confirm their identity.
If migrants have proved their identity at UKVCAS, then can use the super priority ILR premium service for following types of Indefinite Leave to Remain applications:
- UK Ancestry on SET(O)
- As a former member of HM Forces on SET(AF)
- Child under 18 on SET(F)
- Long Residence – if the migrant is in the UK legally for 10 continuous years
- SET(O) – if a migrant work, establish a business, or invest in the UK. And dependent child or partner of such migrants
- SET(M) – if the migrants is partner of a person, or parent of a child, who is present and settled in the UK
- Innovator, and dependent child or partner of an innovator
ILR Super Priority Premium Service Processing Time
If the appointment at UKCAC is on a weekday, then ILR super priority service processing time is by the end of the next working day after appointment. For instance, if the appointment is on Monday, then the ILR super priority visa decision will be by the end of Tuesday.
If appointment is on a weekend or on a bank holiday, then ILR super priority (premium or express visa) service processing time is 2 working days after appointment.
If Home Office determines ILR super priority application by next working day (or 2 working days) but does not communicate decision, then the migrant may claim the refund.
ILR Decision Email
In case of a successful ILR application, the decision email mentions the outcome. Migrants may get the Biometric Residence Card (BRC) within 7-10 days after the decision.
In case of rejection, migrants may get the refusal letter by post.
ILR Super Priority Premium Service Processing Time 2021
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 4,323 migrants used the ILR super priority (premium or express visa) service to fast track processing time of following types of indefinite leave to remain (settlement) applications:
- Spouse/Partner 1,728
- Tier 1 High Value 158
- Tier 2 Skilled Worker 1,341
- Long Distance 794
- Other Settlement 302
Home Office assessed 505 priority applications (11.68% of the total 4,323) as non-straightforward.
Home Office decided 97.38% straightforward ILR super priority applications by next working day.
Therefore, 14-15% applicants experienced delays in ILR fast track processing time of their indefinite leave to remain super priority (premium or express visa) application.
Is the Super Priority Service available for NTL applications?
The next working day super priority (premium or express visa) service is available for fast tracking processing of NTL applications. From April 2019 to Dec 2020, 3,150 applicants used the super priority service for No Time Limit (NTL) applications.
Fast Track Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Processing Time
After a successful priority or super-priority visa or settlement application, if a person is coming to the UK for more than 6 months and have verified their identity at a visa application centre then they need to collect biometric residence permit (BRP)- once they are in the UK. Therefore, such persons need to collect their BRP in the UK before the vignette sticker in their travel document (passport) expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later.
If an applicant has verified their identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app, and visa or settlement application is successful, then they do not need a biometric residence permit (BRP) as their immigration status is completely online.
Extension or Switching, ILR Fast Track Application
From inside the UK, Home Office usually sends biometric residence permit (BRP) at the address mentioned on extension, switching, or ILR application within 2 to 3 working days of decision. Therefore, after a successful extension, switching, or ILR fast track application, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Premium Processing Time is usually 7-10 days.
Delays in UK Fast Track Visa or ILR Premium Service
Applicants may need to wait longer for a decision if their priority or super-priority visa or ILR application is not straightforward. In such instances, UKVI or Home may require more information before deciding. The further information may include but not limited to:
- Verification of supporting documents
- Interview for assessing the eligibility of the applicant
- Personal circumstances of the applicant such as criminal conviction, past immigration history etc.
If an application takes longer than expected, then UKVI or Home Office informs the applicant. It is advisable to keep correspondence to a minimum during the consideration process.
If you have applied for a super priority next working day or priority 5 working day service, we will contact you within the service standard if there is a problem with your application.
UKVI Email for Delays in Priority Visa Service Processing Time
From outside the UK, if there are delays in priority or super priority visa processing time, then UKVI usually send an email, such as:
Dear Customer,
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. THIS MAILBOX IS NOT MONITORED.Your UK visa application is currently under consideration.
We are aware that you purchased the UK priority visa service. And I can confirm that your application was assessed ahead of other visa applications. Unfortunately, the processing of your application has been delayed while we undertake further assessment. This means that we will be unable to make a decision within our published customer service standards.
We will notify you when your application has been concluded. And you will be contacted by the Visa Application Centre when your documents are ready for collection. Please do not go to the Visa Application Centre before they have contacted you.
Please avoid making travel arrangements until you have collected your passport.We would be grateful if you could keep your correspondence to a minimum during the consideration process. If, however, you need to contact us or would like to track the progress of your application, you can do so via our International Enquiry Service at www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-outside-uk.
Kind regards,
UK Visas and Immigration
British Embassy Abu Dhabi
UK Visa or ILR Decision Email from the Home Office
Once a migrant has applied ILR fast track application then will get an email followed by a decision letter either in the post or by email from Home Office.
If Home Office approves the fast track extension or switching visa, or ILR application, then the email will mention the outcome. However, if Home Office rejects the visa or ILR fast track application, then the email will not mention the outcome.
Home Office Email for Delays in Fast Track ILR Premium Service
If there are delays in fast track Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Premium Service, applicants may receive an email from Home Office stating:
We are sorry that your case is outside of the published service standards. We aim to complete all applications within the (24-hour or 5-working days) service standard. However, where we are not able to do this, we will complete the application as quickly as possible. If the delay in making the decision is due to UKVI, we will refund the super-priority service fee. The team will be in touch once they have made a decision.
Please note the onus is upon individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements
UK Priority and Super Priority Visa or ILR Refund
If the delay in making the decision is due to UKVI or Home Office, then applicants may seek refund of UK fast track priority or super priority visa application fees for visitor, tourist, student, work, family, spouse settlement, extension, switching or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) premium application.
Full Refund
Applicant may get Full Refund of UK priority or super priority visa or ILR fees, if the application is:
- Withdrawn and the applicant is entitled to a refund. For instance, before biometrics
- Void
- Rejected as invalid
- Non-complex, and is not processed within the service standard due to an official error
- Application is determined within the service standard, but it is not communicated to the customer that their decision is available for collection
Please note, an official error does not include maladministration but may include errors such as IT failure, lack of resource to process the application, administrative error etc.
Partial Refund
From outside the UK, if a super priority non-settlement application is processed in 5-working days due to an official error, then the applicant may get a partial refund of £706 i.e. difference between the priority non-settlement (£250) and super-priority (£956) visa fees.
From inside the UK, if a super priority extension or switching visa or ILR premium application is processed in 5-working days due to an official error, then the applicant may get a partial refund of £300 i.e. difference between the priority (£500) and super-priority (£800) visa fees.
Ex-Gratia Payment
An applicant may get an Ex-Gratia payment instead of a refund:
- if there is maladministration by UKVI or Home Office
- where Home Office or UKVI has incorrectly advised the applicant
No Refund
If the delay in making the decision is not due to UKVI or Home Office, then the applicant may not get refund of UK fast track priority or super priority visa application fees for visitor, tourist, student, work, family, spouse settlement, extension, switching or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) premium application.
Accordingly, there is No Refund if the priority or super priority visa or ILR application is:
- Withdrawn and the applicant is not entitled to a refund. For instance, after biometrics have been submitted
- Refused (on eligibility or suitability grounds)
- Assessed as Complex by UKVI or Home Office, and excluded from the service standard
- Excluded from the service standard if the applicant has not supplied required information in time (this may not include invalid cases or submitting biometrics)
