VFS UK Priority Visa Fee 2024 ILR Premium & Super Priority Cost. From Oct 4, 2023, the UK visa fast track charges for visit, work, and student applications, have increased from £250 to £500. UK express visa processing time is 5-working-day. For settlement applications, the VFS priority visa UK cost has decreased from £573 to £500 (6-week processing). For next working day express processing, super priority service fee from outside the UK have rose from £956 to £1,000, and for those within the UK, from £800 to £1,000. Priority and super priority services are best suited for straightforward applications. The super priority service is only available at selected UK Visa Application Centres (UKVACs).
UK Priority Visa Fee 2024 ILR & Super Priority Expert Tips
Table of Contents
1. Premium Visa Services: Enhancing Your UK Visa Experience
The UK offers a variety of premium services for visa applicants, designed to expedite the processing of applications both inside and outside the country. These services are ideal for individuals and businesses needing swift decisions to meet travel, work, or residency deadlines. Whether you require faster processing due to business needs or personal circumstances, these premium options provide flexibility and efficiency in managing your immigration and visa applications.
Premium Services Available Outside the UK
Fees effective from 10 April 2024:
- Priority Visa Service – Settlement
- Fee: £500
- Accelerates the processing of settlement visa applications, providing faster decisions, usually within 6 weeks, for those applying for permanent residency.
- Priority Visa Service – Non-Settlement
- Fee: £500
- Ideal for visitors or short-term study visas, this service speeds up the processing of non-settlement applications, usually within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Visa Service
- Fee: £1,000
- Offers a decision by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information, suited for urgent travel needs.
- User Pays Visa Application Service
- Fee: £76.50
- Available at select locations where the visa application service is not funded by the UK government, allowing for greater accessibility.
- Immigration Officer Service Fee
- Fee: £77.40 per hour, per officer
- Provides personalized processing service by an immigration officer, enhancing the application experience.
- International Contact Centre
- Email Service (per query): £2.74
- Telephone Helpline (per minute): £0.69
- Offers assistance and answers to queries about visa applications, providing direct support from knowledgeable staff.
Premium Services Available Within the UK
Fees effective from 10 April 2024:
- Super Priority Service
- Fee: £1,000
- Ensures a decision by the end of the next working day post-biometric appointment, ideal for critical situations.
- Expedited Processing – Priority Service
- Fee: £500
- Guarantees a decision within 5 working days from the date of the biometric appointment, offering a quicker turnaround for less urgent cases.
- On-Demand Mobile Biometric Enrolment
- Fee: £650 per hour, per representative
- Allows for biometric enrolment at a location of your choice within the UK, adding convenience to the application process.
- Provision of an Immigration Officer to Deliver Any Premium Service (to a Government Department)
- Fee: £57.33 per hour
- Facilitates faster processing by providing immigration officers to government departments.
- Provision of an Immigration Officer to Deliver Any Premium Service
- Fee: £77.40 per hour, per officer
- Similar to the above, but available for private applicants and organizations, enhancing the service for corporate needs.
Premium Services at the Border
Fees effective from 10 April 2024:
- Registered Traveller Service
- Adult – Yearly Subscription: £50 per year
- Child – Yearly Subscription: £24 per year
- Registration of New Documents: £20
- Facilitates smoother and quicker entry through UK border control, ideal for frequent travelers.
- Fast Track Service
- Heathrow: £5.20
- Other Ports of Entry: £3.00
- Provides expedited entry at major UK entry points, reducing wait times during travel.
These premium services offer a range of options for those looking to reduce waiting times and streamline their entry into the UK, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing immigration and visa applications.
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2. UK Visitor Visa Fast Track Fees 2024
From October 4, 2023, the UK Visa Priority Service Fee for standard visitor visa applications has increased to £500. This Priority Service ensures that visitor visa processing is completed within 5 working days. For those needing even quicker decisions, the Super Priority Service, which guarantees next-working-day processing, is available at a cost of £1,000.
Priority Visit Visa Application Fee UK
- 6-Month UK Visitor Visa Fees 2024: £115
- Fast Track Fees: £615
- Super Priority Visa: £1,115
- 2-Year Visit Visa Application Fee UK: £432
- Fast Track Fees: £932
- Super Priority Visa: £1,432
- 5-Year UK Visiting Visa Cost: £771
- Fast Track Fees: £1,271
- Super Priority Visa: £1,771
- 10-Year UK Visiting Visa Cost: £963
- Fast Track Fees: £1,463
- Super Priority Visa: £1,963
Key Notes
- The priority and super priority fees include the base visa application fee.
- These fast track services are ideal for straightforward visa applications.
- Availability of the super priority service is limited to specific UK Visa Application Centres (UKVACs).
UK Express Tourist Visa Fees 2024
- 6-Month UK Tourist Visa Fees 2024: £115
- Fast Track Fees: £615
- Super Priority Tourist Visa: £1,115
- 2-Year London Tourist Visa Price: £432
- Fast Track Fees: £932
- Super Priority Express Tourist Visa: £1,432
- 5-Year British Tourist Visa Cost: £771
- Fast Track Fees: £1,271
- Super Priority London Tourist Visa: £1,771
- 10-Year England Visa Application Fee: £963
- Fast Track Fees: £1,463
- Super Priority Tourist Visa: £1,963
Key Notes
- The priority and super priority tourist visa fees include the base application charges.
- Fast track services are best suited for straightforward tourist visa applications.
- The super priority service is available only at select UK Visa Application Centres (UKVACs).
3. Fast Track Spouse Visa UK Fee 2024
Effective from October 4, 2023, the UK spouse visa priority service fee has been reduced from £573 to £500. The super priority visa fee for spouse extension and Set (M) ILR applications has increased from £800 to £1,000 for next-working-day processing.
Priority and Super Priority Spouse Visa UK Fees 2024
- Spouse Visa UK Fees 2024: £1,846 (12-24 week processing)
- Fast Track Spouse Visa UK Fee: £2,346 (6-week processing)
- UK Spouse Visa Extension Fee 2024: £1,048 (8-week processing)
- Super Priority Spouse Visa UK Renewal Fee: £2,048 (next-working-day processing)
- Spouse Visa ILR Application Fee 2024: £2,885 (6-month processing)
- ILR Super Priority Service Cost for Partner Applications: £3,885 (next-working-day processing)
Key Notes on Priority and Super Priority Visa UK Fees
- The priority and super priority fees are inclusive of the base visa application fee.
- The 5-working-day priority service is generally not applicable to spouse visa extensions, switches, or ILR applications.
- Applicants using super-priority services benefit from significantly reduced processing times for spouse visa renewals or ILR applications.
4. UK Student Visa Priority Fee 2024
From October 4, 2023, the cost for the UK student visa priority service from overseas has increased from £250 to £500. This service accelerates student visa processing within 5 working days. For next-working-day processing, the price of the super priority service for student visa applications has increased from £956 to £1,000.
There is no increase in the cost of priority service from inside the UK for students. The service charges remain £500 per applicant. However, the super priority visa fee for student visa renewal, extension, and switching applications has increased from £800 to £1,000 for next-working-day processing.
Priority Student Visa UK Fees 2024
- Student Visa UK Cost 2024: £490 (3-week processing)
- Embassy Fees for UK Study Visa Priority: £990 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Student Visa UK Fee: £1,490 (next-working-day processing)
- Student Visa Extension UK Fee 2024: £490 (8-week processing)
- Priority Student Visa Extension Cost: £990 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Visa UK Cost: £1,490 (next-working-day processing)
Key Notes on Priority and Super Priority Visa UK Fees
- The priority and super priority fees are inclusive of the base visa application fee.
- Priority and super priority services provide a valuable option for students requiring expedited visa processing, whether for initial applications or extensions/switches.
- These fees are pertinent for students facing imminent course start dates or other time-sensitive situations necessitating quick visa processing.
5. Skilled Worker Visa Priority Service 2024
As of October 4, 2023, the cost for priority service for UK skilled worker visa applications from overseas has increased from £250 to £500, ensuring processing within five working days. Additionally, the super priority service fee, which guarantees next-working-day processing, has risen from £956 to £1,000.
Within the UK, the priority service fee remains at £500 per applicant. However, the super priority service fee for visa renewals, extensions, switching, and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications has increased from £800 to £1,000.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees 2024
The additional fees are inclusive of the base visa application fee.
Entry Clearance Applications:
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees for up to 3 Years: £719 (3-week processing)
- Priority Service Fees: £1,219 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,719 (next-day processing)
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees for 5 Years (More than 3 Years): £1,420 (3-week processing)
- Priority Service Fees: £1,920 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £2,420 (next-day processing)
Extension, Renewal, or Switching Applications:
- Skilled Worker Visa Extension Fee for up to 3 Years: £827 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,327 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,827 (next-day processing)
- Skilled Worker Visa Renewal Fee for More than 3 Years: £1,500 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £2,000 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £2,500 (next-day processing)
Skilled Worker Visa to ILR Application:
- ILR Application Fee: £2,885
- Super Priority ILR Application Fee: £3,885 (next-working-day processing)
Skilled Worker Jobs on Immigration Salary List (ISL)
The UK government has replaced the current Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL), effective from early April. This new framework represents a major shift in addressing labor shortages, aligning the immigration system more closely with economic and labor market realities.
The additional fees are inclusive of the base visa application fee.
Entry Clearance Applications ISL:
- Visa Price for up to 3 Years: £551 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,051 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,551 (next-day processing)
- Visa Fees for More than 3 Years: £1,084 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,584 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £2,084 (next-day processing)
Extension, Renewal, or Switching Applications ISL:
- Visa Extension Cost for up to 3 Years: £551 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,051 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,551 (next-day processing)
- Visa Renewal Cost for More than 3 Years: £1,084 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,584 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £2,084 (next-day processing)
Health and Care Worker Visa Priority Service 2024
The Health and Care Worker Visa provides a streamlined route for qualified healthcare professionals to work in the UK. Main applicants, including care workers and senior care workers, can no longer bring dependents. This change aims to focus resources on the workers themselves, ensuring they can fully contribute to their roles without additional strain.
The additional fees are inclusive of the base visa application fee.
Entry Clearance Applications:
- Health and Care Visa Fee for up to 3 Years: £284 (3-week processing)
- Priority Service Cost: £784 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,284 (next-day processing)
- Health and Care Visa Cost for More than 3 Years: £551 (3-week processing)
- Priority Service Cost: £1,051 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,551 (next-day processing)
Health and Care Worker Visa Renewal Fee 2024
- Visa Extension Fee for up to 3 Years: £284 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £784 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,284 (next-day processing)
- Visa Renewal Fee for More than 3 Years: £551 (3-week processing)
- Priority Fee: £1,051 (1-week processing)
- Super Priority Fee: £1,551 (next-day processing)
6. ILR Application Fee Priority 2024
For those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK in 2024, the Super Priority Service offers an expedited processing option. This section details the ILR application fees and the additional costs associated with choosing the Super Priority Service.
- Standard ILR Application Fee:
- The base cost for an ILR application is £2,885, reflecting a recent increase from £2,404.
- Super Priority Service for ILR:
- While the Priority Service is typically not available for ILR applications, the Super Priority Service is offered, ensuring processing by the next working day.
- Fee for Super Priority Service: £1,000 (increased from £800).
- Total ILR Application Fee with Super Priority: £3,885 (standard fee of £2,885 + super priority fee of £1,000).
ILR Application Expedited Services Eligibility:
Please note: Next working day Super Priority Service is not available for any type of applications via the ID App.
Fully Eligible for All Services (Next Working Day & Within 5 Days via UKVCAS & ID App):
- Innovator Founder:
- Eligible for next working day, within 5 working days via UKVCAS, and ID app services.
Fully Eligible for Both Next Working Day and Within 5 Working Days via UKVCAS (Not Eligible for ID App):
- Application to settle if you work, establish a business or invest in the UK (through form SET(O))
- Application to settle as the dependent child or partner of an Innovator Founder
Eligible Only for Next Working Day via UKVCAS (Not Eligible for Within 5 Working Days or ID App):
- Application to settle on the basis of UK Ancestry
- using form SET(O).
- Application to settle as a former member of HM Forces
- using form SET(AF).
- Application to settle as a child under 18
- using form SET(F).
- Application to settle after 10 continuous years in the UK
- known as ‘long residence’ – this application does not specify a form due to its broad criteria.
- Application to settle as the partner of a person, or parent of a child, who is present and settled in the UK
- using form SET(M).
Eligible Only for Within 5 Working Days via UKVCAS (Not Eligible for Next Working Day or ID App):
- Application to settle on the basis of BNO Hong Kong
This categorization should help clarify which ILR applications can access expedited processing and through which methods, aligning with the information provided on the official UK government site. For more details on application processes and requirements, visit the UK Government’s visas and immigration page.
7. Leave to Remain Application Fee Priority 2024
For individuals applying for Leave to Remain (LTR) in the UK in 2024, priority services offer options for expedited processing. This section outlines the fees associated with these services and specifies which categories are eligible.
- Standard Leave to Remain Application Fee:
- The base cost for a standard LTR application is £1,048.
- Priority Service for LTR:
- Provides a decision within 5 working days.
- Fee for Priority Service: £500.
- Super Priority Service for LTR:
- Delivers a decision by the end of the next working day following the biometric appointment.
- Fee for Super Priority Service: £1,000.
- Total LTR Application Fee with Super Priority: £2,048 (standard fee + super priority fee).
Based on the specific guidelines, the Priority and Super Priority Services can be used for a variety of LTR applications, including:
Fully Eligible for All Services (Next Working Day & Within 5 Days via UKVCAS & ID App):
The following visa categories are fully eligible for both the Priority Service (within 5 working days) and Super Priority Service (by the end of the next working day), accessible through UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) and the UK Immigration: ID Check app:
- Child Student Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Global Business Mobility Visa (All Sub-categories):
- Graduate Trainee
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Service Supplier
- UK Expansion Worker
- Secondment Worker
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- High Potential Individual Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Temporary Work Visa (All Sub-categories):
- Charity Worker
- Creative Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Religious Worker
- Seasonal Worker (eligible for all except next working day via ID app)
Partially Eligible (Certain Services Only):
Some visa categories are eligible for either the Priority or Super Priority Service but not both, or have restrictions based on the method of identity verification (UKVCAS appointment vs. ID app):
- Graduate Visa:
- Eligible only via ID app.
- Hong Kong BNO Visa:
- Eligible for 5 working days service via UKVCAS.
- Innovator Founder Visa:
- Not eligible for the next working day service via UKVCAS.
- Intra-company Visas:
- Not eligible for services through the ID app.
- Investor Visa (Tier 1):
- Eligible only for 5 working days service via UKVCAS.
- Minister of Religion Visa (T2):
- Not eligible for services through the ID app.
- Dependents of Work, Student, Global Talent, Start up or Innovator Founder Visa:
- Not eligible for services through the ID app.
- Dependents of Investor Visa Holders:
- Eligible only for 5 working days service via UKVCAS.
- Applicants for Family Life as a Partner, Parent, or Dependent Child, or on the Basis of Private Life in the UK through FLR(FP) or FLR(M):
- Eligible for next working day service only via UKVCAS.
- Human Rights Claims, Leave Outside the Rules, and Other Routes through FLR(HRO):
- Eligible for next working day service only via UKVCAS.
- Other Routes through FLR(IR):
- Eligible for next working day service only via UKVCAS.
This comprehensive list now includes all the categories mentioned, reflecting their eligibility for expedited services accurately. If you need further detailed guidance, please refer to the official UK Government website on expedited visa decision services.
8. How to Track UK Visa Application
Here’s how you can track your UK visa application based on the latest information:
1. Online Tracking through UKVI Account:
If you applied online, you can monitor the status of your application by logging into your account on the official UK government visa website. This is the same account you used when filling out your application form.
2. Email and SMS Updates:
If you opted for updates during the application process, you would receive notifications about the progress of your visa application via email or SMS. This service keeps you informed of any changes or additional steps you may need to take.
3. Visa Application Centre (VAC):
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre, you can track your application’s progress by contacting the centre directly or using any online tracking services they might offer. Both TLScontact and VFS Global offer means to track your visa application through their respective websites.
4. Using a Tracking Number:
If your application process involved sending documents via courier, you should have received a tracking number. You can use this number on the courier’s website to monitor the status and movement of your documents.
5. Contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Directly:
For more detailed inquiries, or if you prefer a direct interaction, you can contact UKVI by phone. For general queries, call +44 (0)300 790 6268. Calls are charged at 69 pence per minute, plus the cost of your phone provider’s access charge. This line allows you to ask about the status of your application directly and is available 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday. If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, then use +44 (0)203 875 4669.
This option is available through the UKVI website, where you can fill out an online form to inquire about your application status. There is a charge of £2.74 for queries about the progress of a UK visa application, covering an initial email enquiry and any follow-up emails related to the same enquiry.
Each of these methods provides a reliable way to keep track of your UK visa application. Remember to have your application number and personal details handy when checking your status, as these will likely be required to access any information.
9. FAQs: Understanding UK Priority Visa Fees 2024
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What is the difference between priority and super priority visa services?
Priority visa services aim to process applications faster than the standard time, typically within 5 working days, while super priority services target next-working-day processing.
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How much is priority visa UK 2024?
From October 4, 2024, the priority service charges are £500 for applications from inside and outside the UK.
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How much is super priority UK visa 2024?
From October 4, 2024, the super priority fee is £1,000 for applications from inside and outside the UK.
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How much is priority student visa UK?
From October 4, 2024, the priority student visa fee is £990 for applications from inside and outside the UK.
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How much does it cost to extend spouse visa 2024?
As of 2024, the cost to extend a UK Spouse Visa is £1,048 if you are applying from within the UK. Additionally, there are other mandatory fees such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18. You will need to pay the IHS fee upfront for the entire 2.5 years of the visa extension when you apply. If you need a faster decision on your application, priority services are available at an additional cost. The standard priority service, which returns a decision within 5 days, costs an additional £500, and the super priority service, which provides a decision by the next working day, costs £1,000.
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How much is UK NARIC fast track?
The UK NARIC, now managed by Ecctis, provides a standard service for verifying international qualifications, which usually takes about 10 working days with a fee of £125 plus VAT. For those needing quicker processing, Ecctis offers two fast track options. The 24-hour fast track service costs an additional £174.00 plus VAT, ensuring that applications are processed within one working day, provided all necessary documents and payments are in order. The 48-hour service, priced at £124.00 plus VAT, completes the process within two working days under similar conditions. These fast track services are beneficial for individuals requiring expedited assessment of their qualifications for purposes like visa applications in the UK.
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Are priority and super priority services available for all UK visa categories?
Not all visa categories are eligible for these expedited services. Availability can vary based on the visa type and application location.
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Can I get a refund if my application doesn’t meet the promised processing time?
Refunds may be considered if the delay is due to an error by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) and the service standard is not met. Conditions for refunds should be reviewed when applying.
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Is the super priority service available at all UK Visa Application Centres (UKVACs)?
The super priority service is only available at select UKVACs. Availability is subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the specific centre.
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What happens if my application is considered non-straightforward?
If your application is flagged as non-straightforward, processing times may extend beyond the usual service standards for priority or super priority services.
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What should I do if I need urgent processing but my visa category isn’t eligible for priority services?
Contact UKVI directly or use the contact form on the official UK government website to inquire about alternative options for expedited processing.