“UK visas and Immigration,” commonly known as UKVI, is up with the priority and super priority services with an additional fee. Through these new services, applicants can receive a faster decision on their UK visa and settlement application from the authorities.
In this inclusive blog, we will be going through the following factors –
- What are the priority and super-priority services?
- Which one is suitable for your application?
- What is the processing time of these services?
- How much do these services cost?
Let’s Dig into the Processing Time of Priority and Super-Priority Service
Priority service- The processing time and procedure for all international and in-country candidates may vary if applied through the priority service. Suppose you are applying as an international applicant. In that case, you will get the final decision on your UK visa and settlement application within five days after going through the appointment at the visa center. On the other hand, if you are an in-home applicant, you will get the decision within five days after the appointment at UKVCAS. If you (in-home applicant) use the UK immigration: ID check app, you will get the decision in 5 days from the date of submitting documents.
All applicants should note that this standard processing time may go up if your application is complex or not direct. However, your application will be prioritized at every step consisting in the process.
Super-priority service- The processing time for overseas candidates is one day after the appointment at the visa center if applied through the super-priority service. However, the processing time also remains the same for the in-country applicant. The processing time is one day after the appointment at the UKVCAS center. If any applicant (international or in-home) has an appointment on the weekend, the processing time will be two days.
If any in-home applicant submits the application through the UK immigration: ID check app, they can’t consume the super-priority service.
Accessibility of Priority and Super Priority Service
The super priority service is not yet accessible for new family visa applications made outside of the UK. Although all international applicants with a new family or marriage visa application can now avail the priority service. The concerned authorities will release the final decision within 30 days after the application submission.
Since 9 January 2023, candidates with a family visa application can use the three weeks priority service. In order to consume this service, you will be required to pay additional fees.
Priority and super-priority services are available in most countries at visa centers through an appointment for work and business-related gateways. Additionally, both services are consumable at various locations on an appointment basis for child students, students, and student dependents.
If you are applying for a visit visa, you can easily access the super priority service. However, the priority service is not yet available at various locations.
Applicants submitting applications for settlement and leaving to remain via qualifying routes from the UK can currently choose between the Priority and Super Priority services.
Know if your Visa or Settlement Application is Eligible for Premium Services
Application Submission outside the UK
You should be aware of the temporary suspension if you are applying for a UK visa from outside the country. If your immigration route is not affected, you should check with your visa application center to see if the Priority Visa Service or Super Priority Visa Service is offered in the nation you are applying from for the application type you are submitting.
All visa application centers don’t come up with quick decisions. However, TLS Contact and VFS, the Home Office’s commercial partners for all UK visa applications submitted from Europe, Africa, Jordan, or Israel, as well as all other countries, both release information on the service options available at their visa application center locations around the world.
With the exception of applications for visas to visit other Commonwealth nations, British Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, ECAA, EUSS, EEA, and British National Overseas (BNO), a Premium Service will typically be offered for all application types where a visa application center offers a Priority or Super Priority Visa service and free from suspension.
Application Submission with the UK
If you are submitting an application from the United Kingdom, you can continue as long as the Premium Services are not suspended. However, the type of application you submit and the method you use to verify your identity will determine whether you are qualified for the premium services or not. Additionally, you should confirm whether your visa or settlement application qualifies for any premium service.
Premium Services Fees (Priority and Super Priority Service)
Both priority and super-priority services are optional. If you aim to use any of these services. You are mandated to pay an additional fee along with the standard visa application fee.
If you wish to apply via priority service, you will be paying an extra fee of 500 euros. On the contrary, if you want to proceed with the super priority service, you will be required to pay an additional fee of 800 euros.
In addition, if you are applying for any premium service with your family, other family members are also required to opt for premium service. Family members who wish to apply together can’t receive different decision times.
Note: The premium service is not refundable if the application is rejected or takes longer to be processed.
How to use Priority and Super Priority Premium Services?
In order to use these premium services, you are required to take an appointment at the UK visa center or UKVCAS. You will get to see an option for premium service while you book your appointment. If any such option is not appearing on your display, it means the appointments for the particular week have been booked.
You can’t use the premium services if you have already booked an appointment at the visa center or the UKVCAS. If you wish to use premium services, kindly consider it before the appointment.
Does Using Premium Service Increase Application Approval Chances?
Applying through any premium service won’t accelerate the application approval possibilities. To get your application accepted, you need to align with the strict immigration eligibility criteria. If you submit an application with improper information, it will be rejected irrespective of the service you chose to apply through. Therefore, ensure you submit an organized and well-structured application to mitigate rejection chances.
Other Factors to be Considered by the Premium Service Applicants
While requesting a UK visa from outside the country, applicants can normally use the “Keep My Passport When Applying” option. However, this service is not associated with UKVI’s Premium Services. Thus, you cannot use the “Keep My Passport When Applying” service if you apply via the Priority Visa or Super Priority Visa services from outside the UK.
A biometric residence permit (BRP) will be given to applicants who submit their applications within the UK 7–10 days after the final decision. The time it takes to issue a BRP will not be sped up by applying through a Premium Service.
For regular updates and trends about the UK market, you can rely on Dynamic Staffing Services. We make sure to keep you up to date with the latest information through our in-depth research through authentic and credible sources. In case of any query or concern, you can contact us at +91-11-40410000 or enquiry@dss-hr.com.
