UKVI launches Super Priority Visa (SPV) service in Hong Kong
Customers applying for a UK visa in Hong Kong will now have the option of paying to get a faster decision on their application.
A Super Priority Visa (SPV) is an optional, paid-for service that customers in select locations around the world can purchase, in addition to the visa fee, to receive a faster decision on their visa application.
This is the first time customers in Hong Kong will be able to take advantage of the optional service.
Customers who choose SPV will usually receive a decision on their UK visa application by the end of the next working day if your appointment is on a weekday. It could take 2 working days after your appointment if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday.
Customers should be aware that it can take longer than 2 working days, for example if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.
The fee for the Super Priority Visa Service is currently £1,000, plus the standard fee for the type of visa being applied for.
The processing time for a Standard UK visa is 15 working days, although this excludes evenings, weekends or national, public holidays, and in some instances applications may take longer.
The very latest visa decision waiting times for each visa category are published on gov.uk. This also includes additional information about the priority services for those applying outside of the UK.
Speaking of the launch announcement, the Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau Brian Davidson CMG said:
I am excited to announce that the Super Priority Visa service is now available in Hong Kong. This new service will be beneficial for our customers in the business and trade sector as well as those customers who need a decision on their visa faster and at short notice. The introduction of this service will give customers more flexibility and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing the visa services available for Hong Kongers travelling to the UK.
Additional information:
- UKVI starts processing your application only once you’ve attend your appointment at the VAC to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information)
- a visa application may take longer to process if, for example:
- the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration.
- you need to provide further evidence, for example evidence of funds.
- your supporting documents need to be verified.
- you need to attend an interview.
- further information is required on your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
- UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand.
- you will be contacted within the current processing times if your application will take longer
- if the decision takes longer, you will not usually get your money back. Find out about getting a refund of your priority service fee
- using the priority service usually takes up to 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK if you’re applying as a:
- partner or spouse
- parent
- child
- adult coming to be cared for by a relative
- you cannot get a decision by the end of the next working day if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
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for more information about the range of added value services available to customers in Hong Kong please check VFS’ website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/hkg/en/gbr/premium-services
- the latest global processing times for different category of UK visa can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk
- for the latest visa fees (including the price of our www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table) please check out our website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table
- applicants are reminded to only visit the Visa Application Centre once they have confirmation that their passport is ready for collection
- please note, the SPV service is currently not available for BN(O) visa applicants. Further announcement will be made in due course if there are any changes to this although customers applying for a BN(O) visa already have the option of a 5-day Priority Visa (PV) service as part of their application process