Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application

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Applying for a faster decision

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application.

Using the ‘priority service’ means you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK.

Using the ‘super priority service’ for visa and settlement applications means you’ll usually get a decision by the end of the next working day.

It can take longer to get a decision, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information or check your details with other government departments. You’ll be told if this is the case.

If the decision takes longer, you will not usually get your money back. Find out about getting a refund of your priority service fee.

If you’re in the UK:

Using the priority service

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee.

Using the ‘priority service’ means you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days.

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

The time starts from either:

  • the day of your appointment, if you prove your identity in person
  • the working day after you finished uploading your documents, if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

It can take longer, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.

You’ll be told whether you can prove your identity in person or using the app when you apply.

Using the super priority service

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘super priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £1,000 in addition to the application fee.

How quickly you get a decision depends on when you prove your identity.

If you prove your identity in person

You’ll usually get a decision:

  • by the end of the next working day after your appointment, if your appointment is on a weekday
  • 2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

It can take longer, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information or check your details with other government departments. You’ll be told if this is the case.

If you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

You’ll usually get a decision:

  • by the end of the next working day if you finish uploading your documents on a weekday
  • 2 working days after you finish uploading your documents if you upload them on a weekend or a bank holiday

It can take longer, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information or check your details with other government departments. You’ll be told if this is the case.

Applying with family members

For each family member applying with you, you’ll need to pay an additional:

  • £500, to get a decision within 5 working days

  • £1,000, to get a decision by the end of the next working day

Every family member will need to pay for a faster decision. You’ll get a decision for everyone at the same time.

If any of your family members need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken in person, a decision may take longer.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter or email telling you the Home Office has made a decision on your application. It will tell you what you need to do next.

Check your email’s spam folder if you’re having problems getting messages from the Home Office.

When you might wait longer for a decision

You might wait longer for a decision if you need to provide more information. You’ll be told how and when to provide it.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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