United Kingdom:Priority services for visas, settlement applications reinstated

The United Kingdom’s Home Office is allowing applicants for certain visas to pay for faster decisions on their applications.

• Skilled Worker
• Intra Company
• Student visa
• Indefinite Leave to Remain decisions

Important to know: 

• Applicants who are inside the U.K. may be able to receive a faster decision on their visa or settlement application.
• Eligible applicants can choose priority service, which returns a decision within five working days of the applicant’s U.K. Visa and Citizen Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment. In addition to the application fee, applicants must pay £500 for the priority service.
• A super priority option is available for eligible applicants at a cost of £800 in addition to the application fee. Under this option, decisions are made by the end of the next working day after the UKVCAS appointment if the appointment takes place Monday through Friday or two working days after the UKVCAS appointment if it is a weekend appointment.
• Applicants are notified of the decision by email or through the mail.
• Only certain visas are eligible for expedited decisions at this time because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In some cases, decisions may be delayed if additional information from the applicant is needed.

Applicants should receive a biometric residence permit seven to 10 days after their decision.

Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.