Priority and Super Priority Visa Services

UKVI offers two paid-for faster decision services for overseas applications at Visa Application Centres:

• Priority Service — aims to give a decision within five working days of the biometric appointment. The fee is currently around £500 in addition to the standard visa fee.
• Super Priority Service — aims to give a decision on the same day (if the biometric appointment is before a specified cut-off time) or the next working day. The fee is currently around £800.

For in-country applications (made from within the UK), a Priority Service is also available for certain visa types, aiming for a decision within five working days. The cost and availability vary by application type. Super Priority is available for some in-country applications at a UKVI premium lounge, where the applicant attends in person and receives a same-day decision.

Priority and Super Priority services are not available for all visa types or in all countries. Availability depends on the visa type being applied for, the country where the application is being made, and current UKVI capacity. Before paying the additional fee, check whether the service is available for your specific application at your specific Visa Application Centre.

Common visa types for which priority services are typically available include Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner, Student, and some other points-based routes. They are generally not available for asylum applications, naturalisation, or some settlement applications.

It is important to note that paying for a priority service does not increase the likelihood of approval — it only affects processing speed. Applications are still assessed against the same legal requirements. If additional information is requested (a Request for Further Information), this will pause the priority timeline.

Whether to use a priority service depends on your circumstances. If you have an imminent start date for a job, a school enrolment, or a travel commitment that cannot be delayed, paying for a faster decision may be worth the additional cost. If your timeline is flexible, the standard service may suffice.

Consider also whether your application is straightforward or complex. For applications involving complex personal circumstances — previous refusals, criminal records, long travel histories, or unconventional evidence — the priority service may not be appropriate, as there is a greater risk of a Request for Further Information slowing the process regardless.

Always ensure all documents are in order and the application is complete before booking a priority appointment, as a poorly prepared application will not benefit from the premium service and the fee is generally not refundable if the application is refused.