⚡️ Fast Priority services resumed for most visa categories! Decision in 5 working days or 24 hours

  

The UK Government has been processing visas during all the lockdowns and they have now resumed Priority services in most cases. Contact us now for online application, online consultation and online document submission. Submit your enquiry through the feedback form on our website.

 

Eligible in-UK visa categories:

- Spouse / Partner of UK citizen: entry visa, switching from another visa, extension, Settlement Indefinite Leave

- Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker and most other work visas: switching, extension, Indefinite Leave

- Start-up, Innovator, Global Talent

- Tier 1 Investor: switching, extension and ILR

- Ancestral visa: Indefinite Leave

- Indefinite Leave on the basis of 10 years

 

 Not eligible for Priority services but OK on standard service:

- British Citizenship

- Hong Kong BNO visa

- EEA applications, instead you can register under EU Settlement Scheme that often gives immediate decision

- Complex cases

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does it work? Decision in 24 hours.

24-hour Super Priority Service replaced a popular same-day service at the end of 2018. We advise on the visa requirements, prepare your case, complete application forms, upload your documents onto the Government system, book an appointment for biometrics and, generally, ‘hold your hand’ throughout the whole process. On the day of appointment you submit biometrics (fingerprints) at your local facility, which is just for the biometrics and not handled by the visa officers. After that your case it considered electronically by the Government officials at the Home Office ‘behind the scenes’, they are not seen or talked to, and they notify about decision by the next working day. Then a biometric visa card (BRP) arrives a few days later. 

 

How does it work? Decision in 5 working days.

This Priority Service works in the same way as above but takes 5 working days instead of 24 hours and attracts a lower Government fee. 

Family settlement applications outside the UK.

These are for spouses, partners, fiancees, parents and other family members of British citizens to come to the UK with the view to settle. There is a Priority service in most countries but it takes up to 30 working days. It is, however, still faster than standard consideration of 3 months. 

How much does it cost?

If you plan to use Priority services, you will be charged extra in Government fees with 24-hour service being the most expensive. We do not charge additional legal fees (only our standard service fee). 

Location and what happens on the day?

Under the Priority services, you will get a decision within 24 hours or 5 working days – from the date of appointment. When is your appointment?

Under the current system, the appointments (‘slots’) are only for biometrics (fingerprints) before your case is considered by the Government officials remotely, usually in the Government building in Sheffield. Since there is no face-to-face or other direct interaction with the  UKVI visa officers anymore, these appointments are available at the visa centres all over the UK and can be close to you.  It can be a local library, a core centre such as in Croydon or Manchester, or a designated facility, such as in the City of London. Availability of such appointments will be displayed on the online system when we submit your application. From experience, they won’t be immediate and there may be a wait. 

Important! The new core centres, such as in Croydon or Manchester, are run by a commercial partner, ie ‘visa centres’. These are not Government facilities, as used to be in Croydon or Liverpool, there is a different address in Croydon, it is not Lunar House anymore. There is no direct interaction with the visa offices anymore, they consider all cases remotely.  You can, however, choose a location very close to you, which makes it more convenient and saves time!

Very important! The process described here was changed in relation to the visa application process but not eligibility rules. So, all the visa rules remain the same, such as Financial Requirement £18,600, English language tests, Skilled Worker salary rules and so on. What changed is how you apply. 

Do I have to attend in person?

As above, you have to come to your chosen visa centre to submit biometrics (fingerprints).  After that your case will be considered remotely by the Government officials (usually in Sheffield). 

How does it compare with standard service?

Speed! If your visa category is eligible,  such as Spouse / Partner visa, you have a choice of using standard or a Priority service. The eligibility rules and supporting documents are the same. The difference is timing. With standard service, it can take 6 months for permanent residency (ILR) application and 2-3 months for non-ILR application. Outside the UK, it takes up to 3 months for settlement and 3 weeks for non-settlement applications. 

 

To discuss your situation with our Immigration Lawyers please Book a Consultation here: https://www.1st4immigration.com/book-a-consultation/  We offer advice over WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, phone or email.

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC - accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 10 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. 

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