What is priority visa processing?
Priority processing is an optional add-on service that aims to give you a decision on your UK visa application faster than the standard service. Priority processing aims to deliver a decision within approximately 5 working days. Super priority aims to deliver a decision by the end of the next working day after your appointment.
Is priority processing worth it?
Priority processing is worth considering if your current visa is expiring soon, you need to travel urgently, or you simply want certainty sooner. The standard service can take 8 weeks or more for in-country applications. The cost is £500 per applicant for priority, or £800 for super priority. For a family of three, this is a significant additional cost.
Is the priority fee refunded if it takes longer?
No. The Home Office does not guarantee specific processing times even for priority or super priority services. If your application takes longer than the estimated time, the priority fee is not refunded. In practice, most priority and super priority applications are processed within the advertised timeframes, but delays do occur.