Priority and Super Priority Visa Processing Explained (2025 Update)

Introduction

Waiting months for a visa decision can be stressful — especially when you need to travel, start a new job, or attend an urgent family event. Thankfully, the Home Office offers Priority and Super Priority Visa services, allowing applicants to receive a decision within days instead of weeks.

In this updated 2025 guide, the team at AHJ Immigration, trusted UK immigration solicitors based in Birmingham, explain how these faster services work, which visa routes qualify, how much they cost, and when using them is worthwhile.

What Are Priority and Super Priority Visa Services?

The Priority and Super Priority services are paid add-ons offered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to speed up decision times. They are available for most visa routes, both inside the UK (extensions, switching visas) and outside the UK (entry clearance applications).

• Priority Service: A decision within 5 working days of your biometric appointment or identity verification.
• Super Priority Service: A decision by the end of the next working day (24 hours after biometrics or ID upload).

These services are optional — but can save weeks of waiting for those on tight deadlines.

Which Visa Applications Qualify?

As of 2025, most major visa types are eligible for Priority or Super Priority upgrades, including:

• Skilled Worker Visa (and dependants)
• Spouse / Partner Visa
• Graduate Visa
• Student Visa
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Visit Visa (outside the UK only)
• Family routes under Appendix FM (in-country)

Some specialist routes (such as asylum, fee waiver, or humanitarian protection) are not eligible. Always check availability before paying the upgrade fee.

Current Home Office Fees (2025)

The additional costs (on top of the standard application fee and IHS) are:

• Priority Service: £500
• Super Priority Service: £1,000

These fees are per person, including dependants. The upgrade must be purchased at the time of application — you cannot usually add it later.

Inside vs Outside the UK – Key Differences

Note: For overseas applicants, the “working day” timeline starts after biometrics, not the date of application.

How the Fast-Track Process Works

1. Apply online: Select the visa type and confirm eligibility for Priority or Super Priority.
2. Pay the standard fee + IHS: Complete your application payment.
3. Select upgrade: Choose Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1,000) when prompted.
4. Book biometrics: Attend the appointment or use the UK Immigration ID Check app.
5. Decision time starts: The countdown begins once biometrics or ID upload is complete.
6. Receive decision: You’ll get an email from UKVI confirming the outcome and next steps.

Why Use Priority or Super Priority?

These services are ideal when:

• You need to start work or travel urgently
• You have an employer deadline or visa start date approaching
• You’re applying for ILR and want to avoid long waiting times
• You want faster certainty before booking flights or relocating family

For many professionals and families, the upgrade fee is a worthwhile investment in peace of mind and speed.

When Not to Use It

You might skip the upgrade if:

• Your case is complex (e.g. criminal convictions, overstays, or pending appeals)
• You’re awaiting external documents or dependants’ results
• You’ve used a fee waiver or human-rights-based route (ineligible)

If your case is complex, the Home Office may remove your application from fast-track and process it under normal timescales — without refunding the Priority fee.

Typical Decision Timelines

Standard service:

• Outside the UK: 3–8 weeks
• Inside the UK: 8–12 weeks

Priority service:

• Decision in 5 working days after biometrics

Super Priority service:

• Decision by next working day after biometrics or ID upload

Actual delivery may vary if further evidence is requested.

What Happens After You’re Approved

You’ll receive a decision email and your eVisa record will be updated automatically in your UKVI account.
If you still hold a BRP, a new one will be issued — though by 2025, most applicants are being transferred to digital eVisas.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

At AHJ Immigration, we assist clients who:

• Need urgent visa decisions for employment or travel
• Want to ensure their application is 100% compliant before paying upgrade fees
• Require support managing dependants’ fast-track submissions
• Need advice on timing, cost, and eligibility before applying

Our solicitors guide you through every step, ensuring you avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

Why Choose AHJ Immigration

• OISC-regulated immigration specialists
• Fast turnaround with document checks within 24 hours
• Transparent pricing and tailored advice
• Free 30-minute consultation available for all visa routes
• Based in Birmingham, supporting clients UK-wide and overseas

How We Help – Your Consultation Options

Free 30-Minute Consultation – Understand your visa options and processing times.
1-Hour Paid Consultation – Receive detailed advice on fast-track eligibility and evidence preparation. (Deducted from total cost if you continue with us.)

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or Book Your Consultation online.

Disclaimer

Visa fees, eligibility, and processing times are subject to change. Information is accurate as of October 2025 and verified against official GOV.UK guidance.

FAQs

1. How much is the Priority Visa fee in 2025?
The Priority Service costs £500, while the Super Priority Service costs £1,000 on top of the standard application fee.

2. How long does a Super Priority visa take?
You’ll receive a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometrics or ID upload is completed.

3. Can I use Priority for any visa?
Most work, family, and study visas are eligible, but asylum and fee waiver applications are not. Always check before paying the upgrade.

4. What happens if my case is complex?
If your case is complex or needs extra checks, UKVI may remove it from fast-track, and the Priority fee won’t be refunded.

5. Can dependants also use Priority services?
Yes — dependants can upgrade too, but each person must pay separately for Priority or Super Priority services.