VISA FAST TRACK UK: The service can give you a quick decision on a visa application within 5 working days.
The fast track services for visa application apply to those sent by postal methods. Note that your payment must have cleared to get the get a faster reply.
The faster reply service also applies to those who have settled in the United Kingdom with no time limit.
That means you can use the faster tracking service to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP).
There are some limitations. Applying for limited leave to remain in the UK will not qualify for the faster reply service. An example would be for those using Tier 4 or ‘Further Leave to Remain‘ forms.
Eligibility for Faster Reply on Visa Application
The service only applies to those making a visa application from inside the UK. You must also be using one of these forms to qualify:
- SET (AF)
- SET (F)
- SET (LR)
- SET (M)
- SET (O) Form [some exceptions apply]
Exceptions for SET (O) Application
There are some exceptions for those using the SET (O) form. The quicker decision on visa application does not apply to:
Fees for Faster Reply on Visa Application
The cost of getting a quicker decision is £490 per person. This fee is on top of the payment already made for visa application.
Applying for a Faster Reply
You can download and fill in the ‘Premium visa upgrade request form‘ from the GOV.UK website. Send the request and payment forms to the email address written on the documents.
Note: They process the first 5 requests received each day between 8am and midday. The service only operates from Monday to Thursday. They will send you an email before 5pm the same day if your request gets accepted.
Getting Accepted for the Quicker Decision Service
Once accepted, you will need to provide a scan of your fingerprints and photo (if not already given). This is the biometric information and personal data needed to complete the request.
They will inform you if the application will take more than 5 working days. This might happen when:
- They need to make extra checks.
- They need you to visit a premium service centre in person. In this case you would need to pay a £100 booking fee.
Returning Your Documents
UKVI will return your personal documentation separate to the BRP. As a rule, it takes one week to 10 days to get your documents back. When they arrive you will need to sign to show that you received them.