Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application

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Applying from inside the UK

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application if you’re applying from inside the UK.

You can only pay for a faster decision on certain visas.

To get a decision within 5 working days

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee.

You’ll get a decision within 5 working days. The time starts from either:

You’ll be told whether you can prove your identity at a UKVCAS centre or using the app when you apply.

To get a decision by the end of the next working day

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘super priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £800 in addition to the application fee.

You’ll get a decision:

  • by the end of the next working day after your appointment, if your appointment is on a weekday
  • 2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

You cannot get a decision by the end of the next working day if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.

Applying with family members

For each family member applying with you, you’ll need to pay an additional:

  • £500, to get a decision within 5 working days

  • £800, to get a decision by the end of the next working day

If you apply with members of your family, you’ll get a decision for everyone at the same time.

If you’re applying together with your family, you cannot get different decision times for individual family members. If you want a faster decision, every family member will need to pay to get a faster decision.

Applying using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

You may be able to get a faster decision within 5 working days.

If any of your family members need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UKVCAS service centre a decision may take longer.

You’ll get a decision within 5 working days after the last family member’s appointment.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get an email followed by a decision letter (either in the post or by email).

If your application is approved, the email will let you know the outcome. If your application is refused, the outcome will not be mentioned in the email.

When you might wait longer for a decision

You might wait longer for a decision if you need to provide more information. You’ll be told how and when to provide it.

When you’ll get your biometric residence permit

You’ll usually receive your biometric residence permit (BRP) within 7 to 10 days of your decision. If it does not arrive, you can report your missing BRP online.

Your BRP will be sent to the address you gave in your application. You need to update your address before your application is approved if you want it sent elsewhere.