UK Visa Priority & Super Priority Services (2025)

This guidance has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration rules. For official submission guidance, visit Our Official UK Visa Guidance.

The UK Visa Priority Service and Super Priority Service allow applicants to receive a faster decision on their visa applications. These premium processing options are offered by the Home Office in partnership with Visa Application Centres (VFS Global and TLS Contact) across select locations worldwide.

This guide explains how priority services work in 2025, where they’re available, and how to use them for a faster decision on your UK Standard Visitor Visa or other visa categories.

What Are Priority and Super Priority Services?

Priority visa services allow eligible applicants to pay an additional fee to have their applications processed ahead of the standard queue. Both services are optional and depend on appointment centre availability.

These services apply to non-settlement visas (such as Visitor, Work, or Study routes) and settlement visas (spouse, family, or ILR applications) in selected regions.

How to Request Priority Service

1. Submit your visa application online via the UK Government portal.
2. When prompted, choose a priority service add-on if available in your country.
3. Pay the additional fee during the checkout stage.
4. Book a biometric appointment at your chosen Visa Application Centre.
5. Provide clear, complete documentation, missing evidence can delay processing even for priority cases.

Where Priority Visa Services Are Available in 2025

Availability varies by region and may change depending on demand or operational capacity. In 2025, priority services are commonly offered in:

• South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar
• Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa
• Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland
• North America: United States and Canada

To confirm if your country supports these services, check the VFS or TLS portal linked to your Visa Application Centre.

When You Should Use Priority Processing

Priority services are ideal if you need a decision quickly for reasons such as:

• Upcoming travel dates within 2–3 weeks.
• Business meetings, conferences, or academic events.
• Private medical treatment with confirmed dates.
• Reapplication after a previous refusal with corrected evidence.

Important Notes for 2025

• Paying for priority service does not guarantee approval, only faster processing.
• Decisions may still take longer if your application requires additional checks.
• Refunds are available if the Home Office fails to meet the published priority timeline.
• Service availability may be paused temporarily in high-demand periods.

What Happens After You Apply

• You’ll receive a confirmation email showing you purchased a priority add-on.
• After biometrics, your case is flagged for expedited assessment by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
• You’ll receive a decision email or SMS once processing is complete.

Priority Visa Refunds & Delays

If the Home Office cannot deliver your decision within the target timeframe (5 working days or 24 hours), you may be eligible for a partial refund of your priority fee. Check refund terms on the GOV.UK or VAC provider’s site before applying.

Related Guidance

• UK Visitor Visa Processing Times (2025)
• Visa Application Centres (VFS & TLS Contact)
• Biometric Enrolment Process (2025)
• Digital Document Upload Guide (2025)
• UK Visa Fees (2025)

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025