Immigration Corner | How to get a faster decision on a UK visa or settlement

Dear Mr Bassie,

I understand that it is possible for me to get a faster response from the British authorities when applying for a visa. Please advise how this is done.

– S.V.

Dear S.V.,

Persons may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement ( that is ‘indefinite leave to remain’) application. By using the ‘priority service’ this would mean that they will usually get a decision within five working days, or 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK.

Further, by using the ‘super priority service’ for visa and settlement applications means that they will usually be able to receive a decision by the end of the next working day. Please note that the processing time ends when the applicant gets a letter or email telling him/her that a decision has been made.

Persons should be aware that it can take longer to get a decision – for example, if the British authorities need to ask you for more information or check the applicant’s details with other government departments. Those persons will be told if this is the case and If the decision does take longer, applicants will not usually get their money back

Please be aware that persons in the United Kingdom must have permission to be there to apply for the priority or super priority service and they can only pay for a faster decision on certain visas.

THE PRIORITY SERVICE

Persons who are eligible can choose the ‘priority service’ when they apply and they will need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee. Using the ‘priority service’ means they will usually get a decision within five working days.

Please note that using the priority service usually takes up to 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK if he/she is applying as a:

• partner or spouse

• parent

• child

• adult coming to be cared for by a relative

The time starts from either the day of your appointment, if they prove your identity in person; or the working day after finishing uploading documents, if they use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. As previously stated, it can take longer to get a decision if the Home Office needs to ask for more information.

Applicants will be told whether they can prove their identity in person or using the app when applying.

THE SUPER PRIORITY SERVICE

If eligible persons can choose the ‘super priority service’ when applying. They will need to pay £1,000 in addition to the application fee. How quickly an applicant gets a decision depends on when they prove their identity.

Persons who prove their identity in person

Persons will usually get a decision:

• by the end of the next working day after your appointment, if their appointment is on a weekday

• two working days after their appointment, if their appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

As in the previous method, please be aware that it can take longer if more information or further checks on the details with other government departments are needed. Again, the applicant will be informed if this is the case.

USE OF THE ‘UK IMMIGRATION: ID CHECK’ APP

If using this app, persons will usually get a decision by the end of the next working day if they finish uploading your documents on a weekday; or two working days after finishing uploading their documents if they are uploaded on a weekend or a bank holiday. The Home Office may take longer if further checks are needed.

Applying with family members

For each family member applying with the applicant, persons will need to pay an additional:

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

• £1,000, to get a decision by the end of the next working day

It is important to note that every family member will need to pay for a faster decision. The applicant will get a decision for everyone at the same time. If any family members need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken in person, a decision may take longer.

AFTER APPLYING

Persons will get a letter or email telling them that the Home Office has made a decision on the application. It will inform the applicant what he/she needs to do next. Persons are advised to check their email’s spam folder if they are having problems getting messages from the Home Office.

If persons need to provide more information, the will be told how and when to provide it. Please note that upon receipt of the requested information the application will be prioritized.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com