UK Super Priority Visa Next Working Day Decision Guide 2026
2026 guide to the UKVI Super Priority faster-decision service: £1,000 fee, decision by the end of the next working day in eligible cases, Priority versus Super Priority, identity-check timing, route eligibility and refund rules.
1. Executive Summary & 24-Hour SLA
The Super Priority service is an optional faster-decision service offered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for eligible visa and settlement applications. Where available, UKVI usually aims to make a decision by the end of the next working day after the relevant identity or biometric step.
2. Standard vs Priority vs Super Priority Service Matrix
The table below compares UKVI decision turnaround times across processing tiers:
| Processing Tier | Additional Fee | Decision SLA (Overseas) | Decision SLA (In-Country) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Service | £0.00 additional | Application-type dependent; GOV.UK published standard processing times apply | Application-type dependent; GOV.UK published standard processing times apply |
| Priority Service | £500.00 | Usually 5 working days for most visa applications; Family visas from outside the UK can be 30 working days | Usually 5 working days for eligible visa and settlement applications |
| Super Priority Service | £1,000.00 | Usually by the end of the next working day where offered and after the relevant identity/biometric step | Usually by the end of the next working day after a weekday biometric appointment or 2 working days after a weekend/bank-holiday appointment |
3. How the 24-Hour Clock Works
If you provide biometrics at a weekday appointment, UKVI usually aims to make the decision by the end of the next working day. If the appointment is at a weekend or on a bank holiday, the usual target is 2 working days after the appointment. If you use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, the clock is based on when you complete the applicable document-upload stage.
4. What Happens If UKVI Misses the Next-Working-Day Target?
If UKVI cannot make the decision within the usual target because it needs more information, evidence or additional checks, the application may take longer and you will normally be told. A Super Priority fee is not normally refunded simply because the target was missed. A refund may be available in specific circumstances, such as a problem outside UKVI control, and the rules depend on the circumstances.
5. Weekday, Weekend and ID-Check Timing
For an in-person biometric appointment on a weekday, the usual Super Priority target is the end of the next working day. For a weekend or bank-holiday appointment, the usual target is 2 working days after the appointment. Where the UK Immigration: ID Check app is used, the relevant clock runs from completion of the required document-upload stage. Working days exclude weekends and bank holidays.
6. Route and Location Eligibility
Super Priority is not available for every visa type, applicant or country. GOV.UK lists eligible applications for faster decisions, and the option is only presented where the route, location, identity-verification method and available capacity allow it. Family applications made outside the UK can have different Priority timings from other visa applications.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- Super Priority usually results in a decision by the end of the next working day in eligible cases; it is a faster-decision service, not a separate visa.
- Costs £1,000 per applicant on top of standard visa and IHS fees.
- Available only for eligible routes, applicants, locations and identity-verification methods. Skilled Worker and Student applications can be eligible in the UK, while Family and overseas applications have route- and location-specific availability.
- Selected during the application process where the service is offered; the exact identity-verification and appointment process depends on the application.
- A refund is not normally due simply because the decision target was missed; GOV.UK provides limited circumstances in which the priority fee may be refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
Sending funds for tuition, rent, or immigration fees? Retail banks sneak 2.5%–4% into exchange rates. Check today's real mid-market rate first.
UK Visa Application & Pre-Arrival Security
Protect passport uploads, UKVI eVisa accounts, and booking portals from public network interception.