1. Executive Summary & Expedited Fee Breakdown
Applicants who are eligible for a faster decision can choose Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1,000) during the UKVI application process when the relevant service is offered for their route, location and identity-verification method.
2. Fast-Track Fee & SLA Comparison Matrix
The table below breaks down UKVI fast-track fee structures across visa categories:
| Visa Category | Standard Processing Fee | 5-Day Priority Fee | 24-Hr Super Priority Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (Outside UK, up to 3 yrs) | £819.00 | £819 + £500 = £1,319 | £819 + £1,000 = £1,819 |
| Student Visa (Outside UK) | £558.00 | £558 + £500 = £1,058 | £558 + £1,000 = £1,558 |
| Family / Spouse Visa (Outside UK) | £2,064.00 | £2,064 + £500 = £2,564 | Eligibility for Super Priority is route- and location-specific; do not assume this service is available |
| Standard Visitor Visa | £135.00 | Eligibility for Priority is route- and location-specific | Not generally available as a Super Priority example |
3. VFS Global & TLScontact Center Add-On Fees
VFS Global and TLScontact can offer separate optional commercial services such as courier return, premium lounges and out-of-hours or premium appointments. Charges vary by country, application centre and provider, so there is no universal £75-£150 lounge, £25 courier or £40-£80 weekend fee that should be quoted across all locations.
4. UKVI Fast-Track Fee Refund Policy
You are not automatically entitled to a refund simply because UKVI misses the faster-decision target. You will not usually receive a refund where UKVI needed additional information or evidence. A refund may be given in specified circumstances, including where something outside UKVI's control prevented a decision, such as a technical problem; each case is considered individually.
5. Home Office Fees vs Faster-Decision Fees
The £500 Priority and £1,000 Super Priority charges are additional service fees. They are separate from the underlying visa application fee and any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge. The underlying visa fee depends on the route, duration, application location and other circumstances, so examples in this guide should not be treated as a universal total cost for every applicant.
6. Family Members and Faster Decisions
Where a family member applies with you for an eligible visa or settlement application, each family member who wants the faster decision must pay the relevant Priority or Super Priority fee. GOV.UK says each family member receives the decision at the same time where the faster service is used, although cases requiring in-person fingerprints and photographs can take longer.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- Priority Service costs £500 and usually aims for 5 working days for most eligible applications; Super Priority costs £1,000 and usually aims for the end of the next working day.
- Fast-track fees are paid in addition to the standard application fee and any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Each eligible dependant must separately pay £500 for Priority or £1,000 for Super Priority to receive the faster decision.
- VFS Global and TLScontact may offer separate paid commercial services, whose availability and price vary by application centre and country.
- Refunds are conditional; missing the faster-decision target does not automatically create a refund entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
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