In a move that further marks the resumption of normal service, the Home Office has announced that it has restarted the priority processing of new marriage and family visa applications from 20th February 2023. This announcement by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will come as a welcome announcement for anyone wishing to apply under the UK’s family visa scheme, which includes spouse and civil partner visas, fiancé and fiancée visas, child visas, parent visas, and visas for adults coming to the UK to be cared for by a relative. UKVI has been slowly recovering from the impact to its visa and settlement processing services during and after COVID-19. Priority processing services for other visa types, including work and study visas, resumed on 12th August 2022.
What are the priority visa processing services?
There are two priority visa processing services; 1) The Priority processing service and 2) the Super Priority processing service. These priority processing services are not available to everyone applying from outside the UK, as availability will depend on which country you are applying from. Guidance on the availability of priority processing services can be found on the Home Office website.
If you can use the priority processing services, you will be given this option when you book your biometric appointment.
Priority processing time
Family visa applicants using the priority processing service from 20th February 2023 can expect to receive a decision within 30 working days. This is from the point you have submitted your application, accompanying documents and had your identity checked and biometrics processed. The cost of this service if you are applying from outside the UK is currently £573.
If you are unsure if you can use the priority service, speak to an immigration Solicitor who can advise.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!
