fast tracking visa
The preparation of your visa application can often take a long time. On top of that, waiting for the Home Office to come to a decision about your application and send you a reply can mean many more months of waiting too.
Maybe you don’t have months spare to wait because you have a specific date you need to be in the UK by, or you just don’t want to spend a lot of time anxious about what the result will be. Luckily for you, there is an option for most visa categories to fast-track applications and get a quick decision so that you can focus on your move to the UK.
How long does fast-tracking take?
Preparing your visa in the usual amount of time, and then waiting up to six months for a result, can make the whole process very lengthy. When you opt to fast track, however, immigration solicitors who offer this service can get your application all ready, checked and sent off within just one week. There is then an option to request a fast-track review by the Home Office, which your solicitor will do on your behalf.
The average waiting time for a visa processing appointment is around four months. These are four months you could use to spend precious time with your family or studying in the UK. Solicitors who offer a fast-track service can often get you a priority appointment with the Home Office within the same week your application is sent. After you have been to your interview, you should then receive a decision about your visa application within twenty-four hours.
For some UK applications, it is possible to get a decision made just one day after your bundle is submitted to the Home Office. Whether this is available to you or not will depend on what application you are submitting. If you have to attend an interview as part of your application, you will not be eligible for this service, but you can still fast-track using the week-long service!
How much does it cost to fast-track?
If you are eligible to submit a long fast-track application, the extra cost you pay is £500 per person per fast-track. This is in addition to the standard application fee for whichever visa you are applying for.
If you are eligible for the one day fast-track route, the extra cost is £800 per person. Again, this is on top of the application fee for your visa.
It may seem very expensive, but sometimes it is the best thing for you and/or your family. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in your application, however with a good, thorough solicitor by your side you will have the best chance of success.
Who is eligible for fast-track?
Most visa categories have a fast-track option, whether it be for the week-long or one day route, or both. However, there are some situations in which the fast-track routes just are not possible.
For example, if you are applying for a relationship visa such as a spouse or unmarried partner visa then you will have to provide a lot of evidence to prove to the Home Office that your relationship is genuine. Because of this, for almost all people applying for this visa or similar won’t be eligible for a fast-track route.
