Get a Faster Decision on Your Application

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application if you are applying in the UK. 

Whether you can pay for a faster decision depends on which visa you are applying for. Read the guidance for the visa you are applying for (external link) to check whether you can get a faster decision. 

Once you have got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive. 

Decision within 5 working days  

If you are eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. It costs £500 in addition to the application fee. 

A decision will be made within 5 working days of your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment (external link). 

Decision by the end of the next working day 

If you are eligible you can choose the ‘super priority service’ when you apply. It costs £800 in addition to the application fee. 

A decision will be made: 

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

  • 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend 

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays. 

What happens next 

You will get an email when a decision has been made, followed by a decision letter in the post. 

The email will only give you the outcome of your application if it has been approved. If it is refused, you will not find out until you get your letter. 

When you will get your biometric residence permit 

You will usually receive your biometric residence permit (BRP) within 7 to 10 days of your decision. If it does not arrive, you can report your missing BRP online (external link)

Your BRP will be sent to the address you gave in your application. If you want it to be sent elsewhere, you need to update your address (external link) before your decision is made. 

When you might wait longer 

You might wait longer for a decision if you need to provide more information. You will be told how and when to provide it.