When planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the UK, getting a visa is often a crucial step. For those who are in a hurry and need to obtain their UK visa quickly, the fast – track visa service can be a great option. But just how much does this expedited service cost? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of the fast – track UK visa fees, covering different types of visas and any additional charges you might encounter.
Types of UK Visas Eligible for Fast – Track
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are one of the most common types of visas for those who want to come to the UK for a short period, such as for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family and friends.
Standard Visitor Visa Fast – Track Fee: As of [current date], the fast – track fee for a standard visitor visa is usually an additional £500 on top of the regular visa application fee. The regular application fee for a standard visitor visa for a 6 – month stay is £100. So, if you opt for the fast – track service, you will need to pay a total of £600. This fast – track service typically guarantees a decision within 5 working days, compared to the standard processing time which can take up to 3 weeks.
Long – Term Visitor Visas: For long – term visitor visas, which allow stays of 2, 5, or 10 years, the fast – track fee structure is different. The regular application fees for these long – term visitor visas are £361 for a 2 – year visa, £655 for a 5 – year visa, and £822 for a 10 – year visa. The fast – track fee for these long – term visas is also an additional £500. So, for example, if you are applying for a 5 – year long – term visitor visa and choose the fast – track service, you will have to pay £655 + £500 = £1155.
Student Visas
Student visas are essential for international students who wish to study in the UK.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Fast – Track: The regular application fee for a Tier 4 (General) student visa is £348. The fast – track service for this type of visa comes at an additional cost of £500. So, in total, you would pay £348+£500 = £848 if you want your student visa application processed quickly. With the fast – track service, you can expect a decision within 5 working days. This is extremely useful for students who might be running short on time before the start of their courses.
Short – Term Study Visas: For short – term study visas (for courses up to 6 months or 11 months in some cases), the regular application fee is £186. The fast – track fee, like other visas, is an extra £500. So, the total cost for a fast – tracked short – term study visa is £186 + £500 = £686.
Work Visas
Work visas are required for individuals who want to work in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa Fast – Track: The regular application fee for a Skilled Worker visa depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. If applying from outside the UK, the fee is £625. The fast – track fee for this visa is £500. So, if you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad and choose the fast – track option, you will pay £625+£500 = £1125. From inside the UK, the regular application fee is £1,231, and with the fast – track service, the total cost becomes £1,231 + £500 = £1,731.
Temporary Worker Visas: There are different types of temporary worker visas such as the Seasonal Worker visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. For the Seasonal Worker visa, the regular application fee is £274. The fast – track fee is £500, making the total cost £274+£500 = £774. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa has a regular application fee of £259, and with fast – track, it will cost £259 + £500 = £759.
Settlement Visas
Settlement visas are for those who want to permanently live in the UK.
Spouse/Partner Visas: The regular application fee for a spouse/partner visa is £1,840. The fast – track service for this visa is a bit more expensive. The fast – track fee is £800. So, if you are applying for a spouse/partner visa and want it processed quickly, you will need to pay £1,840+£800 = £2,640. This fast – track option can provide a decision within 5 working days, which is much faster than the standard processing time that can take several months.
Parent of a British Child Visa: The regular application fee for this visa is £1,600. The fast – track fee is £800. So, the total cost for a fast – tracked parent of a British child visa is £1,600 + £800 = £2,400.
Additional Charges to Consider
Biometric Information Fee
In most cases, when applying for a UK visa, you will need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph. This service usually costs an additional £19.20. Whether you choose the fast – track service or not, this biometric information fee is applicable. So, for example, if you are applying for a fast – tracked standard visitor visa, in addition to the £600 (visa application fee + fast – track fee), you will also need to pay the £19.20 biometric information fee, bringing the total cost to £619.20.
Priority Service Centers
Some applicants may choose to use the priority service centers for their visa applications. These centers offer a more convenient and sometimes faster way to submit your application. However, there is an additional charge for using these centers. The cost can vary depending on the location and the type of visa. For example, in some major cities, the charge for using a priority service center for a visitor visa application can be an extra £375. So, if you are applying for a standard visitor visa, using the fast – track service, and also using a priority service center, the total cost would be £100 (regular visa fee)+£500 (fast – track fee)+£19.20 (biometric fee)+£375 (priority service center fee) = £994.20.
Factors Affecting Fast – Track Visa Fees
Visa Type
As we have seen, different types of visas have different base application fees, and the fast – track fees are added on top of these. Settlement visas generally have higher base fees and also higher fast – track fees compared to visitor or short – term study visas. This is because settlement visas are for long – term or permanent stays in the UK, and the application process is more complex.
Processing Time Guarantee
The fast – track service offers a guaranteed processing time. The more quickly you want your visa processed, the higher the cost. For example, the 5 – working – day fast – track service is more expensive than some other expedited options that might have a slightly longer processing time (but still faster than the standard processing). The UK Visas and Immigration department has to allocate additional resources to process these applications quickly, and this is reflected in the higher fees.
Location of Application
In some cases, the location where you apply for your visa can also affect the cost. Applying from certain countries or regions might have additional charges due to logistical or administrative reasons. Also, if you are applying from inside the UK, the fees for some visas might be different compared to applying from outside the UK, and this also impacts the overall cost when you add the fast – track fee.
Is Fast – Track UK Visa Worth the Cost?
The decision to opt for the fast – track UK visa service depends on your individual circumstances. If you are in a hurry, for example, if you have a last – minute business trip or your university course is about to start, and you cannot afford to wait for the standard processing time, then the fast – track service can be well worth the cost. However, if you have plenty of time before your planned travel or move to the UK, then paying the extra for the fast – track service might not be necessary. You need to weigh the cost against the convenience and the urgency of your situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a fast – track UK visa varies depending on the type of visa, additional services used, and the location of application. It is important to carefully consider all these factors before making a decision on whether to choose the fast – track option for your UK visa application.
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