Submitted visa applications

At the moment, almost all visa applications, with the exception of several types (which are no longer submitted often), are filled out, submitted and paid for online.

At the same time, applicants need to book a personal appointment at one of the Sopra Steria visa centers in order to submit their biometric data (fingerprints, face photo and digital signature sample).

Sopra Steria guarantees that such a visit can be scheduled no later than five working days after completing the online application.

The applicant can scan and upload the accompanying documents into the system himself, or an employee of the visa application center can do this for an additional fee.

At the same time, the applicant remains in possession of all originals, including passports. It is worth noting that the applicant cannot travel outside the country, as his application will be immediately cancelled and withdrawn from consideration.

The time frame for processing visa applications will vary slightly depending on the type of expedited processing.

As part of the standard package, a decision will be made within six months or eight weeks, depending on the type of visa category.

Expedited processing implies making a decision one working day after the provision of biometrics (the “Super Priority Service” service) or within five working days after the provision of biometrics (the “Priority Service" service).

Using the priority service

If your visa category falls under this service, you can choose the "priority service" when submitting your visa application. You will need to pay 500 pounds in addition to the standard visa fee that you pay to submit your application.

You will usually receive a decision within 5 working days. The time begins:

• Or on the day of your appointment for biometrics submission, if you personally provide your biometrics
• Or the next working day after the completion of the document download, if you use the mobile application "Immigration to the UK: ID verification"

At the same time, the application review process may take more than 5 working days, for example, if the Home Office needs to request additional information from you.

When submitting your application, you will be informed whether you can provide biometrics in person or using a mobile application.

Using the super priority service

If your visa category falls under this service, you can choose the "super priority service" when applying for a visa. You will need to pay £1,000 in addition to the standard visa fee that you pay to submit your application.

You usually get a decision:

• Or by the end of the next working day after your fingerprints are provided at the Sopra Steria visa application center, if the date of biometrics is on a weekday
• Or two working days after your biometrics appointment, if your biometrics due date falls on weekends or non-working holidays

At the same time, the application review process may take more than two working days, for example, if the Home Office needs to request additional information from you.

You will not be able to receive a decision until the end of the next working day if you use the mobile application "Immigration to the UK: ID verification".

Submitting a visa application with family members

For each family member applying with you, you will need to pay extra:

• 500 pounds to receive a decision within 5 working days
• 1,000 pounds to receive a decision by the end of the next working day

Each family member will need to pay separately for faster decision-making. At the same time, everyone will receive a decision for everyone at the same time.

Visa categories for which expedited review services can be used when applying from the UK

You can apply for a faster decision on some visa applications or applications for permanent residence in the UK.

The tables below list the acceptable visa categories and indicate whether you can pay for an expedited review to get a faster decision:

• within 5 working days
• until the end of the next working day

Eligible visa categories for using the priority review service

Eligible applications to settle in the UK

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