UKVI launches new Super Priority Visa service in Hong Kong
Customers applying for a UK visa from Hong Kong will soon be able to pay for a faster decision on their application as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) launches a new Super Priority Visa (SPV) service in the region.
Most applicants opting to use the service will receive a decision on their application by the end of the next working day. The fee for the Super Priority Visa Service is currently £1,000, plus the standard fee for the type of visa being applied for.
This is the first time customers in Hong Kong will be able to take advantage of this optional service.
Speaking of the launch announcement, the Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau Brian Davidson CMG said: “I am excited to announce that the Super Priority Visa service is now available in Hong Kong. This new service will be beneficial for our customers in the business and trade sector as well as those customers who need a decision on their visa faster and at short notice. The introduction of this service will give customers more flexibility and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing the visa services available for Hong Kongers travelling to the UK.”
Currently, the SPV service is not available for British National (Overseas) visa applications, although customers applying for a BN(O) visa already have the option of a Priority Visa service, which aims to provide a decision within 5 working days.
Should I use the Super Priority Visa (SPV) service?
Once you have submitted an application for a UK visa, your application and supporting documents will be reviewed by Home Office caseworkers, who will then make a decision on whether or not to grant you a visa and notify you of the outcome in writing. The time it takes to receive a decision is known as your visa’s ‘processing time’.
The standard processing time for most categories of UK work, study and visit visas is 3 weeks (or 15 working days) when applying from outside the UK, although this excludes evenings, weekends or national, public holidays, and in some cases it may take longer.
Customers who wish to expedite the process are advised to use Priority or Super Priority services, where available. Priority and Super Priority Visa services are optional, paid-for services that customers in select locations around the world can purchase, in addition to the visa fee, to receive a faster decision on their visa application.
Customers who choose to utilise the new SPV service in Hong Kong will usually receive a decision on their UK visa application by the end of the next working day, if your appointment is on a weekday. It could take 2 working days after your appointment if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday.
Even when using Priority services, processing times are never guaranteed and paying for a faster decision does not mean your visa will be granted. However, if your application is urgent, Smith Stone Walters advises applicants to use the Priority and Super Priority services if possible.
Suspension of SPV service
Customer are advised that due to a scheduled change of internal systems from 10-11 September, UKVI will be suspending their Super Priority service for all locations. For these two days, customers will therefore be unable to select and purchase this service online, or upgrade onsite at the Visa Application Centre.
The Priority service will be available as usual. However, please note there may be a slight delay in processing during this period.
These services are expected to resume as normal from 12 September onwards. If you require the Super Priority service, you will need to arrange an appointment prior to 10 September, or after 11 September.
Useful information
When considering how long it may take to receive a decision on your UK visa, customers applying from Hong Kong should take note of the following useful information on processing times:
- Your visa’s processing time only begins once you’ve attended your appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and provided your biometric information.
- You cannot get a decision by the end of the next working day if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
- The latest global processing times for different category of UK visa can be found here: gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk
- A visa application may take longer to process in certain circumstances. For example, if the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration, if you need to provide further evidence or attend an interview, and during periods where UKVI is experiencing increased demand for visa services.
- If you use the Super Priority or Priority services and it takes longer than the stated timeframe to receive a decision, you will not usually get your money back.
- More information about the range of added value services available to customers in Hong Kong please check VFS’ website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/hkg/en/gbr/premium-services
Expert support with your UK visa application
If you require support with your UK visa application, Smith Stone Walters can help. To speak to a qualified immigration advisor about your requirements, please contact us today.
