How to get a fast decision on a UK settlement application
Dear Mr Bassie,
PLEASE ADVISE how I can possibly get a fast decision on a British settlement application. I look forward to your response.
BJ
Dear BJ,
Persons may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (indefinite leave to remain) application.
Those persons who use the priority service means they will usually get a decision within five working days, or 30 working days for family visa applications from outside the United Kingdom (UK).
By using the ‘super priority service’ for visa and settlement applications, it means that they will usually get a decision by the end of the next working day. Please note that it can take longer to get a decision, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask the applicant for more information.
If the decision takes longer, persons will not usually get their money back.
If in the UK:
• Persons must have permission to be there to apply for the priority or super priority service;
• Persons can only pay for a faster decision on certain visas.
USING THE PRIORITY SERVICE
Persons who are eligible can choose the ‘priority service’when applying. They will need to pay £500, in addition to the application fee. Using the priority service means that they will usually get a decision within five working days.
Using the priority service usually takes up to 30 working days for family visa applications from outside the UK, if persons are applying as a:
• Partner or spouse;
• Parent;
• Child;
• Adult, coming to be cared for by a relative.
The time starts from either:
• The day of your appointment, if that person is able to prove their identity in person;
• The working day after they have finished uploading their documents, if they use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
It can take longer, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.
Please note that persons will be told whether they can prove their identity in person or using the app when they apply.
USING THE SUPER PRIORITY SERVICE
If eligibl,e persons can choose the‘super priority service’ when applying. They will need to pay £1,00,0 in addition to the application fee.
How quickly persons get a decision depends on when they prove their identity.
IF IDENTITY IS PROVEN IN PERSON
Persons will usually get a decision:
• By the end of the next working day after their appointment, if the appointment is on a weekday;
• Two working days after their appointment, if their appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday.
It can take longer, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask for more information.
IF USING THE ‘UK IMMIGRATION: ID CHECK’ APP
Persons will usually get a decision:
• By the end of the next working day if they finish uploading their documents on a weekday;
• Two working days after they finish uploading their documents, if uploaded on a weekend or a bank holiday.
Again, it should be noted that it can take longer if, for example, the Home Office needs to ask for more information.
APPLYING WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
For each family member applying, they will need to pay an additional:
• £500, to get a decision within five working days;
• £1,000, to get a decision by the end of the next working day.
Every family member will need to pay for a faster decision. They will get a decision for everyone at the same time.
If any of the family members need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken in person, the decision may take longer.
AFTER APPLYING
Persons will get a letter or email telling them the Home Office has made a decision on their application. It will also state what next steps are to be taken. Persons are advised to check their email’s spam folder if they are having problems getting messages from the Home Office. The wait may be longer if additional information is required.
Good luck.
John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorneyat-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com *