If you’re applying for the Skilled Worker visa (UK), you may have seen options for fast-track services called Priority and Super Priority. These are paid services offered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that aim to speed up your decision. But what do they really mean? Are they worth the extra cost? What are the eligibility criteria? And what are the pitfalls? In this article, we’ll deep-dive into the Priority and Super Priority services for the Skilled Worker route, explain how they compare, walk you through how to apply, and give you tips on whether you should opt for them.
For many applicants the standard processing time can feel long when there’s a job start date, relocation urgency, or other time-sensitive factor. The Priority and Super Priority services exist to offer a “front-of-the-queue” option for those who are willing to pay more. They don’t guarantee success or waive eligibility checks, but they give you a much shorter decision window.
Definition & processing time
The Priority service is a faster processing tier. According to UKVI guidance, for eligible applications you can expect a decision “within 5 working days” of your biometric appointment (or equivalent in-country verification) when applying inside the UK.
For applications overseas (outside the UK), the same 5 working day target often applies for work visas like Skilled Worker (depending on local availability).
Cost
As of recent guidance, the additional fee for the Priority service is around ÂŁ500 per applicant (in addition to the standard visa fee).
Eligibility & key points
The Priority option must be selected at time of application (you cannot reliably upgrade later).
It is available for many work-visa routes, including the Skilled Worker route.
Being eligible doesn’t guarantee you will be granted the service (slots may be limited).
The service applies from the date your biometric appointment (or identity verification) is done.
When to consider it
If your employer wants you to start quickly, or you have a relocation timeline, the Priority service can reduce wait time substantially (to ~5 working days) compared to standard processing which can take several weeks.
Definition & processing time
The Super Priority service is the top tier fast-track option. For eligible applications it aims for a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment (or equivalent) when applying inside the UK.
If the biometric appointment is on a weekend or a bank holiday, the decision target becomes within two working days.
Cost
The fee is approximately ÂŁ1,000 per applicant for the Super Priority service (again, in addition to the standard visa fee).
Eligibility & key points
Super Priority is available only on certain visa types and in certain locations. You must check whether your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) or in-country centre offers it.
The application has to meet all eligibility requirements — paying for Super Priority does not guarantee approval or a decision within the timeline if case complexity intervenes.
Some application routes (especially family/settlement from outside the UK) may have Super Priority suspended.
When to consider it
Use Super Priority when you have an urgent job start, relocation, contract start date, or other critical timeline and you have confidence your application is straightforward (i.e., documentation in order, no complex past history, etc.).
| Feature | Priority Service | Super Priority Service |
|---|---|---|
| Typical decision time* | ~5 working days after biometric/ID verification | By end of next working day after biometric/ID verification |
| Additional fee (approx) | ÂŁ500 per applicant | ÂŁ1,000 per applicant |
| Availability | Broad availability for many work visa routes including Skilled Worker | More restricted availability (locations, visa types) |
| Guarantees | Speeds queue, but no guarantee of decision within timeframe if complexities arise | Same caveat; faster target but still subject to eligibility checks and case complexity |
| Best suited for | Applicants with moderate urgency and want to shorten wait time significantly | Applicants with very high urgency (job start, relocation imminent) and straightforward case |
| Risks / considerations | Extra cost – if documents missing or case complex, delays may happen regardless | High extra cost – if case complex you may still wait; refund conditions limited |
* Working days exclude weekends and UK bank holidays.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ensure you have your job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa.
Complete the online visa application form for the Skilled Worker route.
Pay the standard visa application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge as required.
At the booking/payment stage you should see the Priority and/or Super Priority options (if available for your visa type/location). Select the appropriate service and pay the extra fee (ÂŁ500 or ÂŁ1,000) per applicant (including dependants).
Book your biometric appointment (or in-country identity verification) at a UKVCAS centre (if applying inside the UK) or the relevant Visa Application Centre (VAC) overseas.
Attend your appointment, provide required documents, fingerprints/photo, etc.
Once your identity verification is completed, your application enters the expedited queue (Priority or Super Priority).
Await decision: Priority ~5 working days; Super Priority ~next working day (if all goes smoothly).
If approved, you’ll receive instructions to collect your visa/BRP or entry clearance as applicable.
For the Skilled Worker route opting for Priority/Super Priority, you must still meet all standard eligibility requirements for the visa itself. Choosing the fast-track option does not lighten the eligibility burden. Some key points:
You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a UK employer.
Your job must meet the required skill level and salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa.
You need to meet English language requirement (unless exempt).
You must demonstrate maintenance funds (if required) unless exempt.
If applying inside the UK, you must hold valid permission.
The fast-track service depends on location:
If you’re applying inside the UK, you can usually use Priority or Super Priority for many work-visa routes including Skilled Worker.
If you’re applying outside the UK, you must check whether your local VAC offers these services for your visa type. Availability may vary.
Even with fast-track, if the case is complex (e.g., previous refusals, criminal record, ambiguous documents), you may not receive a decision within the advertised timeframe.
Here are some situations where the extra cost may be less justified:
Your job start date is not imminent and you have several weeks or months to wait.
Your case has complexities: previous visa refusals, criminal convictions, unclear employment history, unusual documentation. In such cases, even with fastest service the decision may be delayed.
The local VAC or UKVCAS centre does not guarantee availability of Super Priority or even Priority at your location—sometimes slots are fully booked or the service is suspended.
If you apply and then leave the UK (or travel) while application pending (especially if applying inside the UK) you may invalidate your in-country application. For in-country applications, leaving may mean you must reapply from outside.
If your documentation is incomplete or unclear — paying for speed won’t fix missing evidence.
If you are budget-conscious and the standard processing time is acceptable for your timeline.
Prepare your documents thoroughly: clear, complete, legible.
Book your biometric/appointment as soon as you’ve applied.
Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria (salary, skill level, English, CoS).
Keep travel plans flexible until you have the decision.
If your appointment is booked for a Friday or weekend, remember decision may come by the end of next working day (so if Saturday appointment, decision may come Monday or Tuesday).
Remember that paying extra does not guarantee automatic approval — quality of application matters.
If dependent family members are applying, each one will need the extra fee if you want them on Priority/Super Priority as well.
Check local service availability (outside UK) early — slots can fill and Super Priority may not be offered in your location.
If your employer or contract has a fixed start date, ensure your application timeline aligns so you benefit from the fast-track.
Indian applicants (and other overseas locations) can access Priority and sometimes Super Priority for Skilled Worker and other work-visa routes. GoStudyIn+1
The extra fees and exchange rate/INR equivalent must be considered. For example, one published figure for Super Priority in India was ~ INR 123,016. Visa Fees+1
Overseas availability may depend on the local visa application centre (VAC) and whether the fast-track service is offered for that visa type.
Timing is key if you need to relocate: take into account document submission, travel timelines, employer start date, accommodation, etc.
Misconception: “Paying for Super Priority guarantees approval.” — Not true. It only speeds queue, not eligibility. See delays may still happen.
Misconception: “Once I’ve paid, I can leave UK and return.” — If applying in-country and you leave the UK, you may invalidate your application and lose the service benefit.
Pitfall: Not checking whether the service is available at your location before booking.
Pitfall: Assuming standard processing will be fast — sometimes standard may still take many weeks, so fast-track may be worth it if urgency is high.
Pitfall: Missing or low-quality documents may still delay your decision, even with fast-track.
The answer depends on your individual situation:
If you have a firm job start date, relocation commitments, or urgent timing, the Priority/Super Priority services can be very helpful.
If your case is straightforward and you have all documentation, the cost may be justified given the time-savings.
If your timeline is flexible or there are complexities in your case, you might be able to use standard processing and avoid the extra cost.
Always do a cost-benefit analysis: what does faster decision mean for you? For example: starting salary earlier, avoiding extended stay costs, risk of losing job offer, etc.
Given recent reforms and pressures on immigration processing, the fast-track may give you peace of mind when timing matters.
For the Skilled Worker route in the UK, choosing the Priority or Super Priority service means you pay extra in exchange for significantly faster decision timelines: roughly 5 working days (Priority) or next working day (Super Priority) for many in-country applications. However, this speed comes at a cost and does not bypass the standard eligibility checks. Availability and suitability vary by location and visa category, so you should check carefully and prepare fully.
If you’re facing an urgent job start, relocation, or time-sensitive scenario, the fast-track services can make sense. If your timeline allows more flexibility, standard processing may suffice.
What is the extra cost for Priority and Super Priority services?
Priority service is around ÂŁ500 per applicant; Super Priority service is about ÂŁ1,000 per applicant.
Can I get Super Priority service if I apply from outside the UK for the Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — but availability depends on your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) and the visa category. It is more restricted than Priority service.
Does paying for Priority or Super Priority guarantee I’ll get a decision in the time target?
No — paying puts you at the front of the queue, but applications with complexities may still exceed the target times.
If I pay for Priority/Super Priority and my application is refused, do I get the extra fee back?
Generally no. The extra fee covers the faster processing service, not the outcome. Refunds are rare and only where the government fails to meet the published service standard due to its own error.
For how long can I stay in the UK after a Skilled Worker visa via Priority/Super Priority?
The visa validity, working rights, and route to settlement are the same regardless of whether you used fast-track services. The only difference is speed of decision.
If applying inside the UK, can I travel while waiting for decision under Priority/Super Priority?
Be very careful — generally, if you leave the UK while your in-country visa application is pending, you may be treated as having withdrawn that application. So you risk losing the application and may need to reapply from outside.
Understanding the difference between the Priority and Super Priority services for the UK Skilled Worker visa route is essential if timing matters for your employment and relocation plans. These paid options give you a faster decision — but they don’t guarantee approval, nor should they make you neglect the essentials: eligibility, documentation, and accurate application. If your case is straightforward and you have urgency, fast-track can be worth the extra cost. If you have more flexibility, standard processing may serve you fine.
If you’d like help in deciding whether to go for Priority or Super Priority service based on your specific scenario (country of application, employer start date, dependants), I can walk you through that.
