Making a visa application is a lengthy process, and waiting for a decision can be very frustrating, especially if you need to travel while waiting for your visa decision.
So, what options do you have? One option is to “upgrade your visa application”. Keep reading this article to find out how to vary or speed up a visa application.
Super Priority Status
If you need to travel urgently, there is a way of switching certain applications to super priority status, even if you didn’t originally do so. This can be done by simply varying the application to the one you had already applied for, but this time submitting it on Super Priority Status. This can be done for both settlement applications and also through permission to stay applications.
Super Priority service fast tracks your application, ensuring that visa decision makers give priority to your application at each stage of the process. This means that you can receive a decision within 24 hours, instead of the multiple weeks it usually takes. It will however cost you £800 per person, so could be quite expensive if you have multiple dependants. Nevertheless, you may feel this is worth it if you need a fast decision.
However, just like when you vary an application, it’s important to remember that you must also vary the applications for dependents as well. In addition to this you must pay the £800 fee per person for the Super Priority service. If your dependants do not have their applications varied, then the dependants’ applications will not be considered.
When completing your application for Super Priority service, you must ensure that you upload the same documents as in your initial application. However, you should ensure that you update any that are out of date. The application date will be your second application, not the previous one, and you must also attend a UKVCAS appointment. This will allow you to submit your biometrics such as your fingerprint and photo ID.
Once this is done, you should receive a decision on your application within 24 hours as a result of your new-found Super Priority status. Before travelling, you must ensure that you wait for your biometric residence permit (BRP) to arrive. You can find out more about the BRP in our comprehensive article here.
Varying the application
One thing you can do is vary your original application. This might seem a bit counterintuitive. Surely this would just reset the amount of time you have to wait for your application to clear?
However, in certain scenarios it may be better for you to vary your immigration application. Take note of the fact that you can only do this if you haven’t yet received a decision! If you have already received a decision on your application, then by that point it’s too late.
You will need to start a new application, however you will be asked if you have an existing application on which you haven’t received a decision. You will need to provide the unique reference number for this application, as well as pay the application fee and immediate health surcharge for the new application. However, you will receive a refund of the previous application fee if you had already paid it.
Some applications allow you to include dependants, so if this is the case then you can include them on your new application. If not, then you should make them aware that they will need to make their own application. As you will be making a new application and they are your dependants, them not making a new application could put your status in the UK at risk.
Depending on the type of visa application, this can help to speed up the process.
Contact your MP
Finally, it might sound like a rudimentary option but contacting your local MP can greatly help your chances of speeding up your application, especially if you don’t have the means of paying for the Super Priority service. As your local representative, MPs can find out more about the delay and help to speed up your application process. This can be an easy, cost-effective way of getting an update or getting a faster outcome.
You should be prepared to provide them with some basic information about your application, such as the date you submitted your application and your unique reference number.
Don’t know who your MP is? Find out here: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons
Final thoughts
Varying your application is primarily an option for when you are in desperate need of a quicker outcome for your visa application. In other situations, it may not be worth it if you have already submitted an application.
We would advise you to seek legal advice prior to varying an application, as it can be tricky for the uninitiated. Our in-house immigration experts would be happy to assist you with this process.
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