On Friday, VFS Global announced significant changes to priority visa services, stating that the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has reintroduced Priority services for new customers applying in the sponsored work routes (including global talent) and for students beginning August 12.

It is worth noting that the VFS reduced the volume of PV appointments on July 15 to allow UKVI to process more standard applications and gradually reduce the overall processing time for all customers.

UK Priority Visa Services

The VFS Global update contains major updates for new Studies, Sponsored, Work, visits, and Family visa applications. The Priority and Super Priority services for new study and work, which were previously suspended, have been restored; however, the PV and SPV for Family Visa remain suspended.

“Good news, Priority and Super Priority visas are available for Student visas. We anticipate high demand over the next few weeks so recommend that you apply for your visa as soon as possible. Remember, it can take time to prepare your supporting documents so start this now,” said the UK Embassy in a Tweet.

For New Study And Sponsored Work Visa Applications

Where available, new customers applying for these eligible routes will now have the option to select PV (Priority Visa) and SPV (Super Priority Visa) appointments as part of their online journey.

There is no reduction in the volume of PV and SPV appointments available but please note that PV and SPV services, must be purchased online during the appointment booking process and cannot be purchased in the Visa Application Centre or retrospectively.

For New Visit Visa Applications

The volume of PV appointments available for new visit visa applications continues to be reduced to enable UKVI to process more standard applications and gradually reduce the overall processing time for all customers. Appointment availability for Super Priority services (SPV) for new visit applications will not be reduced, where this service is available.

Both PV and SPV appointments for new visit visa applications can only be purchased online during the appointment booking process and cannot be purchased in the Visa Application Centre or retrospectively.

For Family Visa Applications

Priority and super priority services for new family applications continue to be suspended. UKVI continue to monitor this, and updates will be provided once these services are ready to be resumed.

It must be noted that the Priority services are not available in all visa applications centres (VAC).

Also, please keep in mind that PV appointments for new visit visa applications must be purchased online during the appointment booking process and cannot be purchased at the Visa Application Centre or retroactively. During the appointment booking process, SPV appointments can be purchased online.