Biometric Appointment
Once you have submitted your online application, paid the fee, and uploaded your evidence documents, you will need to book and attend a biometric appointment (or complete identity checks in the app). This is when you provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Standard vs Priority vs Super Priority
For many visa routes, including family visas (partner/spouse, parent, child), you may have options to pay for a faster decision on your application.
The UK Home Office describes the services like this:
| Service type | Where it’s offered for family visas | Typical decision time | Extra cost (approx.) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard service | Outside and inside the UK | Around 12 weeks from biometrics (outside UK family route) | £0 (included in normal fee) | Normal processing; no extra fee for speed. |
| Priority service | Outside and inside the UK (where available) | Usually within 30 working days for family visas outside the UK | +£500 | Pay an extra fee for a faster decision than standard. |
| Super priority service | Inside the UK only (not for entry-clearance family visas) | Usually by the end of the next working day | +£1,000 | Pay a higher extra fee for the fastest possible decision on in-UK applications. |
- These timings are targets, not guarantees. Real-world waits can be shorter or longer depending on case complexity and demand.
- For some locations or visa types, priority or super priority may not be available. Your application journey and visa centre booking page will show what’s offered in your country.
You can read the official UK government guidance on processing times here:
In the Live Waiting Room and community dashboards, we separately track how long people actually waited on standard, priority and super priority so you can compare the official guidance with real applicant experience.
After your biometric appointment, you can join the waiting room to track your application alongside other applicants.