For UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, the ilr priority service fee for settlement is typically about £500 extra for a decision target often within 5 working days, or £1,000 for Super Priority (next-working-day style) where available. These fees are added on top of the main ILR application fee, which is approximately £3,226 from April 2026 (applicants should confirm live GOV.UK figures).
This guide specifically addresses settlement/ILR priority services for in-UK applications, distinct from the Priority Visa add-on for visit visa applications from Kenya. For visit/out-of-country Priority from Kenya, refer to UK Priority Visa Service Kenya cost.
What are the typical ILR priority fees in 2026?
- Priority: about £500 extra. The decision target is often within 5 working days after biometrics (where offered).
- Super Priority: about £1,000 extra. This service aims for a next-working-day style decision where offered.
- These are in addition to the ILR application fee. The Home Office table lists the ILR fee around £3,226 from April 2026. Applicants should confirm live figures on GOV.UK.
Eligibility and availability depend on the application form, immigration route, and method of identity verification (UKVCAS versus the ID app). Check the GOV.UK faster decision guidance for current details.
Further resources include the ILR calculator and guidance on ILR English B1 vs B2 requirements.
What is the ILR Priority Service fee and timeline for 2026?
The ILR Priority service is the mid-tier option for applicants. It requires an additional payment of approximately £500 per person, paid on top of the main ILR application fee. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is typically not required at the ILR stage.
Paying this fee targets a processing time of five working days. Applicants must select this add-on during the payment stage of the online application form. The £500 fee does not guarantee a next-day result; that speed is reserved for the higher-tier Super Priority service.
What is the ILR Super Priority Service fee and timeline for 2026?
The ILR Super Priority service is for applicants who require an immediate decision on their status. The Home Office charges an additional fee of approximately £1,000 for this service. This represents the fastest option available for in-country settlement applications.
Super Priority slots are released daily and are extremely limited. They typically become available at 01:00 AM UK time. Applicants intending to use this service must be prepared to submit payment as soon as slots appear, as they are often taken within minutes.
How do ILR Priority Services compare in cost and timeline?
| Service Level | Additional Cost (Approx.) | Target Timeline | Slot Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | £500 | 5 Working Days | Generally available |
| Super Priority | £1,000 | Next Working Day | Limited slots at 01:00 AM UK Time |
| Standard | £0 (Base Fee Only) | Up to 6 Months | Always available |
How is the ILR Priority Service timeline calculated?
The five-working-day timeline begins after an applicant has their biometrics enrolled. Biometrics can be completed at a UKVCAS service point appointment or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. 'Working days' specifically exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and UK bank holidays.
Complex applications may take longer than five days. If the caseworker needs to verify financial history or character details, the priority timeline no longer applies. The Home Office typically sends a notification if an application cannot be decided within the priority timeframe.
How is the ILR Super Priority Service timeline calculated?
The main benefit of the ILR Super Priority route is its speed. A decision is typically issued by the end of the next working day after the biometric appointment. For example, biometrics submitted on a Tuesday should result in a decision by the end of Wednesday.
Appointments on a Friday will yield a decision on the following Monday. This timeline is contingent on the application being complete with all necessary evidence. Any missing documents will immediately pause the processing clock, even if the premium fee has been paid.
What are the eligibility criteria for UK Settlement Priority Services?
Not all settlement routes are eligible for expedited processing. The Home Office generally restricts Priority and Super Priority services to partner applications under Set (M) and work-based routes under Set (O). Applicants for asylum-based settlement or those on the basis of long residence may not be eligible.
- Eligible Routes Often Include: Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Spouse or Partner Visa (5-year route).
- Routes Often Excluded: Innovator Founder, Representative of an Overseas Business, and complex discretionary leave cases.
How to select an ILR Priority or Super Priority Service?
The service tier is selected only at the point of payment. The online portal will display available services based on the visa category and UKVI's current capacity. An applicant cannot upgrade to a priority service after the standard application fee has been paid.
If the Super Priority option is not visible, it indicates that the daily allocation of slots has been filled. Applicants must log in around the 01:00 AM release time to have a chance of securing a slot. A stable internet connection and ready payment details are recommended.
What is the document checklist for ILR Priority applications?
Expedited services require a "decision-ready" application. All required documents, such as passports, English language test results, and the Life in the UK test pass certificate, must be uploaded before the biometric appointment. Financial evidence must strictly follow the rules of Appendix FM-SE or the relevant work visa category.
Incomplete evidence will lead to a request for information (RFI) from the caseworker. An RFI stops the processing clock, causing delays. The Home Office does not typically refund the priority fee if the delay was caused by applicant error.
What are the payment methods and refund policies for ILR Priority Services?
All fees must be paid on the government portal using a credit or debit card. Bank transfers or cheques are not accepted for online priority service bookings. Corporate cards may need pre-authorisation from the bank due to the high cost of ILR applications.
Refunds for priority fees are rare. The Home Office will only issue a refund if a delay is caused by a technical or administrative error on their part. Delays resulting from an applicant's failure to provide correct information or evidence are not eligible for a refund.
What to expect after submitting an ILR Priority application?
After biometric enrolment, the applicant will have a short wait for the decision. Successful applicants will receive a decision email from the Home Office confirming the grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card is usually delivered by courier within 7 to 10 working days of the decision email. The UK is transitioning to a digital immigration status (eVisas); some applicants in 2026 may receive a digital-only status confirmation instead of a BRP.
What are complex scenarios and risks with ILR Priority Services?
Using a priority service can be risky for applicants with complex immigration histories. Those with criminal convictions (spent or unspent), adverse immigration history, or tax discrepancies should exercise caution. These issues often require extended checks that fall outside the expedited timeframe.
Paying for a priority service does not bypass the "Good Character" requirement. If a caseworker finds that further verification is needed, the application will be moved to the standard processing queue. In this situation, the priority fee is usually not refunded.
How do you choose the right ILR processing service?
The decision depends on a cost-benefit analysis of an applicant's circumstances. Those who need to travel urgently or must prove their right-to-work for a new job may find the Super Priority fee a worthwhile expense. Applicants with stable employment and no immediate travel plans may prefer the standard route to save money.
| Scenario | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| New job requires proof of ILR to start | Super Priority |
| Urgent international family travel needed | Priority |
| Previous visa refusal or complex history | Standard |
| Working to a strict budget | Standard |
What is the role of professional advice in ILR Priority applications?
Qualified immigration advice can reduce the risk of refusal or delay. Immigration rules change frequently, and the technical requirements for ILR are exact. Professional oversight ensures that an application is valid and that the investment in a priority service delivers the expected outcome.
Practitioner's Summary and Recommendations for ILR Priority Services
For most straightforward ILR cases, the Priority service (£500) provides a good balance of cost and speed. The Super Priority service (£1,000) is best reserved for genuine emergencies or strict employment deadlines.
It is always best to confirm that all documents are correct and complete before paying for any expedited service, as speed is of little use if the evidence is flawed.