Priority Processing?

[Elle268]

Hi Everyone

Just wondering if someone could kindly advise what/if there are any “priority” processing services for applying for a UK Family (Spouse) Visa from Australia?

I read there was a super priority processing service, but it looks like it is only available for applicants in the UK, and I don’t think I can apply from the UK (on a tourist visa) – is this correct?

Your help would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

[CR001]

Just wondering if someone could kindly advise what/if there are any “priority” processing services for applying for a UK Family (Spouse) Visa from Australia?

It can vary between a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

I read there was a super priority processing service, but it looks like it is only available for applicants in the UK, and I don’t think I can apply from the UK (on a tourist visa) – is this correct?

Correct, you cannot switch visas in the UK if you are here as a visitor.

[Elle268]

Thank you CR001.

What is the actual name of the "priority" processing service (or is it just that?). Based on gov.uk Family Visa it doesn't have a lot of detail around this, especially for this service for applications from outside of the UK, and Google returns lots of things which I am not sure are all up to date.

[CR001]

Selecting, if applicable, the priority service is separate to the visa application. It is usually payable to the visa facilitation agent and booked through their website as far as I understand. Note that I do not have access to the online forms.

[Elle268]

Thanks CR001, this makes more sense.

I found some guidance relating to priority processing in Australia under the vfs.global website.

First of all, is the Family (Spouse) Visa a “settlement” or “non-settlement” visa?

The website mentions an application may not be “straight forward” (ie in reference to priority processing not meeting expected timescales) due to a few reasons, including this one:

“had leave to remain in the UK curtailed by the Home Office”

I lived in the UK on a Tier 2 Employer Sponsored Visa. Resigned from my job, moved back to my home country and received the expected curtailment letter a few months later. Isn’t this an instance of having my leave to remain in the UK curtailed? To my knowledge, this is a standard process as part of ending the Tier 2 visa. Why would it potentially cause my application for a Family visa to not be “straight forward”?

Also, I would like to confirm the forms that need to be completed for the Family (Spouse) Visa. Based on gov.uk it looks like VAF4A (but the copy there is only for North Korean applicants – what about all other countries?) and Appendix 2 of VAF4A? I assume when I apply online it will be apparent which forms I need to complete, but I'd like to check this first!

[CR001]

First of all, is the Family (Spouse) Visa a “settlement” or “non-settlement” visa?

A spouse visa is a settlement category visa.

The website mentions an application may not be “straight forward” (ie in reference to priority processing not meeting expected timescales) due to a few reasons, including this one:

“had leave to remain in the UK curtailed by the Home Office”

I lived in the UK on a Tier 2 Employer Sponsored Visa. Resigned from my job, moved back to my home country and received the expected curtailment letter a few months later. Isn’t this an instance of having my leave to remain in the UK curtailed? To my knowledge, this is a standard process as part of ending the Tier 2 visa. Why would it potentially cause my application for a Family visa to not be “straight forward”?

Yes your visa was curtailed but as you had a left the UK already before curtailment, it should not cause a delay. It would have been easier to switch to a spouse visa had you applied in the UK if you qualified.

Also, I would like to confirm the forms that need to be completed for the Family (Spouse) Visa. Based on gov.uk it looks like VAF4A (but the copy there is only for North Korean applicants – what about all other countries?) and Appendix 2 of VAF4A? I assume when I apply online it will be apparent which forms I need to complete, but I'd like to check this first!

You apply online and it is still VAF4A and Appendix 2 (in most cases if the online form does not contain the financial requirement section).

[Elle268]

Thanks so much CR001!