Premium Service Appointment Wait Times

[greenshrub]

I am applying for a partner visa and plan to use the premium service. Due to holiday travel, I need to get an appointment in the next two weeks. How likely is it to be able to book an appointment for premium service within this time frame? The Croydon office is the closest for me, but I am willing to travel to any of the offices except Glasgow and Belfast. Any information from anyone with experience with these bookings is very welcome!

[CR001]

Suggest register on the booking website and have a look what is available. Appointments are generally not a problem anymore like they were a couple of years ago.

You do realise of course that you do not get your new BRP card on the day. It is sent to you by DX courier within 10 days of your appointment, sometimes quickly and sometimes longer.

[greenshrub]

Thank you for your answer. Is there a way to look at the booking times without paying for and submitting the application? I ask because I am considering, due to travel, leaving the UK and applying in my country of citizenship. Also, thanks for the heads up, I am aware that the card is mailed afterwards - do they keep your passport and mail that too? I thought you took your passport, but wait for the card.

[Casa]

What category of 'partner' visa are you applying for

[greenshrub]

I am applying for an unmarried partner visa.

[Casa]

Are you switching from another visa category?

[CR001]

do they keep your passport and mail that too? I thought you took your passport, but wait for the card.

No, you get your passport back on the day, assuming visa is granted. But you need the BRP card to re-enter the UK.

[greenshrub]

Thanks for the information, I'm aware I need the card to re-enter, but I was told by the lady that I spoke to from the home office, that I could have that mailed to me by my partner while I'm abroad if needed.

In response to

Are you switching from another visa category?

Yes, I'm switching from a Tier 2 visa.

Suggest register on the booking website and have a look what is available. Appointments are generally not a problem anymore like they were a couple of years ago.

You do realise of course that you do not get your new BRP card on the day. It is sent to you by DX courier within 10 days of your appointment, sometimes quickly and sometimes longer.

Are appointments readily available on such short notice, or would I likely be looking for a cancellation appointment slot?

[Casa]

If you're applying for an Unmarried Partner (settlement) visa from outside of the UK, depending of your country of citizenship the application could take 3 months to process.

You can only submit a FLR(M) visa from within the UK.

[Casa]

Also, to ensure a UPV application is processed on the same day at the PSC you'll need cast iron documented evidence of a relationship 'akin to marriage' for a minimum of 2 years. Are you good to go with this?

[greenshrub]

Also, to ensure a UPV application is processed on the same day at the PSC you'll need cast iron documented evidence of a relationship 'akin to marriage' for a minimum of 2 years. Are you good to go with this?

Yes, we don't have any concerns about meeting those standards. My only concern is whether I would be able to get an appointment in the time needed. Sorry to ask again, but someone said that appointments were no longer a problem - does that mean they are readily available for such a short time window or would I essentially be hoping for a cancellation slot? I would much prefer to apply in the UK rather than my country of citizenship due to the wait times.

[CR001]

Since HO increased the premium fee £400 (now £500), there is no longer a problem with availability as third party 'agents' are no longer block booking and selling appointments on.

We don't have access to the online booking obviously so cannot say either way what you will see. Appointments can be cancelled or moved to another date if necessary.