UK: Priority service launched for Tier 2 sponsors

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) have launched a new priority service, which allows Tier 2 and Tier 5 A-rated sponsors to apply for four types of change of circumstances requests to be considered more quickly.

The four types are:

  • in year certificate of sponsorship (CoS) allocation

  • follow on CoS allocation

  • add a new Level 1 user

  • replace an authorising officer (AO)

The service does not apply to restricted certificates of sponsorship.

The new priority service will process successful change of circumstances requests in just five working days.

The cost is £200 per request.

When submitting a change of circumstances request on the sponsorship management system (SMS), the option will be given to upgrade to the priority service. Sponsors will then be directed to call Glasgow Premium Service Centre in order to begin the process.

UKVI will only accept a maximum of 20 priority service requests each working day. If the service is fully subscribed, sponsors can apply the next working day.