The Home Office has introduced a paid priority service option for citizenship applications, including applications for Registration and Naturalisation.
The guidance was updated on 6 July 2026 and confirms that, for a fee of £500, applicants can opt for priority service for this type of application. This means that they should receive a decision within 30 working days from the date of the biometric appointment. This is considerably shorter than the current, standard application time which is up to six months.
This new provision will be welcomed by those making citizenship applications who might need a decision promptly so that they can start certain jobs, or for example where someone needs a British passport urgently. However, it might not be suitable for all applications; the priority service timeframe may not be honoured where an application is particularly complex or in circumstances where additional scrutiny, external checks, national security or identity enquiries have to be conducted.
Further, it is important to note that the new service does not guarantee that an application will be approved. Applicants must still meet the relevant criteria, including period of residence, rules around absences, good character, English language and Life in the UK.
This new priority service provision is in addition to the Home Office’s discretionary priority treatment where certain criteria for priority are met, which does not carry a fee.
Unfortunately, any applications that have already been submitted cannot be upgraded to the priority service.
Our team can provide advice in relation to all types of nationality and citizenship applications. Please do get in touch if we can be of assistance.