Following the recent Government announcements and appreciation for NHS staff during this Coronavirus pandemic, the Home Office has released its UK Visas and Immigration application fees from August 2020. Whilst changes to application fees tend to happy once a year around March and April, this update will be welcomed by the Tier 2 Health and Care workers who will see a reduction in fees for the first time in years. It is important to know the exact Home Office fees before making a visa application as the application will not be submitted and processed without the correct fee. Our Immigration Solicitors in London can advise on the correct Home Office application fees for UK Visas and Immigration applications and are happy to arrange a consultation in order to discuss the entire application and requirements before the application is prepared. Please call our team in order to find out more information in respect of our services.
What is the latest UK Visas and Immigration application fee update for August 2020?
Last week the Home Office released its latest fees for UK Visas and Immigration applications. Whilst the fees for most visa routes have remained the same, Applicants applying for a Tier 2 visa as a health or care worker from 4 August 2020 will note a reduction in the fee by half. For example, an Applicant applying for a Tier 2 visa whose job is on the Shortage Occupation List under Appendix K to the Immigration Rules will now have to pay £464 instead of £928 for a visa valid for 3 years or more. The reason for this is to show some appreciation for the hard work that healthcare professionals have put in during this pandemic. There has been no change to the fees owed by Tier 2 sponsors for applying for a sponsor licence and assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (“CoS”) to a migrant worker.
How much is UK visa fees?
The fees for a UK Visas and Immigration vary depending on the type and length of visa which is being applied for. Fees for the same visa can also vary depending on whether the application is submitted from outside the UK (entry clearance) or from within the UK. Priority visa services can also come at an additional charge (for applications made outside and within the UK) for eligible applications. These services can be purchased towards the end of the application process.
How do I pay my UK Visa fee?
The majority of UK Visas and Immigration application fees can now be paid online as the former paper application forms are largely obsolete. In order to submit the online application, the required fee needs to be paid, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable). A receipt will then be emailed to the address used to register the online account.
Do dependents have to pay an additional visa application fee?
Yes, if an application includes dependents (e.g. partners and children) then they will have to pay a fee in addition to the main Applicant. They may also be eligible to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to that paid by the main Applicant. Therefore, for a non-EEA spouse and two children to join the British national sponsor in the UK, the Home Office application and Immigration Health Surcharge fees can end up being extremely costly, and after 30 months these fees will need to be paid again for the extension (or in many cases be more expensive due to the mostly annual increases in fees). This is why is it is extremely important to ensure that applications are prepared correctly.
Can I get a refund on my UK Visas and Immigration application fee?
No, unfortunately, Home Office Visa and Immigration application fees are non-refundable in the event that the application is refused. Therefore it is important that visa applications are prepared correctly as the visa fees are fairly high and many Applicants are not in the position to waste thousands of pounds. The Immigration Health Surcharge, however, is refunded if the application is refused and the Applicant decides not to appeal, or once the appeals process has concluded and the outcome is still a refusal.
What are the Court fees for my appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (IAC)?
If a UK Visas and Immigration application is refused and carries a right of appeal at the First-Tier Tribunal, then the Applicant will need to pay a small fee to the Tribunal. If the appeal is to be determined on the papers provided then the required fee is £80 and if the appeal is to be determined following an oral hearing then the fee is £140. Home Office guidance instructs that the fee can either be paid online or by including the payment card details on the appeal form. The fee for submitting an Administrative Review is also £80.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a successful UK Visas and Immigration application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a UK Visas and Immigration application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK British Registration application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a successful UK Visas and Immigration application with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.