2018 Home Office Visa Fees Increase Announced

Unfortunately for many UK Visa applicants, it is that time of year again as the annual Home Office Visa Fees increase have just been announced. Set to come into force as of 6 April 2018, the Home Office fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain and Entry Clearance Spouse Visa applications have again been subject to a noteworthy, whilst the Home Office Visa Fees for Points-Based System applications, both Entry Clearance and in-country, are mostly insignificant.     

Home Office Visa Fees Increase 2018 for Personal Immigration Applications

As is often the case, personal Immigration applications such as Indefinite Leave to Remain and Entry Clearance Spouse visa have seen considerable increases to the Home Office Visa Fees, compared with Points-Based System applications. From 6 April 2018 the Home Office Visa Fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain will rise from £2,297 to £2,389 and Entry Clearance Spouse Visa application fees have gone up to £1,523. Furthermore, the Home Office Visa Fees for Naturalisation applications has risen to £1,330; however it is important to note that this fee also includes the mandatory £80 citizenship ceremony fee.

It is also worth mentioning that the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2018 contains some key changes to the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home Office. For instance, paragraph 7.1.3 stipulates that the Home Office can now charge a fee when a person fails to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within the required time limit. It is therefore important that successful UK visa Applicants also collect their BRPs within the time limit, in order to avoid additional costs.

Home Office Visa Fees Increase 2018 for Points-Based System Immigration Applications

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Home Office Visa Fees for Points-Based System applications has again seen less of a significant increase than the fees for personal Immigration applications such as Indefinite Leave to Remain and Entry Clearance Spouse Visas. Whilst the Home Office Visa Fees for Entry Clearance as a Tier 1 (General)* dependant has now risen to over £1,000, the fees for an in-country Tier 1 Exceptional Talent initial application has been decreased by over a hundred pounds, from £293 to £152. Therefore, it clear the Home Office is in favour of business related visa applications compared to family based applications and settlement applications. The Home Office is happy for Applicants to enter the UK to work or investment, but are less supportive of Applicant’s who wish to settle or start a family in the UK.

*It is to be noted that the Tier 1 (General) route is closed, however family members can still apply to join existing Tier 1 (General) migrants in the UK. From 6 April 2018 the Tier 1 (General) category will be closed to all settlement applications.

Why it is important to ensure the correct Home Office Visa Fees are paid

We recommend that Applicants seek legal advice before submitting any UK Visas and Immigration application to the Home Office. This is because Home Office application fees are non-recoverable in circumstances where an application has been refused. It is crucial that Applicants submit properly executed applications that meet the UK’s stringent Immigration Rules and  have the requisite supporting documents. UK visa applications are often rejected for paying the incorrect application fees and the applications are rendered invalid. An invalid application could make an Applicant an over-stayer if the application was submitted close to the visa expiry date. It is very important to ensure that the correct application fees are checked and paid for the application submitted to the Home Office.

Using Legal Representation 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

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.