The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) regulations 2017 was placed before parliament yesterday, the regulation is set to come into force on 6 April 2017. Whilst there were no large scale application fees changes to the Points Based System applications there was noteworthy changes to fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain, Entry Clearance Spouse and Leave to Remain on the basis of private and family life applications. Â Â Â
Change in Application Fees for UK Immigration and Nationality Applications
There was an unexpected increase in application fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain and Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications. The application fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain has increased from £1875 to £2297. This change will affect families who are submitting multiple applications where there are dependents. There has also been an increase in application fees for Entry Clearance Spouse visa applications, Applicants were previously required to pay £1195 but from 6 April 2017, the new fee is £1464. The application fees for Leave to Remain on the basis of private and family life have also increased from £811 to £993.
There has also been an increase in fees for Points Based System (PBS) applications. However, the application fees changes in the PBS applications are less significant compared to the Indefinite Leave to Remain, Entry Clearance Spouse and Leave to Remain on the basis of private and family life applications. The application fees for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor), and Tier 2 (General) applications have all increased ranging between an increase of £12 to £31. It clear the UKVI is in favour of business related application compared to family based applications and settlement applications. The UKVI are happy for Applicants to enter the UK to work or invest but are less supportive of Applicant’s who wish to settle or start a family in the UK.
The new Immigration and Nationality (Fees) regulations 2017 has provided some good news for Applicants who are considering British Citizenship. The application fees for Naturalisation applications has decreased from £1236 to £1202.
In our opinion, we recommend Applicants seek legal advice before submitting any UK Immigration and Visa applications as application fees are non-recoverable where an application is refused. It is imperative that Applicants submit properly executed applications that meet the UK Immigration Rules and the requisite supporting documents are enclosed. Applications are often rejected for paying the incorrect application fees and the applications are rendered invalid. An invalid application could make an applicant an overstayer 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 UKVI.
Using Legal Representations to submit successful UK Immigration and Visa Applications
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 successful immigration application to the UK Home Office. Such applications can be complicated at times as the Home Office have imposed highly specific requirements for applicants to meet. Our expert immigration solicitors will provide you with a tailored service and are on hand to expedite the process. 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.
Advice from LEXVISA UK Immigration Solicitors on successful UK Immigration and Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers bear in mind the paramount duty of all legal representatives to act in your best interest whilst complying with the strict letter of the law. Our team of specialists can be distinguished from other law firms with our client-tailored approach and scrutiny of options available to you from the outset. We will be able to advise you in respect of the merits of your UK visa application by providing you with advice from our leading team of solicitors before your matter even reaches the Home Office. We can assist you with the preparation of your visa and immigration application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
If you wish to consider your options, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your matter and if necessary advise you of the next steps you should take in a consultation.
We 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.