Every year the application fees for UK Visas and Immigration applications and nationality application are reviewed. This year, for the third year in a row, the fees have been frozen and there are no changes to the Home Office application fees. This comes as good news for UK visa Applicants as the application fees are viewed by most to be hugely expensive, especially since the huge increase in 2018. However, there are many other, sometimes ‘unknown’ costs to applying for a UK visa which Applicants need to be aware of. This is especially if an Applicant is applying within the UK as they may be unable to get all the related fees together before the expiry of their current leave to remain which could then place them in a precarious situation.
How much is UK visa application fee?
There are different application fees for different UK visa categories and depending on whether the application is entry clearance or in-country and in some cases the duration of the visa (i.e. the Skilled Worker category). It is always best to check what the applicable fees will be before applying. Applicants should note that the application fee for entry clearance applications may be shown in a different currency to GBP, depending on the country they are applying from, and currency conversion rates should be considered.
It is important that Applicants pay the correct fee for the UK Visas and Immigration application. However, since the application forms have largely moved online in the last few years, the application cannot proceed to submission without the fee being paid so this is no longer a major issue and concern for Applicants.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is the mandatory additional payment for all UK visa Applicants applying for leave for more than 6 months (not including indefinite leave to remain, settled status or naturalisation). This gives migrants access to NHS services and care whilst they are in the UK on their visa.
Unlike the Home Office application fees which have not seen a rise in 3 years, the IHS charge has risen steeply; from £200 per year when it was introduced on 6 April 2015 to £624 per year from last October for most applications. This means that a spouse visa Applicant for example will pay £1,560 for the IHS, which is more than the cost of the visa itself (which is currently £1,052.20).
Is there a priority visa service fee?
It may be possible to receive a quicker decision on an application by opting for a priority visa service, which comes at an additional cost and places an application ahead of the queue for consideration. This service is available for Applicants both outside the UK and within the UK. The cost of the priority service will vary depending on a number of factors such as the visa category, whether the Applicant is inside or outside the UK and who quick the Applicant wishes to receive a decision (i.e. some priority services aim to provide a decision within 24 hours of the Applicant’s biometric information being submitted). It is advised to check with one of our legal representatives as to the type of priority service (if any) may be applicable.
Priority services are continuing to return to normal as Covid-19 restrictions are easing. However, priority services are currently still unavailable for some UK visa categories.
Do I have to pay for my biometric appointment?
If an application is submitted from within the UK, most Applicants will need to attend a biometric appointment at a service point managed by Sopra Steria (UKVCAS), commercial partner of UK Visas and Immigration. Whilst there are some free appointment available at the core centres around the country, many of the appointments will come at an additional fee, ranging on average between £71.50 and £200. Furthermore, if an Applicant decides to take their original supporting documents with them for centre staff to scan in instead of uploading them prior to the appointment, then this will also come at an additional fee of £45.
This is similar for entry-clearance applications where the Applicant may be offered add-on services by either VFS Global or TLScontact.
This seems to be another example of the UK’s hostile environment policy, by adding additional costs to make it increasingly difficult for migrants to apply to enter or remain in the UK.
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.