If you’re applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, it’s important to know the costs involved in your application. These fees can be high, and if you don’t pay on time, it could delay the process. Understanding the fees upfront, including for your family members, is crucial before you start your application. In this article, we’ll explain the ILR application fees for 2024, whether you need to pay the healthcare surcharge, the costs for priority processing, and if you can get a refund on any of the fees.
How Much Does ILR Cost?
The standard ILR application fee is £2,885 per person. This applies to people who are applying for ILR under various visa categories, including:
- Work visas (e.g., Skilled Worker, Global Talent)
- Business visas (e.g., Innovator, Start-up, Investor)
- Family visas (e.g., Spouse or Partner Visa)
- Ancestry visas for Commonwealth citizens
- 10-year UK residents
- Refugees or those with humanitarian protection
- Former armed forces personnel
If you’re applying for ILR with your family, you’ll need to pay this fee for each person. For example, if you’re applying for yourself and three family members, the total fee would be 4 x £2,885 = £11,540. This does not include any additional costs, such as legal fees or priority processing fees (explained below).
Do I Need to Pay the Healthcare Surcharge?
One of the advantages of applying for ILR is that you don’t need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is usually required for visa holders.
However, if you apply for limited leave to remain instead of ILR, or if your application is changed after submission, you may be asked to pay the IHS, which is currently £624 per year (expected to rise to £1,035 from January 2024).
Also, when you apply for British citizenship after ILR, you will not have to pay the healthcare surcharge.
Priority Processing Fees for ILR
If you want to speed up your application, you can choose to pay for priority processing. The standard processing time for ILR applications is around 6 months, but for an extra fee, you can get a faster decision:
- Priority Service: £500 fee for a decision within 5 working days (starting from your appointment date).
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 fee for a decision within 1 working day.
These fees are paid per applicant, so if you’re applying for yourself and your family, each person will need to pay for priority processing if you want faster results.
The priority service is especially helpful if you need to travel outside the UK. If you don’t pay for priority processing and leave the UK while your application is still being processed, the Home Office will consider your application withdrawn.
Can I Get a Refund on My ILR Application Fees?
Whether you can get a refund on your ILR application fees depends on your situation. Here’s a breakdown of possible scenarios:
- Application rejected as invalid: You can get a full refund minus a £25 administration fee.
- Inappropriate or void applications: Full refund.
- Withdrawal of your application: If you withdraw before certain steps (e.g., biometrics), you might be eligible for a full refund.
- Refusal: If the Home Office refuses your ILR application, no refund will be given.
- Change of immigration status: If your ILR application is changed to limited leave to remain, you won’t receive a refund and may need to pay the healthcare surcharge.
Refunds are usually processed automatically, and you should receive the money within 28 days. If your bank details have changed, you may need to provide the updated information.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK can be expensive, especially if you’re applying with family members. It’s important to budget for all the associated costs, including application fees, priority processing, and the healthcare surcharge (if applicable).
To avoid any surprises or delays, make sure your application is complete and correct. If you need assistance with your ILR application, Law and Visas can help guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all the requirements for a successful outcome. Contact us today for expert advice and support.
