Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants non-British nationals the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely—without time restrictions. ILR holders enjoy full settlement status and, after a qualifying period, can apply for British citizenship.
2. Current ILR Application Fee (As of 9 April 2025)
As of 9 April 2025, the Home Office ILR application fee has increased to £3,029 per person (both for the main applicant and each dependent).
Example costs:
- Individual: £3,029
- Couple: £6,058
- Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child): £9,087
- Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): £12,116
3. Optional Fees & Additional Costs
Beyond the base fee, applications may incur costs for faster processing and support:
- Biometric Enrolment
Standard biometric appointments via UKVCAS are free.
Premium appointments may cost between £50–200, depending on the service (e.g. scanning, enrolment support).
- Priority Processing
Priority Service (5 working days): £500 extra
Super Priority (next working day): £1,000 extra.
Total with priority: around £3,529; with super priority: around £4,029 .
- Other Possible Related Costs
Life in the UK Test: £50
English Language Test (SELT): approx. £150–200
Document translations: £30–50 per page
Immigration advice/legal help (optional): £500–2,000+
4. Key Benefits & Exemptions
No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is needed for ILR applications, unlike many limited leave visas. Applicants are exempt from the regular £776-per-year surcharge (previously higher).
ILR applicants also gain access to public funds, home student fee rates, and the right to vote.
5. Refund Policies
- Application rejected as invalid: Full refund, less £28 administration fee.
- Inappropriate/void applications: Full refund.
- Withdrawn by applicant: Refund possible in limited circumstances (e.g., no biometrics submitted yet).
- Refusals: No refund.
6. Summary Table
| Fee / Service | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Base ILR application fee | £3,029 |
| Priority Service (5 working days) | +£500 → £3,529 total |
| Super Priority (next working day) | +£1,000 → £4,029 total |
| Biometric premium appointment (if applicable) | £50–£200 |
| Life in the UK Test | £50 |
| English Language Test (SELT) | £150–£200 |
| Document translation | £30–£50 per page |
| Legal/Immigration advice (optional) | £500–£2,000+ |
7. Important Considerations for Applicants
- All applicants (including dependents) must pay the full ILR fee and any add-ons individually.
- Biometric and priority service fees are optional—but can drastically affect your ability to travel or the time you must remain in the UK while awaiting a decision.
- Ensure all documentation and requirements (e.g., Life in the UK test, English test) are completed and in-date before applying.
Final Thoughts
The ILR route represents a significant financial and administrative undertaking—but it’s a critical milestone toward permanent settlement and eventual British citizenship. Understanding the full breakdown of official fees for 2025—and any optional enhancements—can help you budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
