UK immigration and nationality: new fees, new forms

On 1 April 2007 the fees charged for immigration applications in the UK were changed by the Border and Immigration Agency, previously called the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. The Border and Immigration Agency is the part of the UK Home Office dealing with immigration and nationality cases.

The changes also affect fees charged for entry clearance (visas) at UK consular posts abroad. New application forms were also introduced.

It is very important to pay the correct fee and to use the correct form, otherwise an application can be rejected. This is expensive, but the consequences can be more serious than just the money lost. People within the UK who are applying to extend their leave, or to switch from one category of leave to another where this is permitted under the UK Immigration Rules, must make the application before their existing leave runs out. If an application made at the last minute is rejected because you have used the wrong form or paid the wrong fee, then it may be too late to make a fresh application before your existing leave expires. If you are considering applying to extend your leave or to switch into another category then get any necessary legal advice at an early stage.

For the first time, the UK is charging people more than the costs of processing an application and some of the fee increases are substantial. For example, the cost of an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR or ‘settlement’) has doubled from £335 to £750. Other fees, including those for work permits, applications under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and for British Citizenship have also increased.