ILR Application Fee 2025: Real Costs, No Surprises

At-a-Glance: ILR Application Fee 2025 and Your Total Cost

Quick answer: ILR application fee 2025 is £3,029 per person (each main applicant and dependant) according to GOV.UK. Biometrics are required, with no extra fee.

• Mandatory Home Office fee: £3,029 per applicant (same for dependants)
• Typical extras you may pay: Life in the UK Test (£50), English test if needed (provider fee), UKVCAS paid appointment options and document services (optional), Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1,000) where available
• Not payable at ILR: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not charged on settlement applications; BRP cards are being replaced by eVisas

Sources: GOV.UK on ILR costs and biometrics, priority upgrade fees and timelines, and the Home Office fees list.

The mandatory Home Office fee (2025)

The settlement application fee for 2025 is £3,029 per person. GOV.UK confirms this on multiple ILR routes (for example, Family and Private Life). Each dependant pays the same fee. You’ll also provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at no extra charge.

See: Family ILR and Private Life ILR pages.

Typical add-ons you may pay (not included in the ILR fee)

• Life in the UK Test: Official £50 fee, booked via GOV.UK.
• English language (B1 SELT): Fee varies by approved provider. Check GOV.UK for accepted tests.
• UKVCAS appointments: Standard appointments are usually free; paid options and document services are available depending on centre and time.
• Priority upgrades: Priority ~ 5 working days (£500); Super Priority next working day (£1,000) where available.

See: Life in the UK Test (GOV.UK), Approved English test providers, and priority services.

What you do NOT pay for at ILR (IHS, BRP)

• IHS for ILR: The Immigration Health Surcharge is a charge for most temporary visas. Settlement (ILR) applications are not charged the IHS under GOV.UK fee rules.
• BRP replacement: Physical BRP cards are being replaced by eVisas. After grant, you’ll access your status online rather than receiving a new BRP.

See: IHS guidance and GOV.UK eVisa guidance.

Official 2025 ILR Fees by Route (and What’s the Same)

The ILR fee is generally the same across common routes — work, family, and long residence — at £3,029 per person. What varies is eligibility and evidence rather than the core fee. If in doubt, check the relevant route page on GOV.UK and the official fees list.

Family route (SET(M) / private life)

For SET(M) and Private Life, the fee matches the standard ILR amount. Processing depends on complete and correct evidence (e.g., cohabitation documents for partners). Certain human-rights-based routes may be eligible for a settlement fee waiver based on financial hardship — see the Home Office policy.

References: Family ILR, Private Life ILR, and ILR fee waiver policy.

Work and business routes (e.g., Skilled Worker to ILR)

Moving from Skilled Worker (or other work/business categories) to ILR, the same settlement fee applies. Employer charges like the Immigration Skills Charge are not part of ILR — they only apply to certain sponsored work visas, not to settlement applications.

Long residence route (10-year)

The long residence (10-year) route also uses the same £3,029 ILR fee. Given its evidence-heavy nature, ensure your residence records (passports, BRPs/eVisa history, travel, and lawful stay) are complete to avoid costly refusals and reapplications.

Priority and Super Priority: 2025 Processing Fees and Timelines

Optional upgrades can speed up your decision where available. Availability varies by route and location at booking.

Priority (approx. 5 working days)

• Fee: £500 per applicant in addition to the ILR fee.
• Timeline: Typically within 5 working days after biometrics.
• Best for: Applicants with time-sensitive travel or expiring documents who need a faster decision.

Source: GOV.UK faster decision for settlement.

Super Priority (next working day)

• Fee: £1,000 per applicant in addition to the ILR fee.
• Timeline: Usually the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment (or 2 working days if at a weekend/bank holiday).
• Refunds: If the service level agreement is missed for reasons outside your control, the upgrade fee is usually refunded. The core ILR fee is not refunded once processing has begun.

Source: GOV.UK faster decision.

Life in the UK Test and English Language: Required Costs and Smart Savings

Most ILR routes require meeting the Knowledge of Language and Life requirements: pass the Life in the UK Test and prove English at B1 or higher (unless exempt).

Life in the UK Test: £50 official fee, booking, and retest risks

• Official fee: £50 per attempt. Book only via GOV.UK.
• Booking rules: Use the same ID you’ll use for ILR and arrive with acceptable ID; rescheduling rules and test-day policies are on GOV.UK.
• Avoid retests: Failing means paying another £50 and delaying your application timeline.

Learn more: GOV.UK Life in the UK Test. For practical savings and tips, see our guide: Life in the UK Test Cost in 2025: Fees, Retakes, Savings.

English language (B1 SELT) costs and exemptions

• Approved providers only: Costs vary by provider and location. Check the current list on GOV.UK and book early.
• Exemptions: You may be exempt due to nationality, degree taught in English, age, or long residence — see GOV.UK criteria.
• Smart prep: Choose the correct SELT (speaking/listening) at B1 level to avoid paying twice.

See: Approved SELT providers on GOV.UK. Also read: B1 English Test for ILR: Pick the Right Exam.

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Biometrics and UKVCAS Appointments: Free vs Paid Options

Biometrics are required and included in the process with no extra fee. UKVCAS provides the enrolment service.

Standard free appointments and availability

• Look for free standard slots in the UKVCAS booking system; they are available but may require flexibility on time and location.
• Use early booking windows and check multiple centres to avoid unnecessary paid appointments.

See: GOV.UK (biometrics required, no fee).

Paid add-ons: document scanning, checking, out-of-hours

• Common paid services include document scanning, document checking, premium lounge, and out-of-hours appointments.
• Prices vary by centre and time; you’ll see exact costs during booking. If you can upload documents yourself, you can often avoid scanning fees.

Tip: Only purchase add-ons that materially reduce your risk or save significant time.

Hidden or Variable Costs You Should Budget For

Beyond Home Office fees, plan for other potential expenses so you’re not caught out.

Translations and certified copies

• Provide certified translations for any non-English/non-Welsh documents, with the translator’s credentials and statement of accuracy.
• Costs vary by document length and turnaround time; get two to three quotes and avoid premium “rush” fees by preparing early.

Legal advice and representation

• Complex histories (gaps in residence, absences, financial evidence) may benefit from a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor.
• Fees vary widely; ask for a fixed-fee quote and scope of work. Good advice can reduce refusal risk and re-application costs.

Travel, childcare, and time off work

• Budget for travel to your test centre and UKVCAS appointment.
• Factor in childcare and possible time off work for appointments and biometrics.

2025 Fee Scenarios: What Your ILR Might Really Cost

These examples use official GOV.UK fees and typical choices. Your exact total depends on whether you already meet the Knowledge of Language and Life requirements and whether you buy optional services.

Single applicant, standard processing (no lawyer)

• ILR fee: £3,029
• Life in the UK Test: £50
• English test: provider fee (if required)
• UKVCAS: £0 if you choose a free standard slot
• Indicative minimum total: £3,079 (+ any English test fee if needed)

Couple with one child (all applying together)

• ILR fee: 3 × £3,029 = £9,087
• Life in the UK Test: £50 per adult who hasn’t already passed
• English test: provider fee per adult (if required)
• UKVCAS: aim for free standard slots
• Indicative minimum total: £9,137 (assuming both adults sit Life in the UK; + any English test fees)

Applicant using Super Priority and UKVCAS add-ons

• ILR fee: £3,029
• Super Priority: £1,000
• UKVCAS: optional paid services (document scanning/checking, premium slots) as needed
• Indicative total (fees only): £4,029 (+ any UKVCAS add-ons and tests)

Applicant who already passed required tests

• ILR fee: £3,029
• Life in the UK Test: £0 (re-use valid pass)
• English: £0 (if exempt or re-using a valid proof)
• UKVCAS: £0 with a free standard slot
• Indicative total: £3,029

Refunds, Waivers, and Protecting Your ILR Budget

Understand refund rules and whether you may qualify for a fee waiver on certain human-rights-based ILR applications.

When do you get a refund (and when you don’t)?

Summary (GOV.UK):

1. Before biometrics: If you withdraw before giving biometrics, you can usually request a refund of the application fee.
2. After biometrics: Application fee refunds are generally not available once processing starts.
3. Priority/Super Priority: Upgrade fees are usually refunded if the service level is missed for reasons outside your control.

See GOV.UK: Refund guidance and priority service terms.

Fee waivers on family/private life routes

Some applicants on human-rights-based routes may qualify for an ILR fee waiver if they cannot afford the fee and paying would render them destitute or compromise their child’s welfare. Review eligibility and the evidence required in the official policy before applying.

Policy: ILR fee waiver (GOV.UK).

Avoiding refusals that waste fees

Use this pre-application checklist to reduce risk:

1. Confirm route eligibility and residence/absence limits for your category.
2. Collect all mandatory documents and translations (certified if required).
3. Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English at B1 (or confirm exemption).
4. Check financial and relationship evidence (where relevant) spans the correct period.
5. Upload documents clearly; avoid duplicates and illegible scans.
6. Use a free UKVCAS slot if possible; only buy add-ons you need.
7. Consider legal advice if you have gaps, complex absences, or previous refusals.

Need structured prep for the Life in the UK Test? Try our Best Life in the UK Test App 2025 guide to see how top learners pass on the first attempt.

ILR vs British Citizenship Costs in 2025: Quick Comparison

Settlement usually comes before naturalisation. ILR has the larger single fee; citizenship adds further costs (application fee, ceremony, and potentially a passport later). Plan your spend across both stages.

Which is pricier and when to apply

For most people, ILR is the bigger upfront cost. You typically apply for citizenship after holding ILR (or permanent residence) and meeting residence and good character requirements. To compare the full journey, see our detailed analysis: ILR application fee vs UK citizenship cost 2025.

Plan your budget from visa to passport

Think multi-year: visa years (with IHS while temporary), ILR year (no IHS; £3,029 fee), then citizenship costs. Our IHS explainer can help you model total spend: Immigration Health Surcharge 2025: Costs, Rules, Refunds.

Pass the Life in the UK Test First Time: Save Money with Our App

Retests cost money and time. The Life in the UK Test App compresses study into short, focused sessions so you pass once and move on to ILR with confidence.

How the app reduces cost, stress, and study time

• Complete content: Official handbook material, optimised for mobile.
• Proven practice: 650+ questions with explanations, Hard Mode mocks.
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Get started now (App Store and Google Play)

Download on App Store or Google Play. Lock in a test date once your readiness score is green and avoid £50 retests.

Official Sources Used (and Last Checked)

• GOV.UK – ILR (Family) fee, biometrics, standard timeline
• GOV.UK – ILR (Private Life) fee
• GOV.UK – Priority and Super Priority fees and timelines
• GOV.UK – Immigration Health Surcharge rules
• Home Office – Immigration and nationality fees list
• GOV.UK – Life in the UK Test booking (£50)
• GOV.UK – Approved English tests and providers
• GOV.UK – eVisa guidance (BRP replacement)
• GOV.UK – Visa and immigration fee refunds

ILR Fees 2025 FAQs

How much does ILR cost in 2025 per person?

£3,029 per applicant. Each dependant also pays £3,029. Source: GOV.UK ILR pages.

Do I pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for ILR?

No. IHS applies to most temporary visas. Settlement (ILR) applications are not charged the IHS under GOV.UK fee rules.

Are UKVCAS appointments free?

Standard UKVCAS appointments are usually free. Paid premium slots and services (like document scanning) are optional.

Is the Life in the UK Test fee included in the ILR fee?

No. The Life in the UK Test is a separate £50 fee paid to an approved test centre via GOV.UK.

Can I get a refund if I withdraw my ILR application?

Generally, yes if you withdraw before giving biometrics. After biometrics, the application fee is usually not refunded.

Are there discounts or fee waivers?

Limited ILR fee waivers exist for eligible human-rights routes based on financial hardship, per Home Office policy.