Our trusted and highly experienced immigration solicitors specialise exclusively in UK-inbound immigration law for businesses and individuals. So, whether you’re a business moving global talent to the UK, an entrepreneur looking to invest here, or an individual planning your own or your family’s future in the UK, we can help. Find out more information about our Immigration team and our full range of services.
How much will it cost for an immigration visa application?
The preparation and submission of immigration applications, representation in appeals and judicial review, and compliance work for businesses, are core aspects of our work.
Our work is based on the time it takes to prepare each application and to assess the supporting documentary evidence and advise on the process. This can vary depending on a number of factors including complexity, timescales, each client’s objectives, the facts in each case and what evidence we have.
Before starting any work, we will discuss your requirements and take time to understand the background to the proposed application. This will allow us to give you an estimate of our legal fees at the start of your matter.
Examples of immigration visa application costs
As each matter can be varied, we have provided a range of costs below to give you an idea of the typical costs involved.
| Application | Typical costs |
| Entry clearance application for a partner spouse or child. | £2,800-£3,800 (VAT not normally payable). |
| In-country partner extension application. | £2,800 to £3,800 plus VAT at 20% (£560-£760). Total payable: £3,360-£4,560. |
| Representation at a First-tier Tribunal appeal against refusal of partner leave | £5,000-£12,000 plus VAT at 20% (£1,000-£2,400). Total payable £6,000-£14,400, depending on the nature and duration of the relationship and ability to meet government financial rules.
This excludes any application fees payable to the Home Office or Court fees. The court fee is currently £144 (nil VAT) for an oral hearing. |
| Naturalisation or registration as a British citizen | For an adult: £2,200-£3,200 plus VAT at 20% (£440-£640). Total payable £2,640-£3,840.
For a child £2,200 to £3,200 plus VAT at 20% (£440-£640). Total payable £2,640-£3,840. |
| EU settlement scheme applications | Pre-settled status £2,000-£3,500 plus VAT at 20% (£400-£700). Total payable £2,400-£4,200.
Settled status £2,200-£3,400 plus VAT at 20% (£440-£680). Total payable £2,640-£4,080. |
| Student visa & extension applications | For an adult £2,000-£2,600 plus VAT at 20% (£400-£520). Total payable £2,400-£3,120.
For a child £2,400-£3,000 plus VAT at 20% (£480-£600). Total payable £2,880-£3,600. |
| UK ancestry visa | £2,750-£3,750 plus VAT at 20% (£550-£750). Total payable £3,300-£4,500. |
| Long residence settlement applications | £3,200– £4,400 plus VAT at 20% (£640-£880). Total payable £3,840-£5,280. |
| Sponsored work visa & extension applications | £2,400 plus VAT at 20% (£480). Total payable £2,880. |
| Sponsored work settlement applications | £2,600 plus VAT at 20% (£520). Total payable £3,120. |
| Adult dependent relative visa | £4,000-£5,500 plus VAT at 20% (£800-£1,100). Total payable £4,800-£6,600. |
| Visitor visa | £2,400-£4,000 plus VAT at 20% (£480-£800). Total payable £2,880-£4,800, depending on complexity, and in particular whether you have been refused a visit visa before. |
| Sponsor licensing for a UK business | £4,250 to £5,000 plus VAT at 20% (£850-£1,000).Total payable £5,100-£6,000 depending on the routes in which a licence is required. Certificates of sponsorship £850 each (nil VAT). |
We are happy to agree a fixed or capped fee for some matters. This offers greater cost certainty.
Our hourly charge rates from 1 November 2026 are as follows (subject to VAT at 20%, where payable):
| Status | Hourly rate | VAT at 20% | Total (per hour) |
| Partner | £320-340 | £64-68 | £384-408 |
| Senior Associate | £260 | £52 | £312 |
| Solicitor | £220 | £44 | £264 |
| Paralegal | £120-140 | £24-28 | £144-168 |
VAT & disbursements
Our fees and some disbursements are subject to VAT at 20%. Disbursements are charges payable in addition to our fees, normally to a third party. They can include fees payable to the Home Office, barristers, and/or translators. You can find the latest Home Office fees here. The total amount charged for the disbursements in your matter depends upon a number of variables, so we will be able to advise you of the correct charges when we have further information from you.
Generally, if you “belong” to the UK, either through being British, or holding a long-term lawful form of residence here, you “belong” and are therefore liable to pay VAT. Otherwise, VAT is not charged on our fees (nor is it charged on government fees).
How long will my application take?
We cannot guarantee how long the Home Office will take to process your application. You can see the current Government processing times on their website.