Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major step towards securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom. The process involves strict legal requirements, including payment of the applicable Home Office fee.
This guide breaks down the ILR application fee for 2025, updated to reflect the £3,029 rate effective from 9 April 2025. It covers the main application fee, dependants, optional priority services, refund and waiver policies, and key financial considerations.
What this guide covers: Costs of applying for ILR in 2025, fee structures, potential refunds or waivers, standard and priority processing times, and official Home Office guidance with verification links.
Section A – Current ILR Application Fee (2025)
The standard ILR application fee, effective from 9 April 2025, is £3,029 per applicant. This applies to all main applicants, including those applying under the Skilled Worker, Partner/Family, or Long Residence routes. Each dependant must also pay the full £3,029 separately.
Payment must be made in full at the time of online submission. The Home Office will not process an application until payment has cleared. Applications submitted without payment or with failed payment will be treated as invalid.
Applicants must also provide fingerprints and a facial photograph, but there is no separate biometric fee. Some UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services appointments may charge for optional premium add-ons, but standard appointments remain free.
| Fee Type | Amount (2025) | Notes |
| Main applicant (standard processing) | £3,029 | Applies to all ILR routes; same cost online or by post |
| Each dependant | £3,029 | Charged per person, even when applying together |
| Biometric enrolment | No fee | Included in the ILR process; some UKVCAS appointments may have optional charges |
Standard ILR processing usually takes up to six months. If you need a faster decision, you can choose a priority or super priority service when it is available.
The Home Office reviews immigration and nationality fees every year. It confirmed the £3,029 ILR fee on 9 April 2025 and reconfirmed it in the October 2025 fee update.
In summary, the ILR fee for 2025 is £3,029 per applicant and you pay it at the time of submission. Dependants pay the same amount, and you do not pay a separate biometric fee. Always check the latest fees on GOV.UK before you apply.
Section B – Optional and Priority Service Fees
Applicants who want a faster ILR decision can opt for one of two premium services at selected UKVCAS centres. These fees are in addition to the standard £3,029 and must be paid when booking the biometric appointment.
| Service Type | Additional Fee (2025) | Decision Time |
| Priority Service | £500 | Decision within 5 working days of biometrics |
| Super Priority Service | £1,000 | Decision by the next working day after biometrics |
For example, a single applicant using the Super Priority service would pay £4,029 in total. Dependants who require faster processing must pay the additional fee individually.
Priority services are limited, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability varies by visa category and local UKVCAS capacity. Refunds are generally not granted unless the service is cancelled before biometrics or withdrawn by the Home Office.
Tips:
- Book priority appointments early; slots fill quickly.
- Avoid relying on faster services if deadlines for your immigration status are close.
- Keep all receipts and confirmations as proof of payment.
Summary: Optional priority services accelerate processing but increase total costs. Confirm availability before payment and note that refunds are rare.
Section C – Dependants, Family, and Settlement Categories
Every dependant applying for ILR must pay £3,029 individually. No discounts apply for children, family groups, or joint submissions.
For example, a family of four (two adults and two children) would pay £12,116 total (£3,029 x 4), excluding any optional priority fees. Each dependent must meet the same eligibility requirements as the main applicant, including continuous residence, lawful status, and submission of supporting evidence.
Fees by route:
- Skilled Worker to ILR – £3,029 per person
- Spouse or Partner route – £3,029 per partner
- 10-Year Long Residence route – £3,029 per individual applicant
Dependants’ fees are separate from previous visa or extension charges. Earlier payments do not reduce the ILR fee owed at settlement.
Summary: Every individual in an ILR application, regardless of age or relationship, pays the full £3,029. Each application is charged and assessed independently.
Section D – Refunds, Fee Waivers, and Financial Considerations
ILR fees are generally non-refundable once biometrics are enrolled. Refunds may be available if the application is withdrawn before biometrics or rejected as invalid before processing.
Refund conditions:
- Withdrawal before biometrics – full refund of ILR and priority fees, if paid
- Invalid or void application – full refund
- Refusal after full consideration – no refund
- Priority delays – fees are rarely refunded
Refunds are issued via the original payment method and may take several weeks to appear.
Fee waivers are not available for ILR applications. Waivers only apply to certain in-country human rights or family/private life applications.
Financial tips:
- Ensure funds are available before submission; failed payments invalidate applications.
- Use only the official GOV.UK payment portal.
- Keep digital receipts and transaction references for record-keeping or potential refunds.
Summary: ILR fees are rarely refundable, and fee waivers are not offered. Budget carefully, confirm payment details, and follow the official process to avoid delays or invalid applications.
How LawSentis Can Help
At LawSentis, we provide premium, fully regulated IAA Level 3 immigration services to guide you through every step of your ILR application. Our expert team can:
- Review your eligibility and documentation to avoid common errors
- Advise on fee payments, dependants, and optional priority services
- Assist with complex family or long residence applications
- Provide step-by-step guidance to maximize your chance of approval
We simplify the ILR process, helping you save time, avoid mistakes, and submit with confidence. Book a consultation today to get expert advice tailored to your unique situation.