Fee Waiver Application Details

Introduction

A fee waiver allows eligible applicants to apply for certain UK immigration applications without paying the standard application fee. This is particularly important for individuals facing financial hardship who cannot afford the application costs. Fee waivers are available for applications such as FLR(HRO), FLR(FP), SET(P), and certain human rights-based visa applications.

The Home Office grants fee waivers to ensure that individuals can access legal routes to remain in the UK without financial barriers. However, the applicant must meet strict eligibility requirements and provide substantial evidence of their financial situation.

Who Can Apply for a Fee Waiver?

An individual may be eligible for a fee waiver if:

  • They cannot afford the application fee due to financial hardship.
  • Paying the fee would result in destitution, meaning they would be unable to afford basic needs like housing, food, and essential utilities.
  • They rely on public funds or charitable support to meet daily living costs.
  • They have dependents, and paying the fee would negatively impact their well-being.
Eligibility Criteria for a Fee Waiver

To be eligible for a fee waiver, the applicant must:

  • Provide proof of income and expenses showing they cannot afford the fee.
  • Be at risk of becoming homeless or destitute if required to pay.
  • Show that they receive support from the UK government (such as Universal Credit or housing support) or from charities.
  • Have no significant savings or assets that could cover the fee.
Documents Required for a Fee Waiver Application

Applicants must submit:

  • Recent bank statements (covering at least six months) showing low or no income.
  • Payslips or proof of employment (if applicable).
  • Proof of benefits received (e.g., Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit).
  • Letters from charities or support organizations confirming financial assistance.
  • Utility bills, rent agreements, or council tax statements proving financial hardship.
  • Medical reports or other evidence (if the inability to pay is due to health issues).
Application Process for a Fee Waiver
  1. Step 1: Submit a Fee Waiver Request. Before applying for the main visa or immigration application, the applicant must first submit a separate fee waiver application through the UK Home Office online portal.
  2. Step 2: Await Home Office Decision. The Home Office will assess the financial evidence provided. If approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation letter allowing them to submit the main immigration application without paying the fee.
  3. Step 3: Submit the Immigration Application. Once the fee waiver is approved, the applicant must submit the immigration application within 10 working days to maintain their legal status in the UK.
Processing Time

The decision on a fee waiver request typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of applications being processed.

Terms & Conditions of the Fee Waiver
1. Financial Evidence Requirement
  • The applicant must provide clear and detailed financial evidence to prove their inability to pay.
  • False or misleading information will result in refusal and may impact future immigration applications.
2. No Automatic Approval
  • Fee waivers are granted at the discretion of the UK Home Office.
  • Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval.
  • If refused, the applicant must either pay the full application fee or seek legal advice.
3. Impact on Processing Times
  • A fee waiver application must be approved before the main application can be submitted.
  • The additional processing time may lead to delays in visa decisions.
4. Restrictions on Who Can Apply
  • Fee waivers are not available for all visa types. They primarily apply to human rights-based applications, settlement cases, and certain leave to remain categories.
  • Those applying under work, business, or study visas are not eligible for a fee waiver.
5. Obligation to Provide Up-to-Date Information
  • If an applicant’s financial circumstances improve during the application process, they must inform the Home Office.
  • Failure to do so may lead to visa rejection or future penalties.
6. Consequences of a Refusal
  • If the fee waiver request is denied, the applicant must pay the full fee to continue with their visa application.
  • If unable to pay, they may need to reapply or consider alternative immigration options.
7. Family & Dependent Applications
  • If applying as a family, each individual (including children) must be assessed separately.
  • If one family member is granted a waiver, it does not automatically apply to all dependents.
Schedule Call
Back to Home