Home Office Fees 2025: ILR, BRP & UK Naturalisation

1.1 Fee Breakdown and Eligibility

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a cornerstone for those seeking long-term settlement in the UK. The standard ILR application fee remains £2,885. Dependents also pay £2,885 each. If you need your application processed faster:

• Priority Service: +£500 (approx. 5 working days)
• Super Priority Service: +£1,000 (24 hours in most cases)

Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Residency Requirement: Typically 5 continuous years in the UK under a qualifying category (e.g., Skilled Worker, Family Visa).
• Life in the UK Test: Must pass this to demonstrate familiarity with British culture, history, and laws.
• English Language Proficiency: Show proof via an approved test or a degree taught in English.

1.2 Tips for a Successful ILR Application

1. Plan Ahead
   The standard processing time can be up to 6 months, so if you’re on a tight schedule (like a pending job offer or upcoming travel), consider using Priority or Super Priority services.
2. Document Consistency
   Discrepancies—like name variations across IDs or incomplete financial records—can stall your application, so double-check everything.
3. Track Absences
   Keep a meticulous record of days spent outside the UK to ensure you meet the residency requirement. Exceeding certain limits could jeopardize your ILR.
4. Seek Professional Guidance
   Given the high stakes and costs of an ILR application, professional advice can help you avoid errors that lead to delays or refusals.

2. UK Residence Permit Renewal Fee 2025

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A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official document issued by the Home Office that serves as proof of a person’s right to stay, work, or study in the UK. Containing your name, date of birth, biometric data (fingerprints and photo), immigration status, and any conditions on your stay, it is both secure and tamper-proof.

2.1 Importance of BRPs

• Identity Verification: Border officials, employers, universities, and landlords can request to see your BRP to confirm your lawful status.
• Duration of Validity: Generally valid for the duration of your visa; you’ll need to renew or replace it if lost, stolen, or if your visa conditions change.
• Essential for Everyday Tasks: From opening bank accounts to renting accommodation, the BRP is central to proving your legal right to reside in the UK.

2.2 BRP Renewal or Replacement Fees

• BRP Renewal Fee: £19
  • Covers updating the holder’s biometric information to ensure details remain current—this includes ILR BRP renewal for those with Indefinite Leave to Remain, which also costs £19.
• BRP Replacement Fee: £19
  • If your BRP is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you’ll need a replacement to confirm continued valid documentation.
• Replacement Biometric Residence Card Fee (EU Settlement Scheme): £19
  • Applicable for replacing a Biometric Residence Card issued under the EU Settlement Scheme if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Tip: If your BRP is lost or stolen, be sure to file a police report (if applicable) and keep all correspondence from the Home Office regarding its replacement.

2.3 Renewal or Replacement Steps

1. Apply Online
   Complete the relevant government form for renewal or replacement.
2. Biometric Appointment
   You may need to schedule a UKVCAS appointment for fingerprint and photo capture.
3. Keep Records
   Store copies of your old BRP (if available), any police reports (for lost or stolen documents), and your application confirmation emails.

Note: These relatively low fees for renewal or replacement encourage timely updates, helping keep your status documentation accurate and valid at all times. Failing to renew or replace a BRP promptly could lead to complications with employers, universities, or when re-entering the UK.

3. British Nationality Fees 2025

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British citizenship grants individuals full rights in the UK, including the right to live, work, and study without immigration restrictions, as well as the ability to apply for a British passport. Below are the most up-to-date fees for 2025 related to naturalisation, nationality registrations, and other nationality services.

3.1 Naturalisation Fees (UK 2025)

• Naturalisation (British citizenship): £1,500
• Naturalisation (British citizenship) including the citizenship ceremony fee: £1,630
  – This total includes the additional £130 that covers the cost of the citizenship ceremony.
• Naturalisation for British Overseas Territory Citizens: £1,000

Note: Naturalisation typically requires holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months, meeting residency requirements, demonstrating English language proficiency, and passing the Life in the UK test.

3.2 British Citizenship Fees 2025

3.2.1 Adults

• Nationality Registration as a British Citizen (Adult): £1,351
• Registration + Ceremony Fee: £1,481
  – Includes £130 for the citizenship ceremony.

3.2.2 Children

• Nationality Registration as a British Citizen (Child): £1,214
• Registration + Ceremony Fee (Child): £1,344
  – Includes an additional £130 per applicant to cover the ceremony fee, should the minor turn 18 during the application process.

3.2.3 Overseas Applications

For applicants who fall under British Overseas Territory citizens, British overseas citizens, British subjects, or British protected persons:

• Adult Registration: £901
• Child Registration: £810

Tip: Children do not always need a formal citizenship ceremony, but if they turn 18 during the application process, they may be required to attend and pay the associated fee.

3.3 Other Home Office Fees and Charges

Below are additional costs and services related to British nationality, which applicants may encounter depending on their situation or specific requests:

1. Arrangement of a Citizenship Ceremony: £130
   • Covers administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony.
2. Administration of a Citizenship Oath/Pledge (Outside Ceremony): £5
   • Applicable if the oath or pledge is administered separately or by a justice of the peace.
3. Renunciation of Nationality: £450
4. Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (in the UK): £550
5. Nationality Review: £450
   • Used if you wish to request a review of certain nationality decisions.
6. Status Letter (Nationality): £429
   • Confirms a specific nationality status or clarifies doubts.
7. Non-acquisition Letter (Nationality): £429
   • Letter confirming that a person has not acquired British nationality under certain conditions.
8. Nationality Correction to Certificate: £400
   • Correcting personal information on a previously issued certificate (e.g., name or date of birth error).
9. Certified Copy of a Notice, Certificate, Order, or Declaration: £400
10. Nationality Reissued Certificate: £400
    • For applicants requiring a newly issued copy of a previously granted citizenship certificate.

These fees ensure clear information on the costs associated with British nationality services, helping applicants plan accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses during their application process. Keep in mind that processing times for nationality applications can vary widely, so it’s best to prepare all necessary documentation—such as passports, BRP (if applicable), and references—well in advance.

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Key Takeaway:
Staying informed about these naturalisation and nationality fees allows you to budget effectively and ensure your application process remains on track. Whether you’re applying as an adult, a child, or an overseas territory citizen, having a clear roadmap of costs helps avoid last-minute financial surprises.

4. Work Permits and Work Visas

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The UK offers a variety of work visas tailored to different professional needs—from highly skilled innovators to temporary or seasonal workers. Below is a breakdown of key routes and associated fees for 2025.

4.1 Skilled Worker Visa

Fees

• Up to 3 years: £827
• Over 3 years: £1,636
• Add-On Costs:
  • Priority: +£500
  • Super Priority: +£1,000
  • IHS: £1,035/year (most applicants), £776/year (students/children)

Key Points

• Sponsored Employment: Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
• Salary Thresholds: Vary by occupation code and sector.
• English Language: At least B1 CEFR level required.

4.2 Health and Care Visa

Designed for qualified medical professionals (e.g., nurses, doctors, allied health workers):

• Reduced Visa Fee: £284
• Priority: +£500
• Super Priority: +£1,000
• Lower IHS: May apply if your employer is approved under certain NHS roles or guidelines.

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4.3 Innovator Founder Route

• Main Applicant and Dependants: £1,486
• Endorsement Fee (payable to endorsing body, excluding VAT): £1,000
• Contact Point Meeting (payable to endorsing body, excluding VAT): £500

Notes

• This route is for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish an innovative business in the UK.
• You generally need an endorsement from an approved body before applying for the visa itself.

4.4 Global Talent Visa

• Approval Letter (Initial Application): £524 (paid to a competent body)
• Main Applicant (if Approval Letter is required): £192
• Main Applicant (if Approval Letter is not required): £716
• Dependants: £716

Notes

• Aimed at leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, arts, or digital technology.
• Some applicants can bypass the approval letter stage if they already hold specific awards or recognitions.

4.5 Temporary Workers (T5)

• T5 Temporary Worker (Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement Worker, Government Authorised Exchange Worker, Youth Mobility Scheme): £298
  • Applies to both main applicants and dependants.

Notes

• T5 visas are typically short-term.
• Requirements vary by subcategory (e.g., a sponsor for Seasonal Worker or a UK organisation for Charity Worker).

4.6 International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa fee depends on the length of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):

• Up to 12 months: £298 (main applicant and dependants)
• Over 12 months: £827 (main applicant and dependants)

Notes

• Suitable for athletes or coaches recognized at the highest professional level.
• Requires endorsement from the relevant sports governing body.

4.7 Global Business Mobility

• Senior or Specialist Worker:
  • Up to 3 years: £827
  • More than 3 years: £1,636
• Graduate Trainee, Service Supplier, UK Expansion Worker, Secondment Worker: £298

Notes

• The Global Business Mobility routes allow multinational companies to send employees to the UK for specific business or training purposes.
• Each sub-route has its own eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum salary or sponsor requirements).

4.8 Tier 1 Route

Some Tier 1 categories remain open only to individuals who already hold these visas, but fees still apply for extensions or dependants:

• Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – Dependants only: £716
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – Main applicant and dependants: £1,486
• Tier 1 (Investor) – Main applicant and dependants: £1,884

Notes

• Tier 1 visas are being phased out in favor of newer routes like the Innovator Founder and Global Talent visas.
• Applicants must typically show ongoing compliance with the original visa criteria (e.g., maintaining investments under the Investor route).

4.9 Other Work Visas

• Start-up Visa: £584
  • For early-stage entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK (often leads into the Innovator Founder route).
• Scale-up Visa: £822
  • For employees of eligible “Scale-up” companies that meet certain high-growth benchmarks.
• T2 Minister of Religion: £827
  • For individuals who have been offered a key role in a faith-based community.
• Representative of an Overseas Business: £827
  • Suited for sole representatives of foreign companies looking to establish a UK branch or subsidiary.

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Key Takeaways for Work Visa Applicants

1. Sponsorship and Endorsement
   Most work routes require proof of sponsorship or endorsement (from a licensed UK employer or approved endorsing body).
2. IHS and Other Fees
   Don’t forget to factor in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which can significantly increase overall costs. Certain categories (e.g., Health and Care Visa) may have reduced IHS fees.
3. Additional Services
   Priority and super priority options are generally available across work visa categories—plan your budget accordingly if you need a faster outcome.
4. Route-Specific Criteria
   Review the specific eligibility requirements for each route (salary, qualifications, business endorsements) to avoid refusals or delays.

These latest fees provide applicants with various cost and timeline options. Thoroughly researching your chosen category’s requirements and add-on costs can save you from last-minute surprises and ensure a more seamless application process.

5. Applications Made Inside the UK

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When you’re applying from within the UK—whether to extend your current visa or switch to a different immigration category—understanding the fees and services available can help you choose the option that best meets your timeline and budget. Below is a breakdown of the Home Office fees for key application types in 2025, including details on standard, priority, and super-priority services.

5.1 Leave to Remain Applications

Purpose
Leave to Remain (LTR) allows individuals to extend their stay in the UK beyond their initial visa period, enabling them to continue work, study, or family life without interruption. Holding LTR can also be a stepping stone toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future.

Fees and Services

• Standard Application: £1,048
  • Covers the processing and evaluation of your application, including a full review of eligibility and supporting documents.
• Priority Service (5-Day Processing): £1,548
  • For applicants needing a faster decision, the additional £500 reduces the processing time to approximately 5 working days.
  • Ideal for those requiring a quicker outcome for personal, professional, or travel reasons.
• Super-Priority Service (Same-Day Processing): £2,048
  • Offers 24-hour (or “same-day”) processing.
  • The higher fee covers the premium nature of expedited handling, guaranteeing a faster decision.

Key Points

• Eligibility: Requirements vary depending on the original visa category, often including continuous residence and adherence to immigration rules.
• Documentation: Comprehensive proof of residency, financial stability, and good character is crucial to avoid delays.
• Preparation: Ensuring completeness and accuracy of all documents can prevent unnecessary costs and processing hold-ups.

5.2 Other Common In-Country Applications and Fees

When applying to extend, review, or otherwise amend your current status in the UK, there are several in-country options beyond Leave to Remain. These include Visitor Visa extensions, Administrative Reviews, specific routes for Hong Kong British Nationals, and fees associated with various travel documents or additional Home Office services.

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5.2.1 Visitor Visa Extension

• Standard Fee: £1,000
  This covers the comprehensive review of your eligibility, supporting documents, and rationale for extending your stay as a visitor.
• Priority Service: +£500
  Reduces the processing time to approximately 5 working days, ideal if you have urgent reasons—such as travel plans or medical treatment—that require a quicker decision.
• Super-Priority Service: +£1,000
  Offers same-day processing for highly time-sensitive situations. The premium cost reflects expedited handling of your application.

Note: Visitor extensions are typically granted under exceptional circumstances, such as continued private medical treatment or unanticipated travel disruptions.

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5.2.2 Administrative Review

• Fee: £80
  If you believe there was an error in how the Home Office applied the immigration rules to your application, you may request an Administrative Review.
• No Priority Option
  This process does not offer expedited services. The review simply checks whether the original decision was correct based on the information you initially provided.

Tip: An Administrative Review is not an opportunity to submit new evidence. It’s purely to examine the correctness of the initial decision.

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5.2.3 Hong Kong British National Applications

For individuals applying under the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) routes:

• 30-Month In-Country Stay – Main Applicant & Dependants: £180
• 5-Year In-Country Stay – Main Applicant & Dependants: £250

These fees apply to Hong Kong British Nationals looking to remain in the UK for either 30 months or 5 years, often as part of the BN(O) visa scheme.

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5.2.4 Travel Documents

1. Certificate of Travel
   • Adult: £280
   • Child: £141
     Useful if you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of nationality or origin.
2. Convention Travel Document
   • Adult: £82
   • Child: £53
     Issued to refugees under the terms of the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

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5.2.5 Other Services and Charges

• Life in the UK Test: £50
  Mandatory for those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
• Processing an Application Rejected as Invalid: £25
  This fee is charged if your application package is returned due to incomplete or incorrect submission details.

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Why This Matters

Having a clear view of all in-country fees helps you plan both your timing and budget. Whether you’re extending a Visitor Visa, requesting an Administrative Review, or applying under special routes such as the Hong Kong BN(O) scheme, knowing the costs and processes ahead of time allows you to gather complete documentation and submit a thorough application. This proactive approach reduces the risk of delays, additional fees, or the possibility of overstaying—ultimately ensuring a smoother immigration journey within the UK.

6. Student Visas

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Student Visa routes offer international students the opportunity to pursue education in the UK, with options to extend or switch visas, and in some cases, transition to working visas after graduation. Below is a breakdown of key fees and services for 2024/2025.

6.1 Standard Student Visa (Extension or Switching)

• Standard Application: £490
  • Covers the initial application, extensions, or switching to a Student Visa.
  • Includes a full review of eligibility, course details, and supporting documents.
• Priority Service (5-Day Processing): £990
  • An additional £500 fee expedites the processing to about 5 working days.
  • Ideal for students with urgent academic commitments or travel plans requiring faster confirmation.
• Super-Priority Service (Same-Day Processing): £1,490
  • An extra £1,000 offers a 24-hour turnaround, beneficial for those who need an immediate decision.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• £776 per year for Student Visa holders
  • Mandatory to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
  • Payable per year of your visa duration, alongside your visa application fee.

6.2 Graduate Route

• Fee: £822
  • Applies to both the main applicant and dependants.
  • For students who have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK institution.
  • Allows a 2-year stay post-graduation (3 years for doctoral graduates) to work or look for work in the UK.

6.3 High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

• Fee: £822
  • Designed for graduates from top global universities (based on specific ranking criteria).
  • Enables holders to stay in the UK for up to 2 years, contributing their skills to the UK economy.
  • A potential stepping-stone to other, longer-term work or settlement visas.

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Key Points for Student Visa Applicants

1. Evidence of Funds & CAS
   • You must show adequate funds to cover tuition and living costs.
   • Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsoring educational institution.
2. Timely Applications
   • Applying well before your existing visa expires helps avoid overstaying.
   • Priority or super-priority services can be crucial if academic programs or travel plans require immediate visa decisions.
3. Possible Next Steps
   • Graduate Route: Stay and work after your studies.
   • HPI Visa: Capitalise on a degree from a top-tier university.
   • Skilled Worker Visa: Transition if you secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer.

Staying informed about fee structures, health surcharges, and additional services (like priority processing) is essential to avoid financial surprises. By organising documents (bank statements, CAS, proof of English proficiency) and choosing the right service level (standard, priority, or super-priority), you can streamline your Student Visa journey and focus on your academic goals.

7. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for Leave to Remain Applications

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For those applying for Leave to Remain in the UK, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a critical component. The IHS ensures that applicants and their dependents have access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. Below are the key details:

• General Visa and Extensions:
  • The IHS for most general visas, including extensions, is £1,035 per year. This rate applies to non-EU nationals staying in the UK for longer than six months.
• Student and Graduate Visas:
  • Students and children are charged a reduced IHS rate of £776 per year, while Graduate visas incur the standard rate of £1,035 per year.
• Ancestry, Partner, and Fiancé Visas:
  • These visas require the standard IHS rate of £1,035 per year.
• Skilled Worker Visas:
  • The IHS for Skilled Worker visas is set at £1,035 per year, ensuring health coverage during employment in the UK.
• Waivers and Exemptions:
  • Healthcare workers on Health and Care visas are often exempt from the IHS. Waivers are also available for applicants on family or human rights grounds who cannot afford the surcharge.

These charges provide essential healthcare access for visa holders, reflecting their contribution to the UK’s public health system.

8. Sponsorship License Cost UK 2025

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As of April 10, 2024, the Home Office has updated the fees for premium sponsor services and related applications in the UK. These fees apply to various sponsorship categories, including worker sponsors, temporary worker sponsors, and student sponsors.

Premium Sponsor Service (12 months)

• Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors: £25,000
• Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors: £8,000
• Student sponsors: £8,000
• Expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor: £200

Sponsor Licence Renewal Fee

• Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications: £500
• Worker (large sponsor): £1,476
• Worker (small sponsor): £536
• Student: £536
• Temporary Worker: £536
• Worker and Temporary Worker (large sponsor): £1,476
• Worker and Student (large sponsor): £1,476
• Worker, Temporary Worker, and Student (large sponsor): £1,476
• Temporary Worker and Student: £536
• Worker (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence: £940

Endorsement Fees

• Endorsement fee for a Scale-up sponsor licence under Endorsing Body Pathway (payable to the endorsing body) excluding VAT: £1,500
• Student sponsor basic compliance assessment: £536
• Sponsor action plan: £1,476

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker: £239
• Temporary Worker including Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker route, and Scale-up route: £25
• International Sportsperson route – Over 12 Months: £239
• International Sportsperson route – Up to 12 months or less: £25

Other Services

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) for student, child student: £25

These fees provide comprehensive details on the costs associated with sponsorship, ensuring that sponsors and applicants can plan and manage their sponsorship needs effectively.

9. FAQs: UK Home Office Fees 2025

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For further details, explore UK Government website.