UK ILR Fees and Priority Service: Worth the Cost

UK ILR application fees are substantial and the priority service options add further cost. The decision on whether to pay for priority services depends on the urgency of the decision and the financial impact of waiting. This article covers the fee structure and the trade-offs.

Standard fee structure

The standard ILR fee is set by the Home Office and revised periodically. Current fees are several thousand pounds per applicant. Dependants pay their own fees at the same or similar level. The current fee table is on the GOV.UK fees page.

Priority service

Priority service typically returns a decision within 5 working days from biometric enrolment. The fee is in addition to the standard fee. Availability is at the Home Office's discretion based on case complexity.

Super-priority service

Super-priority service typically returns a decision within 24 hours from biometric enrolment. The fee is higher than priority. Used in cases where the applicant needs the decision urgently, such as for travel or employment reasons.

When to pay for priority

Priority services typically make sense when waiting 6 months for the standard decision would create material personal or financial hardship, or where the applicant has a confirmed travel date that requires the decision in advance. For applicants with no such pressure, the standard route often makes sense.

Other costs

Biometric enrolment fee may be charged separately. Optional services such as document scanning at appointment centres may carry additional charges. Legal advice (if used) is a separate cost.

Standard fee structure in detail

The standard ILR fee is set by the Home Office and revised periodically. Current fees (April 2024): GBP 3,029 per main applicant for most routes. Dependants pay similar amounts (typically the same GBP 3,029 per dependant).

For a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) all applying for ILR together, the total standard fee is around GBP 12,116. With priority service for all family members, the total can exceed GBP 14,000.

Children's fees are typically the same as adults for ILR; some specific child routes (such as registration as British citizen) have lower fees but ILR fees do not typically differentiate by age.

The fees have risen substantially over recent years. The increases reflect the Home Office's policy of charging fees that cover the cost of processing plus a contribution to the broader immigration system.

Current fee schedules are on the GOV.UK fees page; this is the authoritative source for the current fee rates.

Priority service in detail

Priority service typically returns a decision within 5 working days from biometric enrolment. The additional fee (currently around GBP 500) is paid alongside the standard fee.

Availability of priority service depends on Home Office capacity and the specific route. Not all routes offer priority service; some routes may have priority service suspended at times of high demand.

Priority service requires the applicant to choose the option at the time of application. Adding priority service later is typically not possible; the choice is made at submission.

Priority service typically delivers the decision faster but does not guarantee a positive decision. Refused applications under priority service are still refused; the priority is only on the speed of decision.

For applicants planning travel that requires the ILR decision (such as employers requiring ILR for specific roles, or family events that need certain immigration status), priority service can be valuable. The additional fee should be weighed against the value of the faster decision.

Super-priority service in detail

Super-priority service typically returns a decision within 24 hours from biometric enrolment. The additional fee (currently around GBP 1,000) is on top of the standard fee.

The 24-hour turnaround is from biometric enrolment, not from application submission. The total timeline from initial submission to decision is therefore typically 1 to 2 weeks (depending on how quickly the biometric appointment can be booked).

Super-priority is used for applications with the highest urgency. The additional fee is substantial; weighing the value against the cost is important.

Like standard priority, super-priority does not guarantee a positive decision; refused applications are refused regardless of priority level.

Some specific routes do not offer super-priority. The GOV.UK page for the relevant route confirms which priority services are available.

When to pay for priority

Priority services typically make sense when waiting 6 months for the standard decision would create material personal or financial hardship, or where the applicant has a confirmed travel date that requires the decision in advance.

Common reasons for choosing priority: employer requires confirmed ILR for a specific role; planned international travel where the applicant needs ILR confirmation; family events abroad that require unrestricted travel; financial planning needing ILR (such as mortgage applications restricted to ILR holders).

For applicants with no specific time pressure, the standard route often makes sense. The standard service typically delivers within 3 to 6 months; this is acceptable for many situations.

The economic calculation considers: the value of the time saved (such as additional months of UK-resident status, or accelerated naturalisation eligibility); the cost of the additional fee; the impact of any delays on personal or business activities.

For straightforward applications, the standard service is typically successful within the target timeline; priority service buys speed but not certainty.

Other costs to budget

Biometric enrolment fee: typically included in the standard application fee for most routes; some specific applications charge a small additional biometric fee.

Optional services at the appointment centre: document scanning (GBP 5 to GBP 50 depending on volume); document photocopying; secure document return. Some applicants pay for these for convenience; others use the free options.

Premium service centres: walk-in same-day appointments for specific applications at higher fees (typically GBP 200 to GBP 500 additional). Available at specific premium centres including London.

Legal advice (if used): immigration solicitors typically charge GBP 500 to GBP 3,000+ for ILR application preparation depending on complexity. OISC-registered immigration advisers may charge less.

Translation services: GBP 30 to GBP 100+ per document depending on length and complexity. Required for non-English documents.

Travel to biometric appointment: not specifically charged but applicants typically need to travel to the nearest UKVCAS centre. Some are in main cities; rural applicants may need to travel.

Current 2026/27 fee schedule with worked totals

The standard ILR application fee for 2026/27 is GBP 2,885 per main applicant. Each dependant pays the same fee separately, so a family of four (two adults plus two children) applying for ILR together faces a base fee of GBP 11,540 for the family before any priority or related charges.

Priority service costs an additional GBP 500 per applicant and targets a decision within 5 working days from biometric enrolment. Super-priority service costs GBP 1,000 per applicant and targets a decision within 24 hours from biometric enrolment. The priority services are subject to Home Office capacity and may not be available on every route at every time.

A worked example for a single Skilled Worker applicant using super-priority: ILR fee GBP 2,885 + super-priority GBP 1,000 = GBP 3,885 total, with an expected decision within 24 hours of biometric appointment. For the same applicant on standard service: GBP 2,885 with a target decision within 6 months.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), payable by most visa applicants at GBP 1,035 per year, does not apply to ILR. Visa holders previously paying IHS stop paying once ILR is granted. For a family that has been paying IHS, the cessation of IHS payments after ILR represents an ongoing annual saving worth factoring into the cost calculation.

The practical takeaway: budget for the full family fee well in advance; consider whether priority service is justified by the specific timing need; the IHS saving after ILR reduces the long-term cost picture compared with continued visa renewals.

Refund rules and fee waiver scope

The processing portion of the application fee (the largest element, around GBP 2,500 of the GBP 2,885 total) is typically not refundable if the application is refused. The biometric enrolment fee (where charged separately) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (where applicable to a related application) follow different rules.

Withdrawn applications follow specific rules. An application withdrawn before a decision is taken can sometimes secure a partial refund; an application withdrawn after submission to the Home Office typically does not. The withdrawal letter to the Home Office should reference the relevant guidance.

Fee waivers for ILR are extremely limited. The Home Office's fee waiver policy primarily targets specific human rights-based applications (such as Article 8 family life applications), not standard ILR routes. For ILR applicants facing genuine financial difficulty, alternative routes (such as fee waivers on the related visa extensions that bridge to ILR) may apply.

Premium service centre detail

Premium service centres provide additional services at UKVCAS appointments including same-day biometric processing, document scanning, and (at specific centres) walk-in appointments. The premium service centre fees vary by location and service level; typical additional charges range from GBP 200 to GBP 500 per applicant.

For applicants with time pressure or complex document requirements, premium centres can streamline the process. The choice between standard UKVCAS appointment and premium service centre depends on the value of the additional services relative to the cost.

For families applying together, premium service can be cost-efficient on a per-applicant basis. The shared appointment time and document handling reduces the cumulative cost compared with individual standard appointments.

Cost planning across the family timeline

For families planning ILR applications, the cost timeline matters. Visa renewal fees during the qualifying period (typically GBP 1,500 per applicant per renewal under Skilled Worker) accumulate; the Immigration Health Surcharge of GBP 1,035 per year per person continues throughout the visa period. For a family of four over 5 years, the total visa-related cost can exceed GBP 30,000 even before the ILR application fees.

The ILR application itself adds GBP 11,540+ for a family of four; premium service or priority service adds further. The post-ILR transition to citizenship adds another round of fees (GBP 1,580 per adult plus GBP 1,214 per child). Total nationality-related costs from arrival to British citizenship can easily exceed GBP 50,000 for a typical family.

Budgeting for this total cost in advance, rather than treating each application separately, helps families plan financially. Some employers reimburse all or part of these costs as part of relocation packages; reviewing the employer's policy can identify available support.

Family fee planning and applying together

For families applying for ILR together, applying simultaneously can simplify the process. All applicants are booked for the same biometric appointment session where possible; the documents are prepared together; the family's combined application uses the same supporting evidence where it relates to the family unit (such as evidence of cohabitation for Spouse route applicants and dependent children). The Home Office processes the applications together and typically issues decisions in coordination.

For families where one applicant might have complications (such as a borderline good character issue or absence pattern concern), separating that applicant's timing while progressing the others can be considered. Specialist immigration advice can identify whether the family approach or staged approach is better.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information based on rules and figures published by UK government and regulator sources as of May 2026. It is not personal financial, legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules, fees and figures change and individual circumstances vary. Readers should check primary sources or consult a qualified, regulated adviser before acting on any information here.

Frequently asked questions

Are fees refundable if the application is refused?

Most of the fee is not refundable. Some specific components (such as IHS for related applications) may be refunded. For ILR, the IHS does not apply. The processing fee (the largest portion at GBP 3,029) is typically not refunded on refusal. The non-refundable nature makes ensuring eligibility before applying important.

Can the priority service be added after submission?

Typically the priority service is selected at the time of application. Adding it later may not be possible; the choice is made at submission. For applicants whose timeline shifts after submission (such as needing the decision faster than initially planned), the standard service typically must be accepted.

Are there reductions for hardship cases?

Fee waivers are available in limited circumstances for applicants who cannot afford the fee. The criteria are strict; the application process is separate from the ILR application. Fee waiver applications require evidence of destitution; specialist legal advice typically helps.

Are children's fees the same as adults?

Children typically pay the same or similar fees to adults for ILR. The standard ILR fee structure does not typically differentiate by age. Some specific child routes (such as registration as British citizen, which is different from ILR) have different fee structures.

Is there a discount for multiple applicants in one family?

No. Each applicant pays their own fee. A family applying together pays the full fee per applicant; there is no family discount or cap. The total cost for families can therefore be substantial; planning the financial impact in advance is important.

Can fees be paid in instalments?

No. The fee must be paid in full at the time of application. The Home Office does not offer instalment payment plans. Some applicants finance the fee through personal loans or family contributions; the financial planning should consider this.

Has the cost of ILR changed substantially over time?

Yes. The ILR fee has risen significantly over the past decade. From around GBP 1,500 in 2014 to GBP 3,029 in 2024 represents a substantial increase. Annual fee reviews typically increase fees; planning the application timing around expected fee changes can be relevant.

Frequently asked questions

Are fees refundable if the application is refused?

Most of the fee is not refundable. Some specific components (such as IHS for related applications) may be refunded. For ILR, the IHS does not apply. The processing fee (the largest portion at GBP 3,029) is typically not refunded on refusal. The non-refundable nature makes ensuring eligibility before applying important.

Can the priority service be added after submission?

Typically the priority service is selected at the time of application. Adding it later may not be possible; the choice is made at submission. For applicants whose timeline shifts after submission (such as needing the decision faster than initially planned), the standard service typically must be accepted.

Are there reductions for hardship cases?

Fee waivers are available in limited circumstances for applicants who cannot afford the fee. The criteria are strict; the application process is separate from the ILR application. Fee waiver applications require evidence of destitution; specialist legal advice typically helps.

Are children's fees the same as adults?

Children typically pay the same or similar fees to adults for ILR. The standard ILR fee structure does not typically differentiate by age. Some specific child routes (such as registration as British citizen, which is different from ILR) have different fee structures.

Is there a discount for multiple applicants in one family?

No. Each applicant pays their own fee. A family applying together pays the full fee per applicant; there is no family discount or cap. The total cost for families can therefore be substantial; planning the financial impact in advance is important.

Can fees be paid in instalments?

No. The fee must be paid in full at the time of application. The Home Office does not offer instalment payment plans. Some applicants finance the fee through personal loans or family contributions; the financial planning should consider this.

Has the cost of ILR changed substantially over time?

Yes. The ILR fee has risen significantly over the past decade. From around GBP 1,500 in 2014 to GBP 3,029 in 2024 represents a substantial increase. Annual fee reviews typically increase fees; planning the application timing around expected fee changes can be relevant.