Fee Waiver — reduce or remove Home Office and IHS fees
If you cannot afford the Home Office application fee or Immigration Health Surcharge, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. We help you evidence your financial hardship, complete the request, and secure approval before your main Leave to Remain application.
At-a-glance
Applies to family & private life routes Proves genuine financial hardship Covers visa fee and/or IHS Must apply before LTR form
A fee waiver lets eligible applicants ask the Home Office to remove or reduce the cost of a Leave to Remain application. You must show you cannot afford the application fee and/or the Immigration Health Surcharge while meeting essential living needs.
Who can apply
- Applicants under the family life or private life (10-year) routes.
- Parents or partners making in-country applications under Appendix FM or Article 8 ECHR.
- Children or dependants included in a parent’s application.
- Those who cannot pay the Home Office or IHS fees without falling below the minimum living standard.
What costs it can cover
- Home Office application fee (full or partial waiver).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — often waived together with the visa fee.
- Biometric enrolment cost if applicable (some exceptions).
- Each family member may need a separate request.
If approved, you’ll receive a reference email allowing you to submit your LTR form without payment.
When and how to apply
- Submit the fee waiver request before your visa or leave expires.
- You’ll get a decision link to continue to your main LTR application within 10 working days (usually).
- Upload full evidence of income, rent, utilities, debts, and any special circumstances.
- Keep proof of submission to maintain Section 3C protection if applicable.
Evidence you should include
Income
- Recent payslips or self-employment accounts (last 3–6 months)
- Benefits/allowances letters and payment schedules
- Maintenance/child support letters and bank credits
- Any third-party support (signed letter + proof of funds)
Essential outgoings
- Rent/mortgage and council tax
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water) and internet/phone needed for work/school
- Food and basic household costs
- Childcare/school costs and essential travel
- Debts/repayments (with statements)
Identity & hardship
- Passports/BRP (or status proof) for you and dependants
- Bank statements (3–6 months) for all accounts you use
- Evidence of any special circumstances (medical letters, eviction notices, domestic abuse support)
- Evidence of children’s best interests (school letters, EHCP/SEND, social worker or GP letters)
How caseworkers assess hardship (simple view)
| What | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total monthly income | Wages, benefits, maintenance, regular family support | Provide bank statements and letters for each source |
| Minus essential outgoings | Rent, council tax, utilities, food, childcare, travel | Back up with bills/agreements and recent statements |
| = Disposable amount | What’s left after essentials | If this cannot cover visa/IHS fee, waiver may be appropriate |
What happens after you apply
- Online request: submit the fee-waiver form with your evidence bundle.
- Assessment: the Home Office reviews your income, essential spending and circumstances (including children’s best interests).
- Outcome email: full waiver, partial waiver, or refusal — with a reference to continue to the main LTR form.
- Next step: if approved, you complete your Leave to Remain application without paying the waived amount.
Common pitfalls (we help you avoid)
- Missing months of bank statements or unexplained transactions
- No proof of rent/council tax or childcare costs
- Not evidencing support in kind (free accommodation/food)
- Applying for the waiver too late to meet the LTR deadline
FAQs
Who can ask for a fee waiver?
Applicants on in-country family or private life (10-year) routes, including partners, parents and children. Each family member may need a separate request.
What can be waived?
The Home Office application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), or both — depending on your circumstances.
Do I apply for the waiver before my LTR form?
Yes. Submit the waiver first. If approved, you’ll get a reference link to complete your LTR form without paying the waived amount.
How long does a decision take?
Timelines vary. Many cases receive an outcome within a few weeks. We’ll flag anything urgent and keep evidence ready for quick submission of the LTR form.
Will a waiver harm my application?
No — the waiver only assesses affordability. Your LTR application is then considered on its own merits.
What if the waiver is refused?
You can still submit the LTR application by paying the fees (if still in time). We’ll review the refusal and advise your best next step.
Need a fee waiver? Get a clean, persuasive request
We’ll assess eligibility, prepare your income vs essentials schedule, and compile a clear evidence bundle — then file the LTR as soon as the waiver outcome arrives.