Immigration Applications

Introduction

We have set out below fee estimates for you based on the most common type of personal immigration applications.

These fees are calculated based on our hourly rates which vary depending on the lawyer assigned to carry out the work. Typically, an application will be dealt with by Gemma Robinson a Managing Associate charging £385 per hour. Karen Bates, Partner and Head of our Employment team, has overall responsibility for her work and charges £525 per hour.

What are the fees and disbursements involved in a standard application?

Fees

Type of Application Our Legal Fees
Skilled Worker/Health and Care Worker visa – Entry Clearance

 

 £2,000 – £3,000 (VAT may be applicable if client is in the UK)

 
Skilled Worker/Health and Care Worker visa – Extension

 

 £1,500 – £2,500 plus VAT

 
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker visa – Entry Clearance £2,000 – £3,000 (VAT may be applicable if client is in the UK)
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker visa – Extension

 

 £1,500 – £2,500 plus VAT
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker visa

 

  £3,000 – £4,000 (VAT may be applicable if client is in the UK)

 
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa £1,500 – £2,000 (VAT may be applicable if client is in the UK)

 
Graduate Visa £2,000 – £3,000 plus VAT

 
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa £2,000 – £3,000 (VAT may be applicable if client is in the UK)

 

 
Business Visitor Visa – 6 month or multi-entry

 

 £2,000 – £3,000* (*depending on length of entry clearance)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement through skilled worker visa route)

 

 £3,000 – £4,000 plus VAT

 

 

 
British Citizenship – Adult application £2,500 – £3,500 plus VAT

 

The precise cost will depend on the specific circumstances of the matter. Where the application is assessed as relatively straightforward it is likely that our fees will be at the bottom end of the fee estimates provided above. Where there are complicating factors, our fees may reach or in some cases exceed the top end of the above fee estimates. However, fee estimates will always be discussed with you from the start of your instructions. For pricing on other types of work, we can provide a quote upon request.

Disbursements (not included in the costs set out above)

Disbursements are the necessary costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as visa fees. We handle the payment of any disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.  For instance:

  • Translation fees from an external provider will on average cost between £20 – £60+ per hour but we can obtain a specific quote if we consider this to be necessary.
  • Interpreter fees will cost on average between £80 – £120 per hour, depending on the complexity of your case, but we can obtain a separate quote from an external provider if we consider this to be necessary.
  • Independent expert reports e.g. medical reports. These are not required in many cases; we will let you know as soon as possible if we consider an expert report is necessary.
  • If there is an interview and we do attend with you, there will be additional disbursements in respect of our mileage/travel expenses. You will be notified of these additional costs in advance.

The fee estimates quoted above do not include:

  • Any Home Office or UKVI fees for making the application. These fees vary depending on the type of application being made and are payable direct to the UKVI at the time of the application.
  • Where the UKVI refuse your application, advice and assistance in relation to any further remedy/appeal against that refusal.

What will the work involve?

Our work will involve:

  • discussing your circumstances in detail and confirming whether this is the most appropriate application for you to make and what other options may be available to you;
  • giving you advice about the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules and whether you meet the criteria;
  • if you do not fulfil certain criteria, whether this can be overcome and how;
  • considering the supporting evidence you have provided and, where necessary, helping you obtain further evidence;
  • preparing your application, completing the relevant form and submitting it to the Home Office on your behalf or review of your draft application and assisting with submission to the Home Office; and
  • giving you advice about the outcome of the application and any further steps you need to take.

How long will the application take?

We will normally be able to submit your application within the timeframe indicated at the start of this page, but we will let you know at the earliest opportunity if it is likely to take longer than this. We cannot guarantee how long the Home Office will take to process your application.

This page sets out the standard Home Office processing times, however, delays can be experienced so the latest processing times can be found on the Home Office website. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk#if-you-want-to-work-or-invest-in-the-uk. Visa processing times: applications inside the UK – GOV.UK. A priority service, at additional cost, is also available for most applications made from inside and outside the UK, which will mean a faster decision can be reached. The current position should be checked at the time of visa submission.

All applications are likely to vary and of course, we can give you a more accurate fee estimate once we have more information about your specific case.