Personal Immigration Solicitors Fees

Please note the fees quoted below are the typical fees we charge for each type of application. Every application is unique though and so we may need to revise the fee we quote you once we have more information about your specific case. Fees quoted in individual cases might be higher or lower than the fees quoted below. Factors likely to lead to a higher or lower fixed fee in particular cases are set out in relation to each type of application.

Our approach to pricing

We think it is very important for you to have choice in terms of how much support you require from us and the costs involved in receiving that support.

How our fees are calculated

Disbursements are not included in fees estimates (please see below).

The fee we charge will be based on the time we spend advising you and preparing your application so will vary depending on the particular circumstances in your case, such as:

• The amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider
• Which language(s) you speak
• Whether you are applying with dependants
• The level of support and assistance you require
• Whether there are any complicating factors in your case (such as previous immigration refusals, or you instruct us when your permission to be in the UK is about to expire or has already expired).

Fees are based on our hourly rates which vary depending on the level and seniority of the lawyer doing the work. If your matter involves highly specialist or urgent advice, or you specify the lawyer or office required we will consider applying higher rates. The hourly rates charged for the qualified solicitors in our Immigration team range from £420 +VAT to £545 +VAT (where an uplift has been applied). Chargeable work conducted by trainee solicitors and paralegals is charged at £205 +VAT and £300 +VAT depending on seniority and urgency. 

We will confirm whether VAT (at a rate of 20%) is payable when we are instructed.

Why choose VWV?

Our experienced team of immigration solicitors can advise you on all categories relating to individual or personal entry clearance ('visa') applications and applications for leave to remain (permission to stay) and settlement in the UK.

We take a team approach so that you have a dedicated lawyer who is fully involved in every stage of dealing with an application. They are supported by paralegals, trainee solicitors and other administrative staff, so there is always cover and a point of contact. All work is supervised by either a Partner or Senior Associate.

Our qualified immigration lawyers have an average of 15 years' experience dealing with immigration applications, from the straightforward to the highly complex. As a result, our team are genuine specialists in this field.

What services are included?

For each type of application the 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 Immigration Rules and whether you meet the criteria
• Advising you on timelines
• If you do not fulfil certain requirements, whether these can be overcome and how
• Considering the supporting evidence you provide
• Where necessary, helping you obtain further evidence (such as medical records and bank statements), including taking statements of any witnesses
• Preparing your application and submitting it on your behalf
• Giving you advice about the outcome of your application and any further steps you need to take.

Rare occasions where additional fees may apply

On some rare occasions we may need to revise our fee estimate or fixed fee after starting work on your matter. Circumstances in which this might occur include:

• Where complexities concerning your application which were not disclosed to us at the outset come to light after work has commenced, or you change your mind about the type or nature of application you want to submit.
• There is a significant change in the law or the required application process after work has commenced which means that work either needs to be repeated or significantly more work is required than originally anticipated.
• We need to repeat our advice to you where that advice has already been clearly explained, or you decide that you would like additional meetings (in person or over the telephone) which exceed the number of meetings which would be required for that type of matter. In all cases we will warn you if you are approaching a point at which we feel that additional fees are warranted on the basis of us spending an excessive amount of time on your application.
• The Home Office raise queries regarding your application after it has been submitted which require detailed representations or additional evidence to be submitted.
• Where you are invited or required to attend a Home Office interview and you want us to attend that interview with you and/or we need to prepare additional representations or evidence for presentation at that interview.
• Where the Home Office refuse your application, advice and assistance in relation to any appeal.

Disbursements (not included in fee estimate)

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as visa fees. We sometimes handle the payment of disbursements on clients' behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Home Office application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, visa application centre fees. We will usually ask you to pay these directly when submitting your application but on occasions may make the payment on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Find the Home Office application fees and more information about the Immigration Health Surcharge, including who needs to pay and how much it costs. Visa application centre fees vary considerably depending on the time and location of the application and can range between £0 and £300 per applicant.

If there is a Home Office interview which we attend with you there will be additional disbursements in respect of our travel expenses. This cost will range from £30 to £100 +VAT at 20%.

Independent expert reports e.g. medical experts. These are not required in most cases: we will let you know as soon as possible if we consider an expert report is necessary. If required, a report form an independent expert costs between £500 and £2,000 +VAT at 20%.

Interpreters fees - if you need an interpreter you are generally welcome to arrange for someone you trust to interpret for you, although if you use an interpreter who has not been approved by us then we will not be in a position to advise of the suitability of the interpreter. Sometimes you might want us to arrange for an interpreter, or we may feel that an independent interpreter is required to ensure that you fully understand our advice. Additionally, sometimes you might need to submit documents to the Home Office or as part of an appeal which need to be translated by a professional translator. Where we need to arrange for an interpreter or translator for you then we will obtain quotes and agree the fees with you in advance. Interpreters fees are likely to be around £50 + VAT at 20% per hour and around £75 + VAT at 20% to translate a single page of A4.

Couriers - for applications made overseas you may need to pay an additional charge for a courier to transport your supporting documents to the decision making centre. Charges for this will vary depending on the courier used, distance the documents are being transported and the size and weight of the package.

English language testing - some applicants may be required to demonstrate their English language ability either by sitting an approved test or obtaining confirmation that their degree was taught in English and is at least the equivalent of a UK Bachelor's degree. The costs of tests will vary depending on the country where the test is taken and the course provider, but typically cost around £200. Degree equivalency documentation typically costs £140 to £210 +VAT, depending on the time-scales and documentation required.

Tuberculosis testing - some applicants will be required to obtain a certificate from a Home Office-approved tuberculosis testing clinic. The cost of the test is likely to cost from £50. Find out more information about TB testing.

Criminal Record Certificates - some applicants are required to obtain an Overseas Criminal Record Certificate before submitting their visa application. Costs for these certificates will vary depending on the country from which they are obtained.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• Complicating factors identified below for each category are also likely to result in a higher fee for the document checking service.
• You are applying with multiple family members at the same time.
• The presence of any factors which might call into question the good character of you or any members of your family or if you or a member of your family have a complicated immigration history.
• You need additional advice in the course of preparing your application or significant changes are required to your documents and/or application form(s).

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• Your application is straightforward, well-prepared and easy for us to review and comment on.

How Long Will My Application Take?

We cannot guarantee how long the Home Office will take to process your application. Check the current processing times for in-country applications and for overseas applications.

We are normally able to submit applications within 2-3 weeks of you instructing us, but can submit applications much quicker than this if required. We will let you know at the earliest opportunity if it is likely to take longer than this or there is any advantage in your application being submitted at a later date.

Consultation Meetings

Typical Fee Estimate: charged at our hourly rates which range between £420 to £545 + VAT at 20% (if applicable) depending on seniority.

Consultations usually last between 1 and 2 hours. During the consultation we will take instructions and advise you on the law, process, requirements and documents for making an application. Following the consultation, we provide in writing, a brief outline of the advice provided. However, detailed written advice or follow up advice is not provided, unless we are fully instructed.
 
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Family Category Applications (spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner and unmarried partner, as well as children and adult dependent relatives)

Typical Fee Estimate: £3,000 to £5,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any children who will be accompanying you also need visas then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per child.

Typical fees for applications under the Adult Dependent Relative rules are likely to be between £5,500 and £7,500 +VAT.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of the finances you will be relying on derive from self-employment or employment income from a business that you or a close relative have significant ownership in.
• You are applying as an unmarried partner.
• You need additional assistance arranging to take an approved English language test.
• As evidence of your English language ability you will be relying on a degree that was taught in English but from an overseas university.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• You do not need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
• You are able to satisfy the financial requirement on the basis of cash savings or easily demonstrated employment income.
• You have already prepared the application form and required supporting documents.
   
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Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Citizen Route Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,500 to £3,750 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members will be accompanying you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per child and £400 to £600 per adult family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of your finances that you need to submit with your application is not readily available.
• You need assistance obtaining evidence that you or a family member are British National (Overseas) citizens.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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UK Ancestry Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,000 to £4,950 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members will be accompanying you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• Evidence of your finances is not readily available.
• You need assistance obtaining replacement birth or marriage certificates for you or any of your family members.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £3,500 to £8,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• You are applying as part of an 'Entrepreneurial Team'.
• There are difficulties obtaining the required evidence that any of the mandatory requirements have been satisfied (particularly, investment of the required funds and job creation).
• You are relying on funding from a third party.
• Any dependent children who are applying are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Tier 1 (Investor) Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £5,000 to £9,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable) The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of the finances or investment that you need to submit with your application is not available in the required format.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Global Talent Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,000 to £3,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case and is based on you already having an endorsement in place.

Where you require an endorsement before applying for your visa we would first have a consultation meeting to advise on the endorsement process and criteria relevant to you. Fees for assistance with an application to one of the endorsing bodies range from £2,000 to £4,000 + VAT.

If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• You are applying for an extension having previously been granted a visa or permission to stay in this category and your endorsement has not been withdrawn.
• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Innovator Founder Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £3,500 to £6,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

The fee estimate is based on you already having an endorsement in place. Estimates for assistance with applying for endorsement vary depending on your particular circumstances and the endorsing body you will be applying to.

If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of the finances that you need to submit with your application is not available in the required format.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Representative of an Overseas Business (Sole Representative) Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £3,500 to £7,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, UK Expansion Worker, Sportsperson and Minister of Religion Visa, Extension of Stay and Settlement applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,500 to £4,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Our typical fee estimate for assisting with these applications assumes that you have already been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• You will be accompanied by any dependent children who are over the age of 16.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Youth Mobility Scheme Visas

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,750 to £3,750 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of your finances that you need to submit with your application is not readily available.
• You are a Japanese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong or Republic of Korea passport holder and need assistance obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Student and Child Student Route Visa and Extensions of Stay Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,750 to £3,750 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Our typical fee estimate for assisting with these applications assumes that you have already been assigned a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). If any family members need to apply at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £350 to £500 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• Your CAS needs to be amended or you need to be assigned a new one.
• The evidence of your finances that you need to submit with your application is not readily available.
• You are applying for a Child Student visa and will be studying at an independent school as a day pupil.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
• You are not required to submit evidence of the finances available to you with your application.
   
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Parent of a Child Student Visa and Extension of Stay Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,750 to £3,750 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of your finances that you need to submit with your application is not readily available or held across multiple bank accounts.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Graduate and High Potential Individual Visa

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,500 to £3,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Visitor Visa Applications (for tourism, short-term study or visiting friends / family)

Typical Fee Estimate: £1,750 to £5,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members are applying at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £400 to £600 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• Your income and savings are structured in such a way that demonstrating you have sufficient funds available to you is not straightforward.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Domestic Worker Visa Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,500 to £4,000 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• You have a complicated immigration or criminal history.
• The evidence of your current employment is not readily available.
• Your employer requires UK employment law advice.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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Long Residence Extensions of Stay and Settlement Applications

Typical Fee Estimate: £3,000 to £4,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

Family members cannot be included on long residence applications so additional fees will apply depending on their circumstances and the category they will be applying under (if any).

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• A high number of absences from the UK over the qualifying period.
• The presence of any factors which might call into question the good character of any of the applicants.
• You have a complicated immigration history.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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British Citizenship (naturalisation, registration and advice on acquisition)

Typical Fee Estimate: £2,750 to £3,500 +VAT at 20% (if applicable).

The fee estimate is based on the circumstances of your case.

If any family members are applying at the same time as you then we would expect this to increase the fee estimate by £500 to £700 +VAT per family member.

Please see above for a time estimate.

Factors which might result in a higher fee

• A high number of absences from the UK over the qualifying period.
• The presence of any factors which might call into question the good character of any of the applicants.
• You have a complicated immigration history.

Factors which might result in a lower fee

• All of the required supporting documents are readily available.
   
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