How to Apply a Fee Waiver for an Immigration Application in the UK
The Home Office charges a fee for most immigration applications. However, in some cases, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. This means that you will not have to pay the application fee.
Who can apply for a fee waiver?
You may be able to apply for a fee waiver if you are:
On a low income or receiving benefits
Making an application for asylum or humanitarian protection
A victim of trafficking or slavery
How to apply for a fee waiver
The process for applying for a fee waiver will depend on the type of application you are making. However, you will usually need to complete a fee waiver application form and provide evidence of your financial circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for a fee waiver
The UK government has recently increased visa fees significantly, making it difficult for many people to afford the application process. To address this issue, the Home Office offers a fee waiver program for those who cannot afford the application fee. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
Financial hardship: You must be destitute, at risk of becoming destitute, or your income is not enough to cover the additional needs of a child.
Specific immigration applications: If you are on the 10-year route to indefinite leave to remain and are applying on the basis of family or private life, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Steps to apply for a fee waiver
You don't necessarily need a lawyer to apply for a fee waiver. However, if you need an expert/ lawyer to do it for you, you can email your request to info@tulia.org.uk or consult any other lawyer of your choice. If you likely cannot afford a private lawyer, below is a step-by-step guide to applying for a fee waiver by yourself:
Apply online: You can apply for a fee waiver online through the official government website here https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/fee-waiver
Fill out the application form: The application form will ask for details about your financial and family situation. Be sure to clearly explain why you cannot afford the fee in the application and attach any supporting documents.
Gather supporting documents: Before submitting your application, gather your supporting documents such as:
Individual
The last 6 months of bank statements, 6 months’ payslips, bills, rent contract/ letter from family member if providing accommodation, ID documents such as BRP, passports, ID from country of origin, and letters from charities or other organizations that can vouch for your financial hardship. You will have 10 days to upload these documents after you submit your application online.
Individual with Spouse
Add your spouse on the application. Include as supporting documents; bills (if living at different address, add bills for both addresses), marriage certificate, contract and payslips, bank statements 6 months for in and outside UK, the last 6 months of bank statements, 6 months’ payslips, rent contract/ letter from family member if providing accommodation, ID documents such as BRP, passports, ID from country of origin, and letters from charities or other organizations that can vouch for your financial hardship.
Individual with Children
Add your children. Include as supporting documents such as birth certificates, any proof to show that they live with parent e.g. a school letter, GP letter, If children are working, add their payslips and bank statement, the last 6 months of bank statements, 6 months’ payslips, rent contract/ letter from family member if providing accommodation, ID documents such as BRP, passports, ID from country of origin, and letters from charities or other organizations that can vouch for your financial hardship.
Additional supporting documents
These include but not limited to; healthcare bills, travel expenses, subscriptions, letter from GP or hospital
4. After submitting your application
Once Fee waiver is submitted, you will receive a link in your email to upload the supporting documents via the UKVI portal. Use 12-digit code to login, reset it if it’s not working. You will have 10 days to upload all the documents.
5. Respond to requests promptly: Once you have submitted your application and documents, you may be contacted by the Home Office for more information. Respond to any requests within 10 days to avoid delays in processing your fee waiver application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my Fee Waiver is being processed?
Most likely your share code will be inactive when your BRP/ curtailment letter expires, as a result, you can use your fee waiver application as proof that you are legally authorized to work whilst waiting for the Home Office to make a decision.
Lead times
4-5 months (starts as soon as the waiver application is submitted)
If you apply in the UK, waiting time may be longer than outside UK
Need Help?
If you need expert legal advice or guidance, we are more than happy to help you at Tulia. We offer Paid and Free Consultations.
Please use the following link to book a consultation with us CLICK HERE
At Tulia, we believe that everyone deserves to have a safe and welcoming place to call home. We are committed to helping migrants settle well in the UK and to achieve their full potential. Don’t forget to share this article!
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