1. What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants permanent residency in the UK, allowing non-UK citizens to live, work, and study without time restrictions. Once you have ILR status, you no longer need to renew visas, and it’s a key step toward obtaining British citizenship if desired.
2. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Fee for 2023
The application fee for ILR in the UK in 2023 is:
- ILR Application Fee: £2,404 per applicant.
This fee applies to each individual applying for ILR, including children and dependents. The fee is subject to change, so it’s essential to confirm the exact amount on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) official website before applying.
3. Additional Costs for ILR Application
3.1 Biometric Enrollment Fee
A biometric fee of £19.20 is required to cover fingerprinting and photograph processing. This fee is mandatory for all applicants and must be paid at the time of application.
3.2 Health Surcharge
Most ILR applicants are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if they already paid it with previous visas. However, if you’re switching to ILR from a different type of temporary visa, check if any additional IHS payments apply.
3.3 Priority and Super Priority Service Fees
- Priority Service: £500 for faster processing, typically providing a decision within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service: £800 for an expedited decision within 24 hours.
These optional services are subject to availability and are ideal for applicants needing urgent processing.
4. Required Documents for ILR Application
Having the necessary documents ready will streamline your ILR application process. Required documents typically include:
- Valid Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Proof of Residency: Utility bills, tenancy agreements, or council tax statements.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: An approved English test or evidence of a degree taught in English.
- Life in the UK Test Certificate
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, pay slips, or proof of income to meet financial requirements, if applicable.
5. English Language and Life in the UK Test Fees
5.1 Life in the UK Test
The Life in the UK Test costs £50 and is mandatory for all ILR applicants unless exempt due to age or disability.
5.2 English Language Test
If you need to prove English language proficiency, the IELTS Life Skills or other approved English language tests cost between £150 and £200, depending on the test center and location.
6. Summary of ILR Fees for 2023
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| ILR Application Fee | £2,404 |
| Biometric Enrollment Fee | £19.20 |
| Priority Service | £500 |
| Super Priority Service | £800 |
| Life in the UK Test | £50 |
| English Language Test | £150–£200 |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a refund if my ILR application is denied?
No, the ILR fee is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful. - Is the ILR fee the same for dependents?
Yes, dependents must each pay the full ILR application fee of £2,404. - How long does it take to get ILR approved?
Standard processing takes up to 6 months; priority services can reduce this to 5 days or 24 hours. - Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge again?
ILR applicants usually do not need to pay the IHS if they have already done so on previous visas. - Are there any discounts or fee waivers available for ILR?
Fee waivers are rarely granted, typically only in exceptional circumstances, such as financial hardship.
8. Conclusion
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) fee for 2023 is £2,404 per person, plus additional costs like biometric enrollment and optional priority services. With ILR, you gain the right to live permanently in the UK, making it a significant milestone toward British citizenship. Preparing the correct documents and budgeting for these fees will help ensure a smooth ILR application process.