Fee Waiver Application UK 2025

If you’re applying for a UK visa or trying to extend your current leave and the fees feel overwhelming, you may be able to request a fee waiver. This option is available for those applying under family life, private life, or human rights grounds. Learn how to apply and what evidence you’ll need to support your Fee Waiver application.

This guide covers everything you need to know from who is eligible, what documents are needed, how the process works, to what happens if your request is refused. Whether you’re applying based on family life, private life, human rights, or facing difficult financial circumstances, understanding the fee waiver process can help you stay on track with your immigration status without extra stress.

Who Can Apply for a Fee Waiver?

Not everyone applying for a UK visa is eligible for a fee waiver. This route is designed specifically for people whose applications are connected to family life, private life, or human rights. Some of the most common categories include:

• Partners, parents or dependant children applying under family or private life routes
• Those applying under FLR(HRO), based on human rights outside of the immigration rules
• Applicants with Discretionary Leave to Remain
• Victims of trafficking or modern slavery
• Refugees or individuals with protection status making further submissions
• Families applying for settlement where financial hardship is a serious concern

If you fall into any of these groups and cannot pay the full Home Office application fee or Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you might be able to request a waiver before you submit your main application.

Eligibility Requirements – The Affordability Test

The Fee Waiver uses what’s known as the affordability test, which replaced the previous destitution-based requirement. This means you don’t have to be completely without money to qualify. Instead, the Home Office looks at whether paying the fees would make it hard for you to meet essential living needs.

You might be eligible if:

• You can’t cover the application and IHS fees without skipping food, heating, rent or other essentials
• You live in inadequate housing, or are at risk of homelessness
• You’re reliant on support from local authorities or charities
• You receive public funds or have no access to income due to immigration conditions
• You’re facing serious financial challenges due to disability, illness, or caring responsibilities

You’ll need to show detailed evidence of your financial situation when you apply, so it’s a good idea to gather everything before starting the process.

What Fees Can Be Waived?

The Fee Waiver allows for the waiver of certain immigration-related charges, but not all fees are eligible. Here’s what may be covered:

• Application for Further Leave to Remain FLR Visa Fee, including FLR(M), FLR(FP), FLR(HRO)
• Settlement applications (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under family or human rights routes
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in full or in part
• Child registration or citizenship applications in certain exceptional cases

Please note: Work visas, study routes, and general visitor applications do not qualify for a fee waiver.

If you’re unsure whether your visa route qualifies, it’s worth checking the most recent GOV.UK guidance or seeking help from an immigration solicitor.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

Applying for a fee waiver is a separate step that takes place before submitting your main visa or FLR application. Here’s how the process works:

Step by Step Process:

• Complete the online fee waiver application form on GOV.UK
• Submit all required documents, including:
  • Bank statements (covering 6 months, for all account holders in the household)
  • Evidence of rent, utility bills, childcare, or any other essential expenses
  • Proof of income (wages, benefits, or support from friends/family)
  • Any documents showing financial hardship (e.g. eviction notices, letters from charities)
• Include dependants in the same application if applying as a family
• Wait for a decision before submitting your main visa application

You’ll be issued a waiver code if your request is approved. This code will then allow you to apply for your visa without paying the standard fee or IHS.

Processing Times & SLAs

Once you’ve submitted your Fee Waiver application, the waiting time begins. Most in-country applications are processed within 4 weeks, but some may take longer depending on complexity or volume of applications.

From April 2025, the Home Office has introduced Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for certain types of fee waivers, including:

• Overseas requests from families applying on human rights grounds
• Child citizenship applications made with financial hardship claims

While these SLAs provide a guideline, some applications may still take longer. It’s always best to apply early and avoid leaving things to the last minute.

What Happens After the Waiver Is Approved

If your fee waiver request is successful, the Home Office will send you a decision letter containing a waiver code. You’ll then need to apply for your main visa or immigration permission within 10 working days.

During this time, if you already have leave in the UK, your immigration status will continue under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. This means your existing rights remain protected while you wait.

Remember: if you don’t apply within the 10 day window, your waiver may become invalid, and you’d need to request a new one before proceeding.

What If the Waiver Is Refused?

If the Home Office refuses your Fee Waiver application, don’t panic. You have several options available:

• Administrative Review: If you believe the refusal was based on an error, you can ask for a review
• Reapply: If your financial circumstances haven’t changed, consider resubmitting with stronger evidence
• Continue with application: You can still submit your visa application and pay the fee if you’re able

Importantly, a fee waiver refusal does not affect your immigration status. Your existing visa conditions remain valid during the decision-making process, especially if you’re covered under Section 3C leave.

FAQs – Fee Waiver Application 2025

Who qualifies for a visa fee waiver?

Applicants who are applying on family life, private life, or human rights grounds. This includes partners, children, parents, those with Discretionary Leave, and victims of trafficking.

What evidence do I need?

You’ll need to provide documents that prove you’re unable to afford the application fee or IHS. This includes bank statements, rent or mortgage details, bills, and any official correspondence showing financial hardship.

How long does the process take?

Most in-country applications take around 4 weeks. From April 2025, overseas applications and child-related waivers have specific timeframes under the new SLAs.

Does a refusal impact my visa?

No. Even if your waiver is refused, you won’t lose your immigration rights. You can reapply, request a review, or proceed with paying the visa fee if you’re able to.

The Fee Waiver is a lifeline for individuals and families facing financial challenges in the UK. Whether you’re applying for Further Leave to Remain, settlement, or making a claim based on human rights, you shouldn’t be stopped by the cost of the application.

By understanding the process, gathering the right documents, and applying early, you give yourself the best chance of having your fee waiver approved. And if things don’t go your way the first time, remember you still have rights and options to carry on with your immigration journey.

Need Help Applying for a Fee Waiver in 2025?

Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free legal advice, document checks, and full support from the immigration team at Solicitors in Manchester.

Let us help you stay in the UK without financial pressure getting in the way.