UK Visa Application Fee Waiver

Looking for a UK visa application fee waiver? In this guide, discover who qualifies, how to apply, and what documents you need for a fee waiver application.

If you're applying for permission to stay in the UK, you may qualify for a fee waiver. This means you will not have to pay a visa application fee if you are eligible.

If you face financial hardship and believe you qualify for a UK visa application fee waiver, review the eligibility criteria and apply early for a fee waiver to avoid delays.

Speak to our immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755 to determine if you're eligible for a UK visa fee waiver based on income or special circumstances.

Table of Contents

What is the UK visa application fee waiver?

A fee waiver application is a formal request to the Home Office to waive the UK visa application fee if the applicant cannot afford it.

A fee waiver is a provision that ensures that applicants facing difficult financial circumstances are not prevented from obtaining permission to stay in the UK.

You must obtain approval for the fee waiver before applying for permission to stay in the UK. Once the fee waiver is granted, you can apply for a UK visa without paying the standard fee.

Who is eligible for the fee waiver?

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if:

• You're a partner, parent, or dependent child of someone with a family visa or permission to stay in the UK based on their private life.
• You have ‘Discretionary Leave’ or ‘Leave outside the Immigration Rules’ granted on human rights grounds after being refused refugee status or humanitarian protection.
• You hold permission to stay in the UK as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Eligibility for the UK visa application fee waiver due to financial hardship

Eligibility for the UK visa application fee waiver is generally based on the applicant's financial situation. Key criteria include:

• You have no place to live in the UK and cannot afford housing.
• You have housing but cannot cover essential living expenses such as food or heating.
• You have a very low income, and paying the fee would negatively impact your child's well-being.

What does financial hardship mean in this context?

Financial hardship means the applicants can't afford the UK visa application fees without it affecting their basic needs.

Applicants who may qualify are those:

• Getting public funds or state benefits.
• Having a low household income.
• Having to pay for essential things like rent and bills.

Documents required for fee waiver application

Here is a checklist of the information and documents needed to apply for a fee

You'll need to provide:

• Your current valid passport.
• Your BRP card (if you have one).
• Recent bank statements.
• Pay slips or tax returns.
• Evidence of public benefits (if applicable).
• Evidence of your household earnings, for example, payslips.
• Rent or mortgage statements to show housing costs.
• Bills related to essential living expenses (utilities, transportation, food).
• Details of any financial support you are currently receiving.
• Any extra documents showing your financial struggles.
• Proof of your residency status in the UK.
• Evidence of any dependents, such as birth certificates of children.

How to apply for a fee waiver?

Applying for the fee waiver is different from applying for a UK visa. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

First, check if you meet the UK Home Office's fee waiver criteria. Knowing this will help you see if you qualify. You must show you can't pay the fee without struggling.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect the necessary documents to support your fee waiver application including proof of income and evidence to demonstrate your financial situation.

This includes bank statements, pay slips, letters from employers, benefit statements, and any other documentation that can prove their inability to pay the application fee.

Step 3: Complete the Fee Waiver Application Form Online

You can apply for a fee waiver by completing a fee waiver request form online. You will be asked for information and evidence about yourself and your financial situation.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After submission, the Home Office will review your application. You will receive a decision via email or post. This process can take serval weeks.

If approved, the applicant will be able to proceed with the UK visa application without paying the fee.

How long does a UK visa fee waiver take?

While there's no set timeline, the Home Office currently takes around 4 weeks to decide on your UK visa fee waiver application.

What happens after a fee waiver application?

If your fee waiver application is approved, you will receive an email or letter with a unique code, which is required when submitting your visa application.

The unique code is valid for 28 days, and you must submit your visa application within 28 days of receiving your fee waiver application decision email or letter.

If you don't use the fee waiver code within the 28-day deadline, it will expire, and you'll need to submit a new fee waiver application.

What happens if your fee waiver application is rejected?

If your fee waiver application is rejected, you can still apply for a UK visa by following the standard procedure, but you will need to pay the visa application fee.

There is no formal appeals process for challenging fee waiver application decisions. However, you can reapply if you have new financial information or if your circumstances have changed.

Legal assistance for fee waiver applications

Applying for the permission to stay in the UK can be complex. If you need help or have questions, Call Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for detailed legal advice and assistance.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors offer custom services to help with your fee waiver application. Our highly experienced team of immigration solicitors provides:

• Initial consultation to understand your situation.
• Full checks of the documents you need.
• Help in preparing your fee waiver application.
• Support in reapplying if your application is denied.
• Strategic advice for complex cases.

Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors

Contact our lawyers at 0203 959 7755 for help with the UK visa fee waiver application and boost your chances of getting approved.

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