The Home Office charges high application costs. It generally costs about £2608 per person upfront to apply for permission to remain if you're currently in the UK; this is a large sum to have to save up for every 30 months per applicant.
However, you can apply for a fee waiver application online if you're in the UK and making an application based on your human rights but don't have the money for the charge. You won't be required to pay the Home Office visa fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge if approved.
Our lawyers have prepared a quickstart guide regarding who can apply, what documentation is required, and how to submit an online application because applying for a fee waiver can seem quite complicated.
1. What is a fee waiver application?
You must pay the Home Office two costs when you apply for leave to remain (LTR): the Home Office fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
However, you can request a "fee waiver" from the Home Office. You won't be required to pay the Home Office costs or the IHS if your application is successful.
Once your application is approved, this will allow you and any dependants to apply for leave to remain in the U.K.
Eligibility to apply for a fee waiver?
Applications for human rights may be eligible for fee waivers.
This means that if you cannot afford the IHS or the application fee for leave to remain, you may seek a fee waiver:
- If you are already on the 10-year route or are applying for the first time as a parent or spouse.
- According to the five-year route, as a parent, if your partner is exempt, for example, and does not have to fulfill the minimum income requirement as a partner under the five-year option.
- Based on your rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), or any other right, so long as the application's primary justification is based on your human rights.
- If you are a victim of trafficking, have been denied asylum or humanitarian protection, or at your choice.
Because a fee waiver is not a public fund, you are still eligible to apply even if you have no recourse to public funds. However, fee waivers are only available for some applications, such as those for registration as a British citizen for a child.
You do not need to submit a request for a fee waiver if you are claiming asylum.
When do I apply for a fee waiver application online?
If you already have a period of absence, you must apply for a fee waiver application online in good time for the Home Office to consider your financial circumstances, especially if you already hold a visa.
All your current rights and benefits will remain in effect when you submit a fee waiver application, just as they would have if you had submitted permission to remain application. According to Section 3C of the Immigration Act of 1971, this extended leave is referred to as a Section 3C leave.
It means you don't need to be concerned if you have not heard back from the Home Office by the time your current leave expires, as long as your fee waiver application online was submitted 28 days or less beforehand. The rules are different if you do not have any left.
How to apply for a fee waiver?
Using the form, you can apply for a fee waiver application online. Applying is cost-free for you and any dependents applying.
You will be given a code if you are given a fee waiver. This code must be entered when you submit your leave-to-remain application.
Conclusion:
The Home Office will send you a confirmation email after receiving your application. You will receive an email or letter with a unique code if your application is accepted.
Contact professional solicitors of My Legal Services if you need any help with apply fee waiver application online.
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