Immigration Lawyer Fees in the UK: What You Should Expect to Pay

One of the most common questions people ask when looking for an immigration solicitor is how much it will cost. It is a fair question, and one that deserves a clear answer. Unfortunately, immigration lawyer fees can vary significantly depending on the type of application, the complexity of your case, and the firm you instruct.

This guide explains the different costs involved in an immigration application, gives you a realistic idea of what to budget for, and helps you understand what you should be getting for your money.

The Two Main Costs: Legal Fees and Government Fees

When budgeting for an immigration application, you need to account for two separate categories of cost. The first is your solicitor’s professional fees for preparing and submitting your application. The second is the fees charged by the Home Office, which include the application fee itself and, in most cases, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Your solicitor’s fees cover the legal work involved in your case: assessing your eligibility, gathering and reviewing your evidence, preparing your application forms, drafting any supporting documents such as cover letters or witness statements, and corresponding with the Home Office on your behalf. Government fees are set amounts that go directly to the Home Office and NHS, and your solicitor has no control over these.

Typical Solicitor Fees by Application Type

It is difficult to give exact figures because every case is different, but the following ranges will give you a general idea of what immigration solicitors in the UK typically charge for their professional fees alone. These do not include Home Office fees or the IHS.

For a straightforward Skilled Worker visa application, you might expect to pay between £1,000 and £3,000 in solicitor fees. Spouse and partner visa applications typically range from £1,500 to £4,000, depending on the complexity of the relationship evidence and whether there are any complicating factors. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications tend to fall between £1,500 and £3,500. Naturalisation and British citizenship applications are generally in the range of £1,000 to £2,500.

More complex cases, such as asylum claims, human rights applications, and appeals to the First-tier Tribunal, can cost significantly more due to the volume of evidence and legal argument involved. These cases may range from £3,000 to £10,000 or more depending on the circumstances.

Home Office Application Fees

Home Office fees are published on GOV.UK and are updated regularly. For applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026, some common application fees include £943 for a Skilled Worker visa (in‑country extension or switching, up to 3 years), £1,938 for a spouse or partner visa (entry clearance), and £3,226 for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Applicants should always check the current fees on GOV.UK before applying, as Home Office charges are subject to frequent change. 

The Immigration Health Surcharge

Most applicants for leave to remain in the UK must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to NHS services during your stay. The IHS is currently £1,035 per year of leave granted, with a discounted rate of £776 per year for students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme. For a typical 2.5-year visa, this can add up to several thousand pounds on top of the application fee and solicitor costs.

What Affects the Cost of Your Case

Several factors can push your legal fees higher. Complex immigration history, such as previous refusals, overstaying, or criminal convictions, will require more legal work and therefore cost more. Applications involving dependants will also increase the total cost, as each dependant needs their own application and supporting documents.

The urgency of your case can also affect the price. If you need a same-day or next-day priority service from the Home Office, there are additional premium fees. Similarly, if you come to a solicitor at the last minute with an impending deadline, you may face a higher fee to reflect the intensity of the work required.

Fixed Fees vs Hourly Rates

Many immigration solicitors offer fixed-fee arrangements for standard application types. This means you know the total cost upfront and will not be surprised by additional charges partway through the process. Fixed fees work well for straightforward applications where the scope of work is predictable.

For more complex or unpredictable cases, some solicitors charge an hourly rate instead. Hourly rates for immigration solicitors in the UK typically range from £150 to £400 per hour, depending on the seniority of the solicitor and the location of the firm. If your solicitor proposes an hourly rate, ask for an estimate of the total hours expected so you can budget accordingly.

How to Get Value for Money

The cheapest option is not always the best value. A low-cost service that results in a refusal will end up costing you far more in reapplication fees, lost time, and additional legal costs than getting it right the first time. When assessing value, consider the solicitor’s track record, the level of personal attention you will receive, and whether the fee includes post-submission support such as responding to Home Office queries.

Ask for a detailed breakdown of what the fee covers. A transparent firm will list every element of the service, from the initial assessment and eligibility check through to the submission and any follow-up. If a fee seems unusually low, ask what is not included — you may find that essential steps like drafting a cover letter or reviewing your evidence are treated as extras.

Our Approach to Fees at Farani Taylor Solicitors

At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing for most standard immigration applications. We provide a full breakdown of costs at the outset, including our professional fees, the Home Office application fee, and the IHS, so you know the total cost before you commit. There are no hidden charges.

We understand that immigration applications represent a significant financial commitment, and we work hard to ensure that every client receives a thorough, well-prepared application that gives them the best possible chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get legal aid for an immigration case?

Legal aid is available for some immigration cases, including asylum claims, cases involving domestic violence, and certain human trafficking matters. For most other immigration applications, such as work visas and family visas, legal aid is not available and you will need to fund the costs privately.

Do I have to pay the full fee upfront?

This depends on the firm. Some solicitors require the full fee before starting work, while others offer staged payment plans. At Farani Taylor, we discuss payment arrangements during the initial consultation and try to find an approach that works for each client.

What happens to my fees if my application is refused?

Your solicitor’s fees cover the work done in preparing and submitting your application, regardless of the outcome. The Home Office fee is generally non-refundable if your application is refused. However, if a refusal was caused by a clear error by your solicitor, you may have grounds for a complaint to the SRA or a claim for professional negligence.

Blog authored by our Solicitor in the Immigration department, Sajjad Hussain. Feel free to reach him on 020 7242 1666.