Appendix FM Applications Pricing

We are committed to complete transparency with our pricing for Appendix FM applications, no matter what the specific circumstances may involve. We will always look to agree costs in advance of any case once we have been able to assess your requirements and the level of work which is required to reach completion.

The following information is provided in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Transparency Rules and in order to provide a good estimate of the sort of level of fee you will pay if you were to instruct us to assist with an Appendix FM application.

Other costs may need to be covered in addition to our fees, which is why we have included further information on these below. Our top priority is to make sure that you have a comprehensive understanding of what the overall costs might be for your application, no matter what your circumstances might be.

Type of work and costs involved

Type of work: Fixed fee Appendix FM applications

Costs involved: Average cost of £2,500 - £3,750 plus VAT.

(All figures exclude VAT unless explicitly stated)

On average, this type of work takes approximately between 10 and 15 hours to complete

Please note: our fixed fees are non-refundable.

The exact number of hours it will take depends on the circumstances in your case. Such as:

• The amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider
• Which language(s) you speak
• Whether you are applying with other dependants
• Complexities such as past refusals, criminal convictions, adverse immigration history

If you are able to provide sufficient evidence at our first meeting and clearly meet the applicable Immigration Rules, the cost is likely to be at the lower end of this range.

All the figures given exclude VAT unless explicitly stated. VAT is charged at 20% unless specifically stated. However, charging VAT in relation to immigration matters may depend on where you live and what immigration permission you have. We will confirm whether VAT (at a rate of 20%) is payable when you instruct us and we can work out if VAT is properly chargeable.

Please note: our fixed fees are non-refundable.

Our fixed fee includes us acting for you in the following key stages:

Initial attendance and discussion of available options

To understand the client’s circumstances (relationship, immigration status, family life, etc.)

Timescale: 1–2 days from initial instruction.

Tailored advice on whether the client qualifies under Appendix FM, and under which category (e.g., spouse, parent)

Assessing the most appropriate course of action and application based on specific circumstances.

Determine whether an in-country or out-of-country application is appropriate, and which route (5-year or 10-year)

Timescale: 1–3 working days

Advising on requirements of the immigration rules /guidance related to Appendix FM applications and specific evidence.

To explain relevant legal tests (e.g., genuine relationship, income threshold, accommodation, English language)

Timescale: Ongoing during initial 1–2 weeks

Advising on method of submission priority

Timescale: Within first week of instruction

Assessing and advising on supporting evidence

To review documents the client already has and identify gaps.

Timescale: 1–2 weeks (Mostly depending on case complexity) 

Sourcing and obtaining further evidence. This might include engaging with third parties where permitted, such as medical experts, banks and employers.

To assist client in gathering outstanding evidence from third parties (e.g. GP, employer, bank)

Timescale: 2–4 weeks (may vary based on responsiveness of third parties) 

Collating and preparing supporting evidence

Assemble documentation in Home Office-compliant format

Timescale: 3–5 working days

Preparing detailed representations with index and finalising application submission.

Timescale: 5–7 working days 

Further submission/ providing updates on progress

Timescale: As needed (Home Office may contact within 4–12 weeks depending on service used) 

Advising on outcome of application /implications of status/application and next steps

Timescale: Within 1–2 days of decision

If you can provide sufficient evidence and clearly meet the applicable immigration rules, the costs are likely to be the lower end of the range.

Additional costs:

• Any Home Office Fees for making the Appendix FM application. This is paid to the Home Office directly as part of the application process. You can find an updated list of Home Office Fees here.
• Advice and assistance in relation to appeals for refused Appendix FM applications.
• Disbursements paid to third parties

These fees can range from £15 - £2389 on average for general applications. Home office fees are exclusive of VAT, at the time of writing this article.

Please see the link to the home office page with the list of all fees.

It must be noted that not all immigration cases attract Value Added Tax (VAT). However, if VAT is applicable, 20% will be added to our fees, as well as any expenses or disbursements. All the figures given exclude VAT unless explicitly stated. VAT is charged at 20% unless specifically stated.

Potential expenses and disbursements:

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as visa fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. It is not possible to estimate the value of disbursements at this stage as it is dependent on each case. We will let you know as soon as we know the cost of disbursements. Examples of disbursements include the below and are exclusive of VAT:

• Translations from £20 per page
• Printing and photocopying
• Postage
• UKVCAS or VFS Global Document Scanning Service
• Any Home Office fees (You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process.  The fees changes as advertised by the Home Office so we will always confirm the fees on the Home Office Website)  / Interpreter fees/Independent expert reports

We will let you know as far in advance as possible when these additional fees are due to be incurred.

Please note: some experts and professionals charge VAT and others do not if they are not registered for VAT. If VAT is charged it will be at the standard rate of 20%. VAT is not chargeable to non-UK citizens. 

Factors that affect our fixed fees

• The type and amount of supporting evidence that is being considered
• Which language(s) you speak
• Whether any other dependants are included in an application
• Additional issues that may affect an application such as past refusals, criminal convictions and/or adverse immigration history

If you can provide sufficient evidence and clearly meet the applicable immigration rules, the costs are likely to be at the lower end of the range.

Will your fees increase?

This could occur if the work agreed in the fixed terms or quoted hours is exceeded. This can happen for several reasons e.g., you require more meetings and work than we had estimated for, or new or further evidence arises requiring consideration and instructions from you. Sometimes new lines of prosecution material arise(s), requiring more extensive work. Delays caused by any matters can also increase time and costs.

How long does work for Appendix FM applications take to complete?

On average, the work involved in an Appendix FM application takes 10 to 20 hours to reach completion, depending on when we receive documents.

Who completes work for Appendix FM applications?

Kam Dhanjal (Head of Immigration) supervises Pritesh Davdra and Pritesh Davdra (Immigration Solicitor) supervises Kam Dhanjal. Both are qualified solicitors and accredited (Supervising Senior Caseworker)

How long does it take to make an Appendix FM application?

Timescale to submit an Appendix FM application:

Applications for Appendix FM applications from the start of instructions take up to three – to six months on average. The exact time it takes will depend on various factors, including the complexity of applicant's immigration history.

Timescale on return of Appendix FM application

It is not possible to guarantee exactly how long the Home Office will take to process your application. You can learn more about the current processing times here.

Please note the anticipated number of hours and fees are an estimate based on the facts above. Each individual Appendix FM application is unique, which means the hours and fees can vary from case to case. Our team will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of hours and fees once we have more information about your specific case and what actions need to be taken.

Key stages:

Obtain Instructions

Timescale: Within 1–2 working days of contact or consultation

Advise on Relevant Law / Legal Requirements to meet the criteria and whether you meet the criteria

Timescale: Within 2–3 working days of receiving instructions and basic documents

Assist You to Collate Relevant Paperwork to support your application

Timescale: Ongoing over 1–4 weeks depending on the complexity and responsiveness of third parties

Complete and Submit Your Application to the Home Office

Timescale: Within 3–7 working days once all documents are received

Liaise with the Home Office on Your Behalf

Timescale: As and when needed during the application process (typically up to 12 weeks for standard applications)

Advise on the Outcome of Your Application

Timescale: Within 1–2 working days of receiving the decision