Indefinite Leave to Remain Pricing
We are committed to complete transparency with our pricing for indefinite leave to remain applications. This means that we will always aim to agree costs in advance of any work being carried out and once we have had an opportunity to assess your requirements and the level of work required.
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 indefinite leave to remain application.
It is possible that there may be other costs that you would need to cover in addition to our fees and we have also provided information on those. Our aim is to enable you to have a good understanding of what the overall costs may be for your application.
Type of work and costs involved
Type of work: Fixed fee indefinite leave to remain application
Costs involved: Average cost of £2,500 to £3,750 plus VAT.
On average, this type of work takes approximately between 10 and 15 hours to complete.
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
Timescale: 1 to 2 days to 1 week
Activities: Initial consultation to discuss eligibility, visa history, and whether ILR is the right step now or in the future.
Assessing the most appropriate course of action and application based on specific circumstances
Timescale: 1 to 2 days
Activities: Reviewing client's immigration history and current status to determine the best legal route and timing for ILR.
Advising on requirements of the Immigration rules / Guidance related to indefinite leave to remain applications and specific evidence
Timescale: 2 to 5 days
Activities: Provide detailed guidance on eligibility, residence requirements, absence limits, English language and Life in the UK test, and documentation needed.
Advising on method of submission priority
Timescale: Same day to 2 days
Activities: Discuss whether to apply via standard service (up to 6 months) or priority/super priority (5 to 10 working days or 24 hours).
Assessing and advising on supporting evidence
Timescale: 2 to 5 days
Activities: Review client-provided documents to ensure they meet Home Office requirements.
Sourcing and obtaining further evidence. This might include engaging with third parties where permitted, such as medical experts, banks and employees.
Timescale: 1 to 3 weeks (variable depending on third-party cooperation)
Activities: Engage with banks, employers, medical experts, or other third parties to obtain documentation if needed.
Collating and preparing supporting evidence
Timescale: 3 to 7 days
Activities: Organise, index, and prepare evidence bundle in line with UKVI best practices.
Preparing detailed representations with Index and finalising application submission
Timescale: 2 to 5 days
Activities: Draft legal representations summarising facts, evidence, and how they meet immigration rules; compile the final application.
Further Submission / Providing updates on progress
Timescale: Throughout the processing period (1 to 6 months depending on method)
Activities: Upload documents, liaise with UKVI, attend biometric appointments, provide updates to the applicant.
Advising on outcome of application / Implications of status / Application and next steps
Timescale: Upon receiving decision (same day to few days after)
Activities: Advise on ILR rights, restrictions (e.g. loss through long absences), next steps like applying for British citizenship.
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.
Additional costs:
- Any Home Office Fees for making the indefinite leave to remain 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 indefinite leave to remain 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 are listed below:
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
- Interpreting from £25 per hour
- From £20 per hour attendance
- Travel from £15
- Waiting from £15
- Plus travel expenses (will depend on distance)
- Non-standard postage(will depend on quantity)
- Medical reports (will depend on work needed)
- Country reports (will depend on work needed)
- DNA reports (will depend on work needed)
- Printing and photocopying (will depend on work needed)
- Any Home Office fees (You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process. The fees change as advertised by the Home Office so we will always confirm the fees on the Home Office Website) / Interpreter fees/Independent expert reports. You can find an updated list of Home Office Fees here.
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 because more work arises or work required was not anticipated.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 material arise(s), requiring more extensive work. Delays caused by any matters can also increase time and costs.
How long does work for indefinite leave to remain applications take to complete?
On average, the work involved in an indefinite leave to remain application takes 10 to 15 hours to reach completion.
Who completes work for indefinite leave to remain 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 application for indefinite leave to remain?
Timescale to submit an application for indefinite leave to remain
Applications for indefinite leave to remain 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 application for indefinite leave to remain
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 indefinite leave to remain 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: 1 to 2 days
- Initial meeting or communication to understand your circumstances, immigration history, and goals.
- Formally confirm instructions to proceed with the ILR application.
Advise on Relevant Law / Legal Requirements
Timescale: 2 to 5 days
- Assess your eligibility based on UK immigration law and ILR criteria (residency requirements, absences, lawful stay, Life in the UK Test, English proficiency, etc.).
- Identify if you meet all criteria or if any exemptions/alternatives apply.
- Provide tailored advice on legal risks or possible refusal grounds.
Assist You to Collate Relevant Paperwork
Timescale: 1 to 3 weeks (may vary based on complexity and third-party responsiveness)
- Advise on required evidence: proof of residence, employment, income, test certificates, etc.
- Help obtain missing documents from third parties (employers, banks, schools, NHS, etc.).
- Review all documents to ensure they meet Home Office requirements and are appropriately formatted.
Complete and Submit Your Application to the Home Office
Timescale: 3 to 7 days after gathering documentation
- Prepare and complete the ILR application form (usually SET(M), SET(O), or SET(LR)).
- Draft legal representations explaining your case and referring to the supporting evidence.
- Submit the application online and pay the relevant fees.
- Book biometric appointment and upload supporting documents.
Liaise with Home Office on Your Behalf
Timescale: Ongoing throughout decision period
- Monitor application status.
- Respond to Home Office queries or requests for additional documents.
- Provide updates to you on progress.
Advise on the Outcome of Your Application
Timescale: 1 to 2 days after receiving decision
- Explain the decision letter and your new immigration status.
- If successful, advise on conditions of ILR (e.g. avoiding absences to maintain ILR).
- If refused, advise on review/appeal options or reapplication.
- Discuss potential next steps, such as applying for British citizenship.