Immigration (excluding asylum)

The Jonathan Lea Network Private Individual Immigration Fees Guide

Our immigration services for private individuals are based on an hourly rate of £250-£300 plus VAT at 20% where applicable. The hourly rate is based on our Business Immigration Solicitor with +13 years PQE.

Immigration matters are increasingly complex and there are multiple variables. However, we will give you an accurate estimate once we have taken initial instructions from you and these will be agreed upon and stated in our engagement letter.

Below we have given a range of fees associated with various immigration applications, these are for straightforward immigration matters where the Applicant can satisfy the Immigration Rules. The higher end of the fee is for matters that may have moderate complexity or time-consuming factors.

The exact number of hours it will take and associated depends on the circumstances in your case, such as:

• the amount of supporting evidence that we need to consider;
• if you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules easily;
• which language(s) you speak;
• whether you are applying with other dependants – we charge separately for each dependant;
• your previous adverse immigration history and any criminal records;
• the complexity of your matter; and
• the urgency of your matter.

What service is included in the price

The following activities will be included:

• assessing your circumstances in detail and confirming which is the most appropriate application for you to make and what other options may be available to you;
• giving you advice about the requirements of the law and assessing whether you meet the criteria;
• if you do not fulfil certain criteria, whether this can be overcome and how;
  providing you with a detailed and tailored checklist of documents for your particular application and certain templates;
• considering your supporting evidence and providing feedback and advice;
• preparing the application covering letter with legal representations on our firm’s letterhead;
• liaising with any 3rd parties such as your accountants or business consultants to obtain the required evidence;
• completing the application form following your instructions and offering advice on completion and assistance with booking of visa appointments in the UK or abroad;
• preparing your application package for submission to the Home Office and advising on processing timelines;
• liaising with the Home Office on any further enquiries; and
• giving you advice about the outcome of the application, conditions of your visa and any immediate further steps you need to take.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as visa fees. You will pay these directly to the Home Office. For information on current visa fees see the Home Office website https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table

Cost exclusions

The costs quoted here do not include:

• Any Home Office fees for making the application. You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process.
• Any Home Office immigration health surcharge.
• Where the Home Office refuse your application, any advice and assistance in relation to any appeal or further application.
• Applications for Dependants such as partner and child under 18.
• Costs for English language tests, Tuberculosis tests, criminal record certificates, biometrics.
• Attendance at a Home Office interview: Interviews are rare in most categories, if the Home Office ask you to attend an interview, we can give you clear advice (and discuss the possibility of us attending with you) at the appropriate time. We can give you an additional quote for this if required.

Processing and preparation times

We cannot guarantee how long the Home Office will take to process your application. Read the current processing times here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-inside-the-uk

There are vastly different processing times depending on the application you are making and we can advise you in detail once instructed.

We ask clients to instruct us at least 2-6 months before their intended visa start date, or expiry date of their current visa to ensure they have enough time to qualify under time sensitive requirements in relation to financial evidence and prepare complex documents adequately.

Our fees – based on our average hourly rate of £250 plus VAT

Applications for naturalisation or registration under the British Nationality Act 1981

On average, this type of work takes 10-20 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £2500 and £5000. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Application under EU Settlement Scheme for EU Citizens and their family members

On average, this type of work takes 3-8 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £750 and £2,000. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Frontier Worker Permit for EU Citizens

On average, this type of work takes 5-10 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £1250 and £2,500. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Applications for spouse and partners applications, including fiancé(e)s, same-sex partners or proposed civil partners

On average, this type of work takes 10-25 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £2,500 and £6,250. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

On average, this type of work takes 15-30 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £3,750 and £7,500. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Visitor Visa applications for tourism, business or family visit

On average, this type of work takes 6-15 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £1,500 and £3,750. All figures include VAT unless specifically stated.

Applications to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) or on the basis of long residence

On average, this type of work takes 10-25 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £2,500 and £6,250. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Points-Based System Applications

Applications for Students under Tier 4 General Student or Child Student visas-for study in the UK

On average, this type of work takes 8-16 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £2,000 and £4,000. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Application for Graduate Route Visa

On average, this type of work takes 8-20 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £2,000 and £5,000. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Applications for Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General) & Intra-Company Transfer

On average, this type of work takes 6-15 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £1,500 and £3,750. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

Application for Investor/Innovator/ Start Up Visas

On average, this type of work takes 14-45 hours to complete. This means that on average costs are between £3,500 and £11,250. All figures exclude VAT unless specifically stated.

For business immigration queries or anything other application not mentioned above please email us on wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net and we will be happy to provide you with a quote.

Disclaimer notice: These fees are guidelines only and reflect what we commonly charge. The Jonathan Lea Network reserves the right to change any fee. The fee is subject to change depending on the complexity of the matter. We can confirm in writing a definitive fee quote following a short complimentary introductory call.