Legal Support for Immigration Fee Waiver Requests

Applying for a UK visa or extension can be costly. In certain circumstances, the Home Office allows applicants to request a fee waiver so they are not required to pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

At LexHavenLaw, our immigration solicitors provide expert advice and representation to help eligible applicants submit strong fee waiver applications and avoid refusals.

What Is a Fee Waiver?

A fee waiver is a request to the Home Office to waive the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge because the applicant cannot afford to pay them.

Fee waivers are commonly linked to human rights-based immigration applications, particularly those involving family life, private life, or children.

Who Can Apply for a Fee Waiver?

You may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver if:

• You cannot afford the visa application fee and IHS

• Paying the fee would cause financial hardship

• You are destitute or at risk of destitution

• You have a dependent child whose welfare would be affected

• Your application is based on human rights grounds

Each case is assessed individually, and strong evidence is essential.

When Is a Fee Waiver Required?

A fee waiver may be required for applications such as:

• Family or partner visa extensions

• Private life applications

• Parent or child-based applications

• Human rights claims

• Applications involving vulnerable individuals

The fee waiver must usually be approved before submitting the main visa application.

What Evidence Is Needed?

The Home Office requires detailed evidence to assess fee waiver requests. This may include:

• Bank statements

• Proof of income or benefits

• Housing costs and living expenses

• Evidence of debts or financial hardship

• Medical or welfare evidence (where relevant)

We help you prepare clear and well-structured evidence to support your request.

How We Help You

Our immigration solicitors provide full legal support throughout the fee waiver process, including:

• Assessing eligibility for a fee waiver

• Advising on the correct timing of the application

• Preparing and submitting the fee waiver request

• Gathering and organising financial evidence

• Drafting legal representations

• Advising on next steps following a decision

We focus on presenting your circumstances clearly and persuasively to the Home Office.

Common Reasons for Fee Waiver Refusals

Fee waiver requests may be refused if:

• Insufficient financial evidence is provided

• Income and expenses are unclear

• The hardship threshold is not met

• Supporting documents are incomplete

We work to minimise these risks through careful preparation.

How Long Does a Fee Waiver Take?

Processing times can vary, but decisions are typically made within 2–4 weeks. During this time, visa deadlines are usually paused until a decision is issued.

Why Choose LexHavenLaw?

• Experienced UK immigration solicitors

• Clear advice on eligibility and evidence

• Careful preparation of financial documentation

• Support for vulnerable applicants and families

• Transparent communication throughout

We understand how important fee waivers are for those facing financial difficulty and handle every case with care and professionalism.

Speak to an Immigration Solicitor

If you need help applying for a UK fee waiver, contact LexHavenLaw today for expert advice.

📞 Call: 0161 706 1141
📧 Email: lexhavenlaw@gmail.com
Free initial consultation available