Immigration Fee Waiver — Can You Apply Without Paying the Home Office Fee?
Some human rights-based immigration applications can qualify for a fee waiver where the applicant cannot afford the fee or Immigration Health Surcharge. We help prepare clear evidence of financial hardship.
Who Can Use a Fee Waiver?
Fee waivers are available only for specified routes, commonly human rights-based applications where requiring payment would interfere with protected rights. They are not a general discount system for all Home Office fees.
A strong fee waiver request explains income, essential expenditure, debts, dependants, accommodation, support received and why payment is not affordable.
Route check first
Before gathering evidence, confirm that your application type is eligible for a waiver. If the route is wrong, the request may fail.
Evidence We Review
- Bank statements for all accounts
- Income, payslips and benefit records
- Rent, mortgage, utility and council tax evidence
- Debt, arrears and loan documents
- Childcare, medical or care costs
- Letters from friends, family, charities or support workers
Our Process
| Stage | Support |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | We confirm whether the route can use a fee waiver. |
| Evidence | We identify gaps and organise financial documents. |
| Representations | We explain why payment is unaffordable and why the waiver should be granted. |
| Next steps | We advise after grant, partial grant or refusal. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a fee waiver?
Fee waivers are mainly available for specified human rights-based and other eligible applications. They are not available for every immigration or nationality route.
Can I get a fee waiver for citizenship?
The in-country immigration fee-waiver scheme does not generally cover nationality applications. A separate scheme exists for some applications to register a child under 18 as British, so check the correct process before applying.
Can I get a fee waiver for ILR?
Fee waiver availability depends on the application type. Many settlement applications do not qualify.
What does affordability mean?
The Home Office considers whether you can afford the fee after meeting essential living needs.
What evidence is required?
Bank statements, benefits evidence, tenancy documents, bills, payslips, debts and support letters may be relevant.
Can the Immigration Health Surcharge be waived?
In some eligible cases, the IHS may be waived or partially waived.
What happens while the fee waiver is considered?
The fee waiver request is considered before the main application proceeds. Timing must be managed carefully.
What if the fee waiver is refused?
You may need to pay the fee, provide further evidence or reassess the immigration strategy quickly.
Can children apply for fee waivers?
Children may be included in eligible applications where the financial evidence supports the request.
Can NA Law prepare the request?
Yes. We assess eligibility, prepare financial evidence and draft representations explaining why payment is not affordable.
Speak to a Solicitor
Send us the decision, deadline or application issue and we will help you understand the safest next step.