How much does ILR cost in 2026?

The ILR application fee in 2026 is £2,885. Additional costs include the Life in the UK test (£50), an English language test (£150-£200 if needed), and optional solicitor fees.

Do I have to pay the IHS for ILR?

No. Once you are granted ILR, you no longer pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. ILR gives you permanent access to the NHS without the surcharge.

Is the ILR fee refundable?

No. The ILR application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.

Can I pay the ILR fee in instalments?

No. The Home Office requires the full fee to be paid when you submit your application. There is no instalment plan available for ILR applications.

Is the ILR fee the same for all routes?

Yes. The ILR application fee of £2,885 is the same regardless of whether you are applying through the Spouse Visa route, Skilled Worker route, or any other qualifying route.

Do I need a solicitor for an ILR application?

A solicitor is not required but can be helpful if your case is complex. Solicitor fees for ILR applications typically range from £1,000 to £3,000. Straightforward cases may not need professional help.

ILR Fees 2026: Full Cost Breakdown

The ILR application fee is £2,885 in 2026. Combined with the Life in the UK test, English language requirements, and potential solicitor fees, the total cost can reach £3,500 or more. This guide breaks down every expense involved in applying for permanent settlement in the UK.

What Is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is permanent settlement in the UK. Once granted, you can live and work in the UK without any visa restrictions. You can also use ILR as a stepping stone to British citizenship.

Most people apply for ILR after spending 5 years on a qualifying visa, such as a Spouse Visa or Skilled Worker visa. Some routes allow you to apply after 3 years (for example, if your spouse is a British citizen and you are applying under the 5-year Spouse Visa route, the qualifying period is 5 years total on the visa).

ILR Application Fee: £2,885

The main cost is the ILR application fee of £2,885. This is one of the highest individual fees in the UK immigration system. It must be paid in full when you submit your application. There is no instalment plan.

The fee is the same regardless of which visa route you are applying from. Whether you held a Spouse Visa, Skilled Worker visa, or another qualifying route, the ILR fee is £2,885.

This fee is non-refundable. If your application is refused, you lose the fee. This is why it is critical to make sure you meet all ILR requirements before you apply.

Additional Required Costs

Life in the UK Test: £50

You must pass the Life in the UK test before submitting your ILR application. The test costs £50 per attempt. Most people pass on their first try, but if you fail, you can retake it (with another £50 fee each time).

English Language Test: £150-£200

You must prove English at B1 level (intermediate). If you already hold a B1 or higher certificate from a previous visa application, you can reuse it. If you are exempt (for example, a national of a majority English-speaking country or a holder of a UK degree), you do not need the test. See our English language tests guide.

Biometrics

You must submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of your ILR application. If you use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your phone, this is free. If you attend a UKVCAS centre, the standard appointment is also free, but enhanced services have additional charges.

Optional Costs

Immigration Solicitor: £1,000-£3,000

Many ILR applications are straightforward, and you may not need a solicitor. However, if you have spent significant time outside the UK, have gaps in your residence, or have any complications, professional advice can be worth the cost. See our solicitor costs guide for typical fees.

Priority Processing

Priority and super priority services are available for some ILR applications. Priority processing costs approximately £500, while super priority (next-working-day decision) costs approximately £800. These can significantly reduce your ILR processing time.

Postal Costs and Document Copies

If you need to send original documents to the Home Office, use recorded delivery or a tracked service. Certified copies of documents may cost £5-£20 each. These small costs add up if you have many supporting documents.

No More IHS After ILR

One of the financial benefits of ILR is that you no longer pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. While on a visa, you pay £1,035 per year for NHS access. Once you have ILR, NHS access is included automatically and permanently. Over a typical visa period, this can save you thousands of pounds.

Total Cost Summary

Here is a typical cost breakdown for an ILR application:

Application fee: £2,885
Life in the UK test: £50
English language test: £0-£200 (if needed)
Biometrics: £0 (using app or standard UKVCAS)
Solicitor (optional): £1,000-£3,000
Priority processing (optional): £500-£800

Minimum total: approximately £2,935 to £3,135.

With solicitor and priority: approximately £4,500 to £7,000.

After ILR, the next step for many people is British citizenship, which costs a further £1,344. For a complete view of all UK immigration costs, see our UK visa fees guide and our hidden costs of immigration guide.