ILR Fees 2026
A complete breakdown of Indefinite Leave to Remain application costs, including priority services, biometrics, and mandatory tests.
Rules current as of 24 August 2026
Official source: gov.ukApplication Fee
The standard Indefinite Leave to Remain application fee is the primary cost you will pay when submitting your settlement application. This fee is paid to the Home Office and covers the processing of your application.
| Fee Type | Amount | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILR Application Fee | £3,226 | Last changed: 8 April 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk | |
| Priority Service (addon) | £228 (total £3,454) | Last changed: 27 July 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk | |
| Super Priority Service (addon) | £500 (total £3,726) | Last changed: 27 July 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk | |
| Biometric Enrolment Fee | £19.20 | Last changed: 8 April 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk | |
| Life in the UK Test (per attempt) | £50 | Last checked: 24 August 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk | |
| English Language Test (B1) | £150-200 | Last checked: 24 August 2026Verify current figure on gov.uk |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Exemption
Good news: the ILR application itself is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. You do not pay the IHS when applying for settlement. The IHS is paid during your qualifying visa period (£1,035/year for adults), not at the ILR stage.
Total Cost Breakdown
Here is what you can expect to pay in total for your ILR application, depending on the service level you choose:
Standard Service
Application fee + biometric enrolment + Life in the UK test + English language test
£3,470.20 approx.
English test cost varies (£150-200, shown as £175 average)
Priority Service
Decision within 5 working days
£3,698.20 approx.
Super Priority Service
Decision by end of next working day
£3,970.20 approx.
Cannot afford the fee? You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you are destitute, at risk of destitution, or facing exceptional circumstances. Read our ILR fee waiver guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ILR application cost in 2026?
The standard ILR application fee is £3,226 as of April 2026. This is the base fee for the settlement application itself. Additional costs include the biometric enrolment fee (£19.20), the Life in the UK test (£50), and an English language test (typically £150-200).
What is the difference between priority and super priority service?
The priority service adds £228 to your application fee (total £3,454), giving you a decision within 5 working days. The super priority service adds £500 (total £3,726), giving you a decision by the end of the next working day after your appointment.
Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for ILR?
No. The ILR (settlement) application itself is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. You do not pay the IHS when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The IHS is paid during your qualifying visa period, not at the settlement stage.
Is the Life in the UK test fee refundable if I fail?
No. The Life in the UK test fee of £50 is non-refundable. If you fail the test, you will need to book and pay for another attempt. We recommend studying the official handbook thoroughly before booking your test.
Calculate Your ILR Date
Use our free ILR calculator to find out when you can apply for settlement.
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