A proposal from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) could see fee increases across a number of UK settlement visa categories.  Although the fee increases proposed by the UK Border Agency have not been confirmed, there is some clear evidence that the UKBA intends to put up its fiancée visa, spousal visa, proposed civil partner visa, de facto partner visa and civil partnership visa charges up quite considerably in the near future. It is also expected that ‘in country’ FLR (Further Leave to Remain) and ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications will see a fee increase.

The announcement released by the UKBA highlights that the potential increase of visa application fees could see Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rise from its current £1,250 to £1,350 (applications made in person at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) and £900 to £972 for postal applications (no dependants); Further Leave to Remain (FLR) from £800 to £850 (applications made in person at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) and £500 to £550 for postal applications (no dependants). Furthermore, the new category of EEA (European Economic Area) applications made at PEOs may attract a processing fee of £300.

All settlement visa applications filed from outside the UK will see a fee increase:

UK marriage (spousal) visa – from £750 to £810

UK fiancee/fiance visa – from £750 to £810

UK proposed civil partner visa – from £750 to £810

UK de facto (unmarried) partner visa – from £750 to £810

UK civil partnership visa – from £750 to £810

These charges are proposed to come into force in April 2010. Marriage Visa Help will update on this matter as more information is available.