As of the first of April 2008, there are some changes for any one seeking to obtain a settlement visa granting their spouse, de facto partner, or fiancée rights to reside in the UK permanently. The price for UK settlement application fees has been raised, from GBP500 to GBP515. This fee increase affects all UK fiancée visas, as well as marriage and partner visas. It should be noted that EEA family permit applications are still processed at no cost.
The increase in settlement application fees is part of across-the-board increases for nearly all UK visas. As always, anyone applying for a settlement visa to the UK should be mindful of obtaining all necessary documentation for their application because the processing fees are non-refundable whether the application is approved or not. Applicants should be aware that acceptance of their documents depends upon the judgment of an entry clearance officer at a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Applicants whose petitions are refused for any reason will be required to reapply and pay the UK settlement application fees again.
