Immigration Law
Immigration Solicitor Cost 2026: £500 to £3,500 UK Visas
The true cost of a UK visa is solicitor fee + Home Office application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge. This guide gives you the full picture for 2026.
April 2026 Home Office Fee Increases
Home Office visa fees increased in April 2026. The figures in this guide reflect the current 2026 rates. Always check the government's official fee calculator at gov.uk before applying, as fees change periodically.
Total Cost by Visa Type (Solicitor + Government Fees)
| Visa Type | Solicitor Fee | Home Office Fee | IHS (per year) | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner Visa (2.5 yr) | £1,500-£3,500 | £1,846 | £1,035/yr (£2,587 total) | £5,900-£8,000 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (3 yr) | £1,000-£2,500 | £719-£1,500 | £1,035/yr (£3,105) | £5,000-£7,100 |
| Student Visa | £500-£1,500 | £490 | £776/yr | £1,800-£2,800 |
| ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | £1,500-£3,000 | £2,885 | N/A | £4,385-£5,885 |
| British Citizenship | £1,000-£2,000 | £1,580 + £80 ceremony | N/A | £2,660-£3,660 |
| Immigration Appeal (First-tier) | £2,000-£7,000+ | £80-£140 | N/A | £2,220-£7,140+ |
When You Need a Solicitor vs When You Can Apply Yourself
DIY May Be Fine
- Standard visitor visa
- Student visa (straightforward)
- Simple Skilled Worker extension
- Returning resident with no complications
Use a Solicitor For
- Spouse/partner visas (high refusal rate)
- Previous visa refusals
- Immigration appeals and reviews
- ILR or citizenship with complications
- Asylum and human rights claims
- Detention and removal proceedings
Legal Aid for Immigration
Legal aid is available for asylum seekers, people held in immigration detention, trafficking victims, and some human rights cases. It is NOT available for most standard visa applications, ILR, or citizenship applications. Check full eligibility at our legal aid guide.
Immigration Appeal Costs
| Route | Tribunal / Admin Fee | Solicitor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative review | £80 | £500-£1,500 |
| First-tier Tribunal (online service appeal) | £80 | £2,000-£5,000 |
| First-tier Tribunal (out of country) | £140 | £2,000-£7,000+ |
| Upper Tribunal (on a point of law) | Varies | £3,000-£10,000+ |
Immigration FAQs
Can my employer pay for my immigration solicitor?
For Skilled Worker visas, many employers pay the Home Office application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the job offer. Whether the employer covers solicitor fees varies by company and seniority of role. It is worth asking during salary negotiations. Some employers also pay for spouse and dependant visas as part of a relocation package.
How long does a visa application take?
Most standard visa applications from outside the UK take 3 weeks for a standard decision or 5 working days for a priority service. Applications made in the UK take 8 weeks for standard decisions, or 5 working days for the super priority service (£1,000 additional). Complex applications can take significantly longer. Asylum applications are subject to very long delays -- often 12+ months.
What if my visa application is refused?
A refused visa application can often be challenged. Options depend on the visa type. For some visas (spouse visas, human rights claims) you have an in-country right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. For others, you may only have an administrative review (£80). A solicitor can advise on which route is appropriate and whether the refusal can be challenged.
Do I need a solicitor for a spouse visa?
A spouse visa is one of the more complex UK visa applications due to the financial requirements, English language requirement, and volume of evidence needed. The refusal rate is significant -- around 20-25% of first applications. While you can apply without a solicitor, errors can result in refusal and loss of the application fee. For most people, a solicitor for this application is good value given the stakes.