Settlement / ILR Visa Cost Calculator 2028
Settlement / ILR visa costs in 2028: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Settlement / ILR visa in 2028? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Settlement / ILR
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Settlement / ILR application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settlement (ILR) application fee | £3,226 | — | Official ↗ |
| Life in the UK test | £50 | Test fee set by the test provider. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£1,500 – £4,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500 · Super priority service: £1,000
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Settlement / ILR
- 1
Complete the qualifying period
Commonly 5 years continuous residence, though this varies by route.
- 2
Check absences and requirements
Absences shouldn't exceed 180 days in any rolling 12-month period; pass the Life in the UK test and English requirement if applicable.
- 3
Apply online
Before current permission expires, providing residence and route-specific evidence.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
Priority (~5 working days) and super-priority (~2 working days) services are available where offered.
Typical processing time: Standard service typically decides within 6 months, though many are decided faster (around 8 weeks in practice).
Documents you'll need
- Passport and current BRP/eVisa details
- Evidence of continuous residence and any absences
- Life in the UK test pass notification
- English language evidence
- Route-specific evidence (sponsorship/employment history, tax records)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Exceeding the 180-day absence limit in any 12-month period
- Applying too early or after current permission has already lapsed
- Miscalculating the qualifying period across routes with different requirements
- Incomplete evidence of continuous lawful residence
Sources: gov.uk — Settle in the UK
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £3,276 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £4,776 – £7,276 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £7,311 – £10,846 |
How to save money on your Settlement / ILR
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £1,500–£4,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Settlement / ILR cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a Settlement / ILR visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a Settlement / ILR visa in 2028 ranges from about £4,776 to £10,846, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Settlement / ILR application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Settlement / ILR visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Settlement / ILR visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Settlement / ILR visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Settlement / ILR visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.