Immigration - pricing and service information

We advise individuals on a broad range of immigration applications and, with immigration rules constantly changing, we are here to provide the most up-to-date advice, coupled with clear and practical solutions.

The individual circumstances and requirements of our clients vary significantly such as it is not practicable for us to provide details of the total cost of our service until we have assessed the details of the case and confirmed what work we will carry out for you. We have instead provided our hourly rates and a likely range of costs for each visa application in order to give you an indication of cost. 

Hourly rates

Clients are charged on the basis of our time.  Our hourly rate varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter and their location. Our lowest hourly rate is £190, excluding VAT and our highest hourly rate is £790, excluding VAT. We make sure the work is carried out by someone of the appropriate level and seniority depending on complexity of your case. We will discuss this with you when you instruct us and ensure it is in line with the nature of the service you wish us to provide and the individual circumstances of your matter.

Examples of our fees

Costs are provided for your general guidance only and these should not be interpreted as a fixed fee or binding quote.

  • Naturalisation or registration under the British Nationality Act 1981 – application for  main applicant should cost between £2000 and £3000, excluding VAT.
  • Applications on behalf of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family members under the applicable EEA Regulations or Immigration Rules, including applications for permanent residence, residence cards, and registration certificates – applications for main applicant should cost between £2000 and £4000, excluding VAT.
  • Student and work experience visas – application for main applicant should cost between £2000 and £3000, excluding VAT.
  • Visit visas (for tourism, or visiting friends / family) – application for main applicant should cost between £2000 and £3000, excluding VAT.
  • Spouse and partners applications, including fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners – application for main applicant should cost between £3000 and £5000, excluding VAT.
  • Applications for work, business or study under the Points-Based System – application for main applicant should cost between £2500 and £5000, excluding VAT.
  • Dependant relative and family reunion applications – application for main applicant should cost between £2000 and £5000, excluding VAT.
  • Ancestry visa – application for main applicant should cost between £3000 and £5000, excluding VAT.
  • Other categories, such as applications on the basis of long residence – application for main applicant should cost between £3000 and £6000, excluding VAT.

The estimates set out above are based on straightforward cases where the applicant has readily available evidence and supporting documents, no adverse immigration or criminal history and meets all of the requirements of the relevant immigration category. 

We would, in any event, advise clients on likely fees at the outset of a matter.  Our fees will reflect the particular requirements of your case, your particular needs and the extent of our work.

Examples of factors that could make a case more complex and increase the cost include:

  • Whether it is a first-time applicant or extension.
  • Whether there are multiple dependents (eg several children).
  • Where the individual has a criminal record.
  • The language of the client and whether we need to instruct a translator.
  • The number of supporting documents or witnesses.
  • Where supporting documents are difficult to obtain.
  • The frequency and location of the meetings required by the client.
  • Possible attendance at a Home Office interview.
  • Whether it is a fast tracked / premium application.
  • The urgency of the matter.
  • The general workloads and capacity of the team.
  • The location of the work.
Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical disbursements may include:

As individual circumstances and the requirements of each visa vary significantly we are unable to provide costs for the disbursements listed above. We will however confirm the cost in advance.

VAT

Charging VAT in relation to immigration matters will depend on where you live and what immigration permission you have. We will confirm whether VAT (at a rate of 20%) is payable when you instruct us and we can work out if VAT is properly chargeable.

Key stages

The stages set out below are an indication of the services you can expect to be included in a straightforward case.

  • Discussing the clients circumstances and confirming whether this is the most appropriate application to make and what other options may be available.
  • Giving advice about the requirements of the Immigration Rules and whether the client meets the criteria. If the client does not fulfil certain criteria, whether this can be overcome and how.
  • Considering the supporting evidence provided.
  • Preparing the application and submitting it on the clients behalf.
  • Advising the client on timelines.
  • Booking appointments to attend a visa application centre.
  • Giving advice about the outcome of the application and any further steps you need to take.

Other stages – not included in the fee estimates

  • The Home Office fees for making an application.
  • Attendance at a home office interview.
  • Where the Home Office refuse your application, advice and assistance in relation to any appeal.
  • Any travel expenses for attending a meeting outside of OC offices.

Timescales

The timescale for submitting an application will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • How quickly information is provided to us by the client and third parties.
  • The application type.
  • Where the application is submitted.
  • Whether priority processing is available.

Home Office processing times can vary (between 24 hours and six months) depending on the type of application, the availability of expedited services and any case-specific factors. 

We would, in any event, advise clients on likely timescales at the outset of a matter. 

Our lawyers

Details of the lawyers who undertake and supervise this work can be found below.

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