UK Fee Waiver (Applying in the UK)

Overview

A fee waiver can remove the application fee for some applications made from inside the UK, when the applicant cannot afford it. It is mainly linked to applications based on family or private life and some other limited routes, and many visa types are not eligible.

Key points

Who can apply

• People applying from inside the UK on an eligible route
• Applicants with very limited income and savings
• Families with children in the UK

Eligibility details

• You must request the fee waiver before you submit your immigration application
• You may ask for a waiver if you cannot afford the fee and risk being destitute
• Applications relying on family or private life (Article 8) are the main category
• If a waiver is granted, it can also cover the Immigration Health Surcharge where payable
• If you get a fee waiver code, use it to apply within 10 working days

How the process works

1. Check eligibilityWe check whether your application type qualifies
2. Collect evidenceBank statements, income, outgoings and family details
3. Submit the fee waiver requestUse the official online form before the main application
4. Wait for the decisionDo not submit the main application until you get it
5. Apply with your codeComplete the application within the deadline

How OvalArc helps

1. Free assessmentWe review your age, education, work history and language score.
2. Route planYou receive options with costs and timelines in writing.
3. DocumentsWe prepare and check every document before filing.
4. Filing and follow-upWe submit, track and respond to the authority.

Costs and timelines

• Government application and biometrics fees
• Language test and credential or skills assessment fees
• Medical exam, police certificates and translations
• Our service fee, set out in your written agreement

Government fees and processing times change. Your adviser gives the current figures from the official source.

Documents we usually need

• Valid passport
• Education certificates and mark sheets
• Work experience and reference letters
• Language test result (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or other)
• Police clearance and medical when required
• Proof of funds and civil documents

The exact list depends on your case.

Mistakes to avoid

• Submitting documents that do not match each other
• Missing deadlines in an invitation or request letter
• Hiding past refusals or travel history
• Relying on outdated rules from old web pages

Common questions