Get a visa application fee waiver from inside the UK

A fee waiver allows individuals to avoid paying certain fees by proving that they cannot afford them. If you’re applying for permission to stay in the UK, you can apply for a fee waiver. This means you will not have to pay a visa application fee if you are eligible.

Eligibility:

You may qualify for a fee waiver if any of the following apply:

• You are a partner, parent, or dependent child of someone who holds a family visa or has permission to stay in the UK based on their private life.
• You have ‘Discretionary Leave’ or ‘Leave outside the Immigration Rules’ granted on human rights grounds, particularly if your application for refugee status or humanitarian protection was refused. Check your Biometric Residence Permit to confirm your status.
• You have permission to stay in the UK as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Additionally, you can apply for a fee waiver if you are unable to pay the fee due to financial hardship, such as: 

• Being without accommodation in the UK and unable to afford one.
• Having accommodation but being unable to meet essential living costs, like food or heating.
• Having a very low income where paying the fee would negatively impact your child’s wellbeing.

If you are granted a fee waiver, you must apply to remain in the UK for one of the specified reasons.

If you are applying with family members, you must include the same individuals in your fee waiver request as in your application for permission to stay. For instance, this could include your partner or any dependent children. 

You can request a fee waiver on behalf of one or more family members applying with you, even if you do not need a fee waiver for your own application. This may be suitable if you are able to cover some, but not all, of the application fees.