As a non-UK citizen who wishes to live, work or study in the country for an extended period of time, securing a leave to remain (LTR) status is crucial. However, LTRs are not indefinite and you need to renew your visa when it expires. In this guide, we will discuss how much it costs to renew your LTR status in the UK, with insights from the government and immigration experts at MASTER.
Understanding Leave to Remain in the UK
Before we delve into the cost of renewing your LTR, let’s first define what it is and who needs it. A leave to remain is a temporary immigration status issued by the UK government that allows non-UK citizens to stay in the country for a specific period. It is granted to individuals who wish to study, work or join their families in the UK.
The duration of a leave to remain depends on the purpose of your visit. For instance, student visas typically last for 12 months, while work visas may be valid for up to five years. Once your visa expires, you must apply to renew your LTR if you still require it.
Cost of Renewing Leave to Remain
The cost of renewing your LTR in the UK varies depending on several factors. The main ones being:
1.The type of visa you hold
2.Your location
3.Processing fees
For instance, as of May 2023, the cost of extending a tier 4 student visa is £475, while the cost of extending a tier 5 youth mobility visa is £244. On the other hand, extending a spouse/partner visa costs £1033 if you apply online and £1513 if you use the paper application form.
In addition to the visa fees, you may also have to pay processing fees. This is an additional charge that covers the cost of processing your application. The processing fees vary depending on the type of visa and the service you choose.
For example, if you use the standard service to process your spouse/partner visa renewal, it will take up to 8 weeks and cost an additional £610. On the other hand, if you opt for the priority service, you can expect a decision within five working days at an additional cost of £1512.
Expert Insights from MASTER
To navigate the complexities of UK immigration law and avoid any potential pitfalls when renewing your LTR status, seeking expert advice is essential. This is where immigration experts like MASTER come in.
According to MASTER, the cost of renewing your LTR is just one piece of the puzzle. There are several other factors to consider, including your eligibility criteria, current visa status, documentation requirements, and processing timescales.
MASTER also advises that you should be prepared to pay additional costs for any additional services you may need. For instance, if you need to fast-track your application or seek legal representation, this will incur extra costs.
Conclusion
Renewing your leave to remain in the UK is an important process that requires careful planning and budgeting. While the cost of renewing your LTR varies depending on the type of visa and processing fees, it’s only one part of the equation. Seeking expert advice from immigration specialists like MASTER can help you understand the process and ensure a smooth transition.
