Family visa costs can be difficult to compare. One firm may quote a fixed legal fee, another an hourly rate, and government charges are usually separate. We’re here to help you understand what you may be paying for before you choose how to proceed.
This guide explains typical UK immigration lawyer fees for family visas 2026, what a clear quote should cover, and how to compare offers fairly. The figures are indicative: fees vary between firms and depend on the work involved. They are not a personal quote or a guarantee of the outcome of an application.
Fixed fees and hourly rates: what’s the difference?
With a fixed fee, you agree a set price for a defined piece of legal work. For example, a firm might quote one fee to advise on eligibility, review evidence, prepare and submit a spouse visa application, and deal with routine Home Office correspondence up to a decision.
A fixed fee can make budgeting easier, but check the scope carefully. “Fixed” does not automatically mean that every task connected to your case is covered.
With hourly billing, you pay for the time spent on your case at an agreed rate. The total depends on how much work is needed. This may suit a matter where the work is hard to define at the outset, but it can be more difficult to predict the final cost. Ask for an estimate, how often you will receive updates on costs, and whether the firm will seek your approval before exceeding the estimate.
Typical legal fees for family visa applications in 2026
The following ranges are an indication of professional fees for standard applications. They exclude Home Office charges and may exclude VAT, depending on the firm. A previous refusal, complicated immigration history, self-employment, children included in the application or detailed financial evidence can increase the fee.
| Application | Indicative legal fee |
|---|---|
| Spouse or partner visa from outside the UK | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Spouse or partner visa extension from inside the UK | £1,000–£1,600 |
| Partner-route indefinite leave to remain (ILR) | £1,200–£1,800 |
| British citizenship by naturalisation | £1,000–£1,500 for a standard case; complex cases may cost more |
These figures are professional fees only, not the total cost of applying. Citizenship is included because it may be the next step for some people after settlement, although it is a separate application from a family visa.
Government fees are separate from your adviser’s fee
You will usually need to budget for the Home Office application fee and, for many time-limited visas, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These are government charges, not legal fees. They are normally paid to the Home Office as part of the application process.
As at 15 October 2026, the main charges for an adult applicant are:
| Application | Home Office application fee | Typical IHS | Government charges combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner visa from outside the UK, usually granted for 33 months | £2,064 | £3,105 | £5,169 |
| Partner visa extension in the UK, usually granted for 30 months | £1,407 | £2,587.50 | £3,994.50 |
| Family-route ILR | £3,226 | No IHS | £3,226 |
| Naturalisation as a British citizen | £1,709 plus £130 ceremony fee | No IHS | £1,839 |
The IHS depends on the length of permission and the applicant’s circumstances. Children and other dependants may have different surcharge amounts. Check the current Home Office immigration and nationality fee table and the IHS guidance before applying.
For example, a standard partner visa from outside the UK could involve £5,169 in government charges, plus the legal fee and any other costs. The amounts above are examples, not a complete quote for your household. You can check the relevant family visa fees and application information, ILR information and citizenship fees on GOV.UK.
What should a fixed fee include?
A useful quote should make clear what the adviser will do, not simply name a price. Depending on the service agreed, it may include:
- An eligibility assessment and advice on the relevant route.
- A document checklist tailored to your circumstances.
- Review of supporting documents and identification of gaps or risks.
- Preparation or checking of the application form and supporting representations.
- Submission of the application and guidance on the next steps.
- Routine correspondence with you and the Home Office up to the decision.
Check whether the quote covers one applicant or includes dependants. It should also explain what counts as “routine correspondence”, and whether the adviser will review additional evidence if the Home Office asks for it after submission.
Some work may be outside a standard fee or require a separate quote. This can include an appeal or administrative review, substantial work on complex financial evidence, an urgent deadline, a new application after refusal, or extensive extra work following a Home Office request. These tasks are not necessarily excluded in every case, but they should be addressed clearly in writing before you instruct the firm.
Fixed fee or hourly billing: which works better for you?
A fixed fee gives you greater certainty about the cost of the agreed work. It can help you plan, particularly when the application process is likely to involve predictable stages. Its main limitation is that work beyond the agreed scope may cost extra.
Hourly billing means you pay for time actually spent, which can be appropriate when the case is difficult to assess in advance. But if the work takes longer than expected, the total may rise. Ask how you will be told about additional work and whether you must approve it first.
Neither approach is automatically better. Focus on what is included, how changes are handled and whether you will know the likely total before work begins.
Red flags in a fee quote
Take care if a quote:
- Uses vague wording, such as “full service”, without listing the work covered.
- Does not say whether the fee includes VAT, if applicable.
- Adds charges for ordinary updates or basic correspondence without explaining this in advance.
- Does not distinguish the adviser’s fee from Home Office charges and other expenses.
- Is not confirmed in writing before you instruct the firm.
A clear written quote should identify the application, the work included, likely additional costs and the circumstances in which the fee might change.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask each firm for a breakdown based on the same application and the same scope of work. Check whether the quote includes an eligibility assessment, evidence review, form preparation, submission and routine correspondence. Ask how dependants, complex evidence, urgent work and follow-up requests will be charged.
Also check the expected total: legal fee, VAT if applicable, Home Office fee, IHS and any likely third-party expenses. A low headline figure may cover only a limited service, so compare the work you will receive rather than the number alone.
Why value matters more than the lowest price
A refusal can mean extra expense and delay. Home Office application fees are generally not refunded if an application is refused, and you may need to pay again to make a new application. What happens next depends on the refusal and your circumstances; advice does not guarantee a successful outcome.
Careful preparation can help identify missing documents, inconsistencies or eligibility concerns before you apply. The right level of support depends on your case: you may want full representation, or advice on a particular issue. The important thing is to understand the risks and the service you are paying for.
ECA Lawyers provides tailored guidance on family visas and leave, permanent residence and British citizenship. We offer fixed and affordable fees, with a clear explanation of the agreed work, so you know what to expect. We support individuals and families in Leeds, Harrogate and across West Yorkshire.
If you would like help understanding the likely cost of your application, please get in touch with ECA Lawyers for a clear, fixed-fee quote. You can call 0113 457 9835 or email info@ecalawyers.co.uk. We will be happy to discuss your circumstances and explain the next steps.
The fees in this article are indicative and may change. Government charges and immigration rules can be updated. Check the current official guidance and obtain a written quote based on your circumstances before making an application.
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