The adult dependent relative visa is one of the most rigorous and well-screened UK immigration categories for non-EEA nationals. It is aimed at those who require long-term personal care and have no other source of support available to them within their home country. This visa allows relatives who are parents, grandparents, or adult children requiring extended care to stay in the UK with and be cared for by family members. As this visa is specific, the fees accompanying it are high enough and thus have to be financially well-planned to allow the application to go through. Here, we have each cost accompanying the ADR visa application procedure in 2024, along with the route to the Indefinite Leave to Remain application also called ILR.
Primary Application Fees
The Adult Dependent Relative visa application costs £3,250 to enter from outside the UK, which also means that upon approval, it attracts an automatic grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain application. The cost is not refundable if the application is refused, and this is arguably one of the highest-priced fees among UK visas since it offers settlement rights right away.
The application fee would be exempted for refugees or human protection status cases, although this exemption is very rare. Moreover, an ADR visa application, for instance, based on exceptional circumstances, will attract a fee of £1,048 as the amount payable to be charged for the application. These internal applications are less frequent but might be applied in exceptional circumstances where the applicant is already in the UK under a different visa status and requires transitioning to an ADR.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge, IHS, is a charge that has been made compulsory for access to NHS health care in the UK. This would translate to an increase in the IHS fee to £1,035 for 2024, and ADR applicants would have had to pay upfront for a predetermined number of years in order to cover their healthcare over that time. Since the ADR visa is indefinite, one could then theoretically consider a single, lump sum payment based on estimated future residence. Alternatively, it might be paid incrementally based on what the Home Office may state.
The IHS is costly, but it provides overall access to NHS services to reduce the cost of private health services that could prove too expensive for elderly applicants who may need continuous medical attention. Since adult dependent relative visa applicants will typically have health problems that need regular medical treatment, this fee is part of the overall expense for ADR visa sponsorship.
Maintenance and Care Requirements: Additional Evidence
Compared with most family-based visas, the financial requirements for ADR visas are more stringent, as they are graded on “adequate maintenance” rather than fixed incomes. A sponsor must be a UK-based relative. The sponsor must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient income or savings to be able to support the applicant’s health care, housing, and other daily needs. In general, financial evidence may encompass the following:
Income Proof: Sponsors are required to provide payslips, bank statements, and other proof for the last six months. Though no minimum income threshold is defined, the sponsor must demonstrate that he or she can afford every need of the dependent relative.
Savings and Investments: Savings or investments can complement the regular income. For instance, higher savings can offset meagre monthly income. This is dependent upon the Home Office being satisfied that such financial support will be sustained in the long run.
Proof of Accommodation: The sponsor must ensure that the accommodation meets the UK space and occupancy standards. The proof can be a tenancy agreement, a mortgage statement, or even a letter from the landlord ensuring that the applicant’s accommodations are safe and satisfactory and meet public health standards.
Additional Biometric and Document Fees
Once an applicant submits an application, he will have to make a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre in the UK or a nominated visa application centre overseas. Biometrics include fingerprints and a photo – the biometrics fee is usually £19.20. In some cases, applicants are supposed to provide some original documents at the biometric centre, and thus, they may be charged extra.
If any of the supporting documents are not in English, they cost £50 more. These add up to the full price, and certified translations of a medical report, a financial record, or a personal identification document tend to be between £50 and £150, depending on the complexity of the document.
Priority and Super Priority Services
The UK provides optional Priority and Super Priority services for those requiring faster visa processing. The Priority service boosts the decision-making process to around five business days, adding a further £500. The Super Priority service bumps the decision-making process up to the next business day with an added fee of £1,000. These add a considerable amount to the overall application cost but are well worth it should there be a need for a faster response—possibly with urgent, time-sensitive healthcare-related needs.
Additional Cost: Fee for Immigration Solicitor
Most sponsors hire immigration solicitors to apply for ADR because the process is complex in nature. For example, they will guide you on how to fulfil your documentation requirements, demonstrate the need for care, and ensure that your application is upheld by enough evidence. Legal costs are very different but typically range between £1,500 to £5,000 depending on your solicitor’s experience, the complexity of your case, and how much preparation is needed for documentation.
Summary of Total Costs
The overall costs incurred for the Adult Dependent Relative visa in 2024 are worked out on every case complexity and if urgent services, lawyer services, or extra document translations will be necessary. A general estimate of the most significant expenses is as follows:
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Application fee outside of the UK – £3,250
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Immigration Health Charge – £1,035 per year
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Costs for biometrics: approximately – £19.20
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Translating document costs – £50 to £150 per document-if applicable
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Priority Processing Fees – £500 or £1,000 for Super Priority
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Legal fees – within the range of £1,500 to £5,000 (approximate)
These costs depict the monetary investment needed for the adult dependent relative visa. Therefore, proper preparation should be made for such a high-value decision. To obtain assistance in an Indefinite Leave to Remain application or to learn about the expenses, A Y & J Solicitors will provide dedicated assistance and support to make your application process smoother and ensure compliance with all the requirements that come the way.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with an Indefinite Leave to Remain application. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us at +44 20 7404 7933. We’re here to help!