If you’re studying for the Life in the UK test, you’re probably also thinking about the bigger picture: the whole road to settlement. Part of that is a number you need in front of you, not buried in a government fee table you’ll forget to check again.
From 8 April 2026, the standard fee for an ILR application is £3,226 per applicant. That’s before any priority service.
What the optional extras cost
If you want your application processed faster, you can pay for it:
- Priority service adds £500 on top of the standard fee (total £3,726).
- Super priority service adds £1,000 on top of the standard fee (total £4,226).
Neither is compulsory. They exist for people who need a decision quickly, for a job, a mortgage, a specific date. If you’re not in a hurry, the standard service saves you real money.
These figures apply per applicant, including partners and children applying for settlement in their own right, with no discount for dependants. A family of two adults and two children, for example, would pay £12,904 in total before any priority service. Always check the current fee on the official gov.uk pages before you pay, since Home Office fees are reviewed and changed over time.
Why this matters alongside the test
The Life in the UK test is one part of the settlement process. Passing it doesn’t cost anywhere near what the ILR application itself costs, but the two are linked: you generally need to pass the test before you can apply for settlement, and a failed test attempt costs £50 and comes with a 7-day stand-down period before you can rebook.
Put together, that’s two separate costs you’re budgeting for: the test itself, and the application that follows. Knowing the ILR figure now, while you’re still studying, means it won’t land as a surprise later.
A practical way to think about it
Some people find it easier to separate the two stages mentally:
- Pass the test first, properly. Study in a way that means you don’t need a second £50 attempt.
- Budget for ILR separately, once you know your application date, so the £3,226 doesn’t clash with other costs that month.
Neither figure is small. Being clear-eyed about both, rather than avoiding the numbers, tends to make the whole process less stressful.
Where to check the current fee
Home Office fees change. Before you pay anything, confirm the current figure on the official gov.uk immigration and visa fees page. Haven can help you study for the test with confidence, but it isn’t the source of truth for Home Office fees or eligibility rules, and neither is any blog post, including this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ILR application cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026, the standard fee is £3,226 per applicant. This applies to each person applying for settlement, including partners and children applying in their own right.
Do priority and super priority services cost extra?
Yes. Priority service adds £500 to the standard fee (£3,726 total), and super priority adds £1,000 (£4,226 total). Neither is compulsory, they’re only worth paying for if you need a faster decision.
Do I pay the full fee for my partner and children too?
Yes. Each applicant, including dependants applying for settlement in their own right, pays the full fee separately. There’s no discount for children or family applications.
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