Investigation says Home Office makes about £5bn a year from immigration fees
19 Sep 2026
If you are saving for settlement, citizenship or a family visa, this report is about costs you may face. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) published an investigation on 15 September 2026. It reports that the Home Office makes about £5bn a year from immigration fees. It describes some fees as "up to 10 times the processing cost".
The report uses indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as an example. It says the fee has risen from £155 to £3,226 over two decades. It also says the processing cost is £310. Other figures in the report include a health surcharge of up to £1,035 per year and a fast-track application fee of £2,000. It says the total cost for a Skilled Worker to reach citizenship can be upwards of £24,000.
The Home Office denied it profits from fees. A spokesperson said the money funds "the wider migration and borders system". They said it is right that those who benefit contribute towards its costs. A separate Electronic Immigration Network report on the story gives the same ILR fee and processing cost figures.
This is a news report and a policy argument, not a change to the rules. It does not change any fee. Check the official GOV.UK fee pages for the current cost before you apply.
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