EDM 1126: Immigration application fees for young adults and children

That this House expresses deep concern over the current cost of visa application fees, particularly the lack of a fee waiver for indefinite leave to remain (ILR); notes that in June 2022, the previous Government changed the immigration rules for young adults and children to shorten the settlement route for young migrants on the private life route, making them eligible for settlement after five years of temporary status; further notes that, since then, limited leave to remain application fees having risen by 47% since 2022 to £3,845, making them increasingly unaffordable and pushing young people and families into financial hardship with risk of losing their lawful status; recognises that the absence of a fee waiver for those unable to afford ILR has a profound impact on young people who have grown up in the UK and are eligible, leading to severe financial and mental health challenges, and no hope of permanent status, simply because of the lack of fee waiver; and urges the Government to conduct a full review of the impact of current visa fees on young migrants and children and to extend fee waivers to ILR applications on the private life route to enable these young adults and children to secure their future and fully participate in the society they call home.