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<p>An assessment of the impact of all border, immigration and citizenship (BIC) fees
was published as an associated document to the Immigration and<br>Nationality Fees
(Regulations) 2018. Whilst the assessment doesn’t focus on<br>affordability, which
would be a very subjective matter, it does include <br>estimates of price elasticity.
Policy Equality Statements are prepared alongside proposed fee changes.</p><p>The
relevant information can be found via the following link:</p><p><a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2018/59/pdfs/ukia_20180059_en.pdf"
target="_blank">http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2018/59/pdfs/ukia_20180059_en.pdf</a></p><p>Additionally,
the Home Office keeps its fees for immigration and nationality under regular review
and changes to individual charges need to be made with a view to maintaining the overall
purpose of the fees and charging legislation.</p><p>The Home Office constantly strives
to achieve the right balance between ensuring that individuals are able to obtain
status in the UK and access appropriate services, without adding burden to the taxpayer.</p><p>Applying
for British nationality is not mandatory and many individuals who have settlement/
indefinite leave to remain (ILR) status choose not to apply. This is because, in addition
to lawful permanent residence in the UK, a person with indefinite leave to remain
has full access to the UK labour market, education, healthcare and the ability to
sponsor family members’ residence in the UK.</p><p>The Home Office also provides for
exceptions to the need to pay application fees for limited and indefinite leave to
remain, in a number of specific<br>circumstances. These exceptions ensure that the
Home Office’s immigration and nationality fee structure complies with international
obligations, including in relation to refugees and persons deriving rights under the
ECHR and wider government policy and the protection of vulnerable children, such as
those in Local Authority (LA) care.</p>
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