Are you an international student or graduate?
You may have been overcharged for your Student Visa application fee.
What’s happening?
It has been suggested that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may have charged some students more than the law allows when applying for a Student Visa.
This means that you may have overpaid and may wish to submit a refund request.
If you paid between October 2023 and March 2025, the overcharge would be £127.
If you’ve paid since March 2025, the overcharge would be £161.
Who may be affected?
This does not affect all international students.
You may be affected if you are an international student or graduate who held a Student Visa during this period.
Applying for a refund, receiving a refund, or making an enquiry about this issue will not affect your visa status, immigration conditions, or the validity of your visa.
What now?
We understand that finances are a priority for our students and want to make sure that your concerns are heard.
Step 1: Try to claim a refund
We’ve attached a draft letter below, please fill it in with your details.
*refund requests must be made within five years of payment.
Step 2: Send the letter
Once you’ve completed the form, send the letter to the address provided in your visa correspondence with UKVI.
Please note: We cannot guarantee that any refund requests will be successful.
Download the email template below:
Unsure of who to send it to?
My request was rejected…
You may receive a response from the Home Office where they admit error, but state that the fees were still legally valid, so there will be no automatic refunds.
We still encourage students to submit refund requests to highlight this concern to UKVI.
What should I do?
Your next step is to lodge a complaint of maladministration.
To do this, contact your MP to complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
They may be able to potentially recommend repayment and a consolatory payment for the trouble.
*The current waiting list for this is around seven months.
Don’t know who your local MP is?
Your Guide To Leeds University Union
