Davidm, and I have to say, to my surprise, IND have recently published guidance about the new charges and that guidance includes :-
Cut-off point for the introduction of the new fees
Applications sent before the proposed new fees are introduced at 12:01 a.m. on 1 April 2005 will not incur the new charges. In disputed cases, IND will need to be satisfied that the application was submitted before this date and would require evidence to confirm the situation. In all cases, it should be noted that the date the application was signed does not prove the date the application was submitted.
Which seems to suggest that in respect of posted applications that as long as the application is posted in March, and if necessary you can prove it, the old level of fees will apply .... even where IND receive the application in April.
As it is no doubt the case that Special Delivery will be used for the posting of an application including important documents such as passport, you will of course have total proof as to when the application was posted.
However, I do not suggest that anyone posts on Thursday 31st March just for the sake of it. Obviously far better to post earlier than that.
Where does the quote above come from? Go to
Leaflets and then click on "Leave to Remain" to download a PDF file.