Why do I have to pay?

I have been living and working in the UK for the past 9 years under UK Ancestry, paying in National Insurance in all those years, so I have contributed fairly. In the 1st 3 years of my being here my son and I had not visited a medical facility. Till today my son has not been to a doctor and is also paying his National Insurance. I have private medical and am failing to understand why someone like me who has already contributed is having to pay this. Because they issue you with a 5 year visa you need to pay £1000 each in advance and if you do not pay it your application will not even be considered and you will have to leave the country. I have invested in purchasing a home. We have never claimed any benefits and been model 'citizens'. Why are we being penalised? Anyone know? Thanks in advance for any insight.

If you already have a valid visa issued before 6th April 2015 you don't need to pay now. If you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you also do not pay the surcharge.

On what basis do you believe you have to pay the surcharge?

Visa was issued in May 2010 and is due for renewal now so I need to renew it and I've had to pay it or they will not even consider my renewal application. Due to circumstances beyond my control I am not able to do the ILR application at this time, which would have been the better option.

That is a pity as you are eligible for ILR. Is the reason personal or due to issues with meeting the requirements of your visa?

As the visa is Ancestry and my son who came with me was under 18 at the time but is now over 18, we both need to meet the requirements. He lost 'all' his identity documents and it has taken so long to get replacements and unfortunately, we have but about 3 weeks left on the current visa, we could not apply for him to be tested and I am afraid that if I did it on my own he would not be able to get it after that. Its just one of those things that happens unfortunately. Not a good place to be in right now. Also the fees for the English Speaking B1 test are so expensive it's an exploitation. I actually phoned the Home Office 3 times today to get further clarification and still they say if you don't pay - application will be rejected. No help whatsoever. Furthermore, for those applying for ILR you still need to pay just not in one lump sum and not before the application is made. They will nab you after for it.

That really is a shame to happen so close to qualifying for ILR, I really feel for you and this massive extra expense you have had. What is your nationality??