UK Visa Fees at a Glance
Understanding the full cost of a UK visa goes beyond the application fee. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and many opt for priority processing to get faster decisions.
This guide covers every major visa category so you can budget accurately.
Work Visas
| Visa type | Application fee | IHS (per year) | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | £719 | £1,035 | £500 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,035 | £500 |
| Global Talent | £716 | £1,035 | N/A |
| Graduate | £822 | £1,035 | N/A |
Family Visas
| Visa type | Application fee | IHS (per year) | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner | £1,846 | £1,035 | £1,000 |
| Fiancé(e) | £1,846 | N/A | £1,000 |
| Parent | £1,846 | £1,035 | £1,000 |
| Child dependent | £1,846 | £1,035 | N/A |
Study & Visitor Visas
| Visa type | Application fee | IHS (per year) | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | £490 | £776 | £500 |
| Short-term Study (6 months) | £200 | N/A | N/A |
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | £115 | N/A | N/A |
| Standard Visitor (2 years) | £400 | N/A | N/A |
Settlement Visas
| Visa type | Application fee | IHS | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestry | £803 | £1,035/yr | N/A |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | £2,885 | N/A | £1,000 |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS gives you access to NHS healthcare on the same basis as a UK resident. As of 2026:
- Standard rate: £1,035 per year
- Student / Youth Mobility rate: £776 per year
- Visitor visas: Exempt (no IHS required)
You pay upfront for the entire duration of your visa. For example, a 2.5-year spouse visa requires £2,587.50 in IHS fees.
Who is exempt from the IHS?
- Standard visitor visa applicants
- Diplomatic visa holders
- Armed forces and their dependants
- Victims of modern slavery
Priority Processing
Not all visa types offer priority processing. Where available:
- Priority service: £500–£1,000 (decision within 5 working days)
- Super priority service: £800–£1,500 (decision by end of next working day)
Priority is subject to availability and may be suspended during busy periods.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the official government fees, expect these additional costs:
- English language test: £150–£200
- TB test: £50–£100 (required for some nationalities)
- Document translation: £20–£30 per page
- Immigration lawyer: £1,500–£5,000+ (optional but common for complex cases)
- Biometrics appointment: Usually included, but premium centres charge extra
- Travel to visa application centre: Varies by location
How to Pay
All fees are paid online during the application process. You can pay by:
- Debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Some centres accept bank transfers
The IHS is paid separately through the IHS payment portal before submitting your application.
Refunds
- Application fee: Generally non-refundable, even if your visa is refused
- IHS: Refunded automatically if your visa is refused, or you can claim a refund if you leave the UK early
- Priority fee: Non-refundable