In this article we will discuss UK visa types and fees for all VISA Types in UK.
Complete Guide to UK Visa Types and Fees 2026
Planning to move to the United Kingdom? Understanding visa costs is essential for your immigration journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about UK visa fees, helping you budget accurately for your application.
Understanding UK Visa Application Fees
When applying for a UK visa, you’ll encounter mandatory charges that fund the processing of your application. These fees support UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the government body managing the country’s immigration system.
Your visa fee covers the assessment of your application, decision-making procedures, and production of your visa documentation if approved. The amount varies based on several key factors including your chosen visa category, intended length of stay, and where you’re submitting your application from.
What Determines Your Visa Fee?
Visa Category Selection: Each visa type serves distinct purposes—whether tourism, employment, or education—with varying complexity levels that influence pricing.
Duration of Stay: Longer-term visas typically command higher fees due to extended validation requirements and increased administrative processing.
Applicant Location: While sterling amounts remain consistent, local currency payments may fluctuate based on the Home Office’s exchange rate methodology, which updates weekly using OANDA rates plus a 4% margin.
Processing Speed: Standard processing is included in base fees, but expedited services like Priority or Super Priority require additional payment.
Important Fee Refund Information
Visa application fees are typically non-refundable once submitted. Your payment covers processing costs regardless of the final decision. However, limited refund scenarios exist:
- Overpayment due to calculation errors
- Applications that cannot be processed
- Overseas applications where biometric enrollment wasn’t completed within the required timeframe
- Wrong fee amount charged by UKVI
Priority and Super Priority service refunds follow separate policies and depend on whether the accelerated timeline was delivered.
Work Visa Fees for International Applicants
Applications Submitted Overseas (From November 11, 2025)
Innovator Founder Route
For entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant and dependants | £1,274 | Innovator Founder visa guidance |
| Endorsement fee (payable to endorsing body) | £1,000 + VAT | Endorsing bodies list |
| Contact point meeting with endorsing body | £500 + VAT | Endorsement requirements |
Global Talent Pathway
For leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant (with Approval Letter requirement) | £205 | Global Talent visa overview |
| Main applicant (without Approval Letter requirement) | £766 | Fast Track endorsement |
| Dependants only | £766 | Dependants guidance |
| Competent body approval letter | £561 | Endorsing organisations |
Skilled Worker Visas
For workers with a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | Up to 3 years | £769 | Skilled Worker visa guide |
| Standard Skilled Worker | Over 3 years | £1,519 | Eligibility requirements |
| Immigration Salary List positions | Up to 3 years | £590 | Immigration Salary List |
| Immigration Salary List positions | Over 3 years | £1,160 | Shortage occupations |
| Health and Care Visa | Up to 3 years | £304 | Health and Care Worker visa |
| Health and Care Visa | Over 3 years | £590 | Eligible jobs list |
Global Business Mobility Routes
For overseas businesses sending employees to their UK branch or partner organization
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Up to 3 years | £769 | Senior or Specialist Worker |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Over 3 years | £1,519 | GBM overview |
| Graduate Trainee | All durations | £319 | Graduate Trainee visa |
| Service Supplier | All durations | £319 | Service Supplier visa |
| UK Expansion Worker | All durations | £319 | UK Expansion Worker |
| Secondment Worker | All durations | £319 | Secondment Worker visa |
High-Growth and Talent Routes
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Scale-up visa | £880 | Scale-up visa guide |
| High Potential Individual | £880 | HPI visa information |
| Graduate Route | £880 | Graduate visa |
International Sportsperson
For elite sportspeople and coaches
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Sportsperson | 12 months or less | £319 | Sportsperson visa |
| International Sportsperson | Over 12 months | £769 | Eligibility criteria |
Temporary Work Routes
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Worker | £319 | Seasonal Worker visa |
| Religious Worker (T2 Minister of Religion) | £769 | Religious Worker visa |
| Charity Worker | £319 | Charity Worker visa |
| Creative Worker | £319 | Creative Worker visa |
| International Agreement Worker | £319 | International Agreement visa |
| Government Authorised Exchange | £319 | GAE visa scheme |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | £319 | Youth Mobility visa |
| India Young Professionals Scheme | £319 | India YPS information |
Legacy and Other Work Routes
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Investor | £2,000 | Tier 1 Investor (closed) |
| Representative of Overseas Business | £769 | Representative visa |
Applications Within the UK
Work visa fees for in-country applications are generally higher than overseas equivalents.
Innovator and Talent Routes (In-Country)
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder (main and dependants) | £1,590 | Switch to Innovator Founder |
| Global Talent (with Approval Letter) | £205 | Extend Global Talent visa |
| Global Talent (without Approval Letter) | £766 | Global Talent extension |
| Graduate Route (main and dependants) | £880 | Graduate visa |
Skilled Worker Visas (In-Country)
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | Up to 3 years | £885 | Extend Skilled Worker visa |
| Standard Skilled Worker | Over 3 years | £1,751 | Switch to Skilled Worker |
| Immigration Salary List positions | Up to 3 years | £590 | Salary requirements |
| Immigration Salary List positions | Over 3 years | £1,160 | Immigration Salary List check |
| Health and Care Visa | Up to 3 years | £304 | Extend Health and Care visa |
| Health and Care Visa | Over 3 years | £590 | Health and Care Worker guidance |
Global Business Mobility (In-Country)
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Up to 3 years | £885 | Extend or switch GBM visa |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | Over 3 years | £1,751 | GBM Senior/Specialist guidance |
| Graduate Trainee | All durations | £319 | Graduate Trainee in-country |
| Service Supplier | All durations | £319 | Service Supplier visa |
| UK Expansion Worker | All durations | £319 | UK Expansion Worker |
| Secondment Worker | All durations | £319 | Secondment Worker visa |
Other Work Routes (In-Country)
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Scale-up visa (main and dependants) | £880 | Scale-up visa guide |
| High Potential Individual (main and dependants) | £880 | HPI visa information |
| International Sportsperson (12 months or less) | £319 | Sportsperson visa |
| International Sportsperson (over 12 months) | £885 | Extend Sportsperson visa |
| Representative of Overseas Business | £885 | Representative visa |
Note: Health and Care Visa rates remain consistent whether applying from within or outside the UK, maintaining affordability for healthcare professionals.
Student Visa Costs
Study Visas Applied for Overseas
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant and dependants) | £524 | Student visa guide |
| Child Student | £524 | Child Student visa |
| Short-term study visa (English language, 6-11 months) | £214 | Short-term study visa |
Study Visas Applied for in the UK
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant and dependants) | £524 | Extend Student visa |
| Child Student | £524 | Child Student extension |
Student visas offer consistent pricing whether applying domestically or internationally, making budgeting straightforward for educational institutions and families planning study in the UK.
Visitor and Tourist Visa Fees
Standard Visit Visas
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard visit visa | Up to 6 months | £127 | Visit the UK |
| Long-term visit visa | 2 years | £475 | Long-term Standard Visitor visa |
| Long-term visit visa | 5 years | £848 | Multi-year visit visas |
| Long-term visit visa | 10 years | £1,059 | Frequent visitor guidance |
Specialist Visit Visas
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visiting academic | 6-12 months | £220 | Permitted Paid Engagement |
| Private medical treatment visa | 6-11 months | £220 | Medical treatment visitor |
Transit Visas
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Direct airside transit visa | £39 | Transit visa requirements |
| Transit visit visa (landside transit) | £70 | Landside transit rules |
Other Entry Visas
| Visa Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Crew member visa (joining ship or aircraft) | £70 | Maritime and aviation visa |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £16 | Apply for ETA |
Value Tip: Multi-year visitor visas offer excellent value for frequent travelers. The 10-year option costs less than eight individual 6-month visas, making it ideal for business visitors or those with family in the UK.
Sponsorship Licence Fees for Employers
Businesses wishing to sponsor foreign workers must obtain appropriate licences:
Sponsor Licence Costs
| Licence Type | Organisation Size | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker sponsor licence | Small sponsor/charity | £574 | Sponsor a worker overview |
| Worker sponsor licence | Large sponsor | £1,579 | Apply for a licence |
| Student sponsor licence | All sizes | £574 | Sponsor students |
| Temporary Worker sponsor licence | All sizes | £574 | Temporary Worker sponsorship |
| Combined Worker & Temporary Worker licence | Large sponsor | £1,579 | Multiple licence types |
| Combined Worker & Student licence | Large sponsor | £1,579 | Sponsorship guidance |
Certificate of Sponsorship Charges
| Certificate Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, GBM Senior/Specialist | £525 | Assign CoS to worker |
| Temporary Worker routes and Scale-up | £55 | CoS allocation |
| International Sportsperson (over 12 months) | £525 | Sponsor sportsperson |
| International Sportsperson (up to 12 months) | £55 | Short-term sportsperson CoS |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | £55 | Issue CAS to students |
Additional Sponsorship Services
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Priority service for sponsor licence applications | £750 | Fast-track licence application |
| Expedited processing of sponsorship management request | £350 | Manage your licence |
| Scale-up sponsor endorsement fee (payable to endorsing body) | £1,500 + VAT | Scale-up sponsor route |
| Student sponsor basic compliance assessment | £574 | Compliance guidance |
| Sponsor action plan | £1,579 | Action plan requirements |
Important Notice: The Premium Sponsor Service is scheduled to close on November 30, 2025. UKVI no longer accepts new applications for this service.
Settlement and Nationality Application Fees
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
| Application Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (main applicants and dependants) | £3,029 | Settle in the UK |
| Route to Settlement | £1,938 | Settlement routes overview |
| Route to Settlement (other dependant relative) | £3,413 | Adult dependent relatives |
| Route to Settlement (refugee dependant relative) | £424 | Refugee family reunion |
| ILE as HM Armed Forces dependant | £3,029 | Armed Forces settlement |
| ILE as HM Armed Forces service leaver | £3,029 | Service personnel settlement |
| ILE as victim of domestic abuse | £3,029 | Domestic violence settlement |
British Citizenship Applications
| Application Type | Applicant Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation (British citizenship) | Adult | £1,605 | Apply for citizenship |
| Registration as British citizen | Adult | £1,446 | Register as British citizen |
| Registration as British citizen | Child | £1,214 | Child registration |
| Registration under Irish citizen provisions | Adult | £723 | Irish citizens in UK |
| Registration under Irish citizen provisions | Child | £607 | Irish provisions for children |
British Overseas Territories and Other Nationality
| Application Type | Applicant Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation British Overseas Territory citizens | Adult | £1,070 | BOTC naturalisation |
| Registration – BOTC, British Overseas, British Subjects, Protected Persons | Adult | £964 | Other British nationality |
| Registration – BOTC, British Overseas, British Subjects, Protected Persons | Child | £810 | Child nationality registration |
Citizenship Ceremonies and Documentation
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship ceremony arrangement (including oath and pledge) | £130 | Citizenship ceremony |
| Administration of oath/pledge (not at ceremony) | £5 | Alternative oath administration |
| Renunciation of nationality | £482 | Renounce British citizenship |
| Certificate of Entitlement (Right of Abode) | £589 | Right of Abode certificate |
| Nationality review | £482 | Review nationality decision |
| Status letter (Nationality) | £459 | Request status confirmation |
| Non-acquisition letter (Nationality) | £459 | Nationality status documents |
| Nationality correction to certificate | £428 | Correct certificate errors |
| Supply of certified copy (notice, certificate, order, declaration) | £428 | Certified copies |
| Nationality reissued certificate | £428 | Replace nationality certificate |
Travel Documents (Effective from April 10, 2025)
| Document Type | Applicant Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of travel | Adult | £300 | Travel documents for non-citizens |
| Certificate of travel | Child | £151 | Child travel documents |
| Convention travel document | Adult | £94.50 | Refugee travel document |
| Convention travel document | Child | £61.50 | Child refugee travel document |
Optional Premium Processing Services
Overseas Applications
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa service (Settlement) | £500 | Within 5 working days | Priority services overview |
| Priority Visa service (Non-Settlement) | £500 | Within 5 working days | Priority visa processing |
| Super Priority Visa service | £1,000 | End of next working day | Super Priority service |
| User Pays Visa Application service | £76.50 | Standard + service | User pays services |
UK Applications
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Priority service | £1,000 | End of next working day | In-country Super Priority |
| Priority service (expedited processing) | £500 | Within 5 working days | In-country Priority service |
| On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) | £650 per hour | As scheduled | Mobile biometrics |
Immigration Officer Premium Services
| Service Type | Location | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration officer premium service | To Government Dept | £72.27 per hour | Bespoke services |
| Immigration officer premium service | General | £150 per hour | Premium officer services |
Status Checks and Advice Services
| Service Type | Grade Level | When | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium status checks and advice | Administrative Officer | Any time | £0.80 per minute | Status verification |
| Premium status checks/advice/training | Executive Officer | Office hours | £0.88 per minute | Immigration advice services |
| Premium status checks/advice/training | Executive Officer | Outside hours | £1.10 per minute | Out-of-hours services |
| Premium status checks/advice/training | Higher Executive Officer | Office hours | £0.97 per minute | Senior advice services |
| Premium status checks/advice/training | Higher Executive Officer | Outside hours | £1.23 per minute | Senior out-of-hours |
Contact Centre Services
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| International Contact Centre – Email Service | £2.74 per query | Email support service |
| International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline | £0.69 per minute | Phone support line |
Important Notes:
- Priority Service aims for decisions within 5 working days, provided there are no application issues
- Super Priority targets next-working-day decisions after biometric information submission
- Availability varies by visa type and applicant location
- Not all visa application centres offer expedited options
- These services guarantee faster processing, not visa approval
Additional Costs Beyond Application Fees
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This mandatory charge applies to most applicants staying longer than six months and provides access to NHS services:
- Standard rate: £1,035 per year
- Reduced rate (students and children): £776 per year
Example calculation: A family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa would pay: £3,105 + £3,105 + £2,328 + £2,328 = £10,866 in total IHS charges.
Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from IHS payments.
Biometric Enrollment Costs
Applicants must provide fingerprints and photographs. In the UK, most standard UKVCAS appointments are free, though some locations charge £76.50 for standard slots. Overseas costs vary by location and are typically integrated into visa application center fees.
Document Translation and Certification
Documents not in English or Welsh require certified translations. Translation costs vary by language and document length but are necessary to meet UKVI standards. Budget approximately £25-£50 per page for professional certified translations.
Immigration Skills Charge for Employers
When sponsoring workers, employers pay this levy:
Small sponsors and charities:
- First 12 months: £364
- Each additional 6 months: £182
Medium and large sponsors:
- First 12 months: £1,000
- Each additional 6 months: £500
The charge is paid upfront when assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship, typically for the full sponsorship period up to five years.
English Language Testing
Certain visa categories require English proficiency proof through approved tests. Costs typically range from £150 to £250 depending on the test provider, type, and country of examination.
Professional Immigration Advice
While optional, many applicants engage immigration lawyers or advisers. Fees vary widely based on service complexity, from basic consultations to full application management services.
Fee Exemptions and Waivers
Who Qualifies for Fee Exemptions?
Humanitarian Protection Applicants: Those unable to return home due to fear of serious harm pay no application fees.
Asylum Seekers: Individuals seeking asylum or appealing asylum decisions are exempt from visa fees.
Human Trafficking Victims: Recognized victims receive fee exemptions for their first visa following status recognition.
Refugees Under Resettlement Schemes: Participants in government-sponsored programmes like the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme qualify for exemptions.
Diplomatic Personnel: Government officials traveling for official duties typically receive complimentary visas through diplomatic channels.
In-Country Fee Waivers
If applying to remain in the UK, you may qualify for a fee waiver if you’re:
- A partner, parent, or dependent child of someone with a family visa or UK permission based on private life
- Granted Discretionary Leave or Leave outside the Rules on human rights grounds after refugee or humanitarian protection denial
- Granted permission as a modern slavery or human trafficking victim
Fee waivers may also apply if you face financial hardship, such as:
- Lacking adequate housing or means to secure it
- Having housing but insufficient funds for essentials like food or heating
- Having very low income where paying the fee would harm your child’s welfare
Waiver approval should be secured before submitting your main visa application.
Payment Methods and Procedures
How to Pay UK Visa Fees
Fees are set in pounds sterling but can be paid in local currency based on current exchange rates. The Home Office applies its Exchange Rate Policy using OANDA live bid prices plus 4%, reviewed weekly.
Online Payments: Most applicants pay via credit or debit card through the UKVI website. Major cards including Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Some portals support Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Visa Application Centre Payments: Many centers accept card payments directly. Some locations may also accept cash or local payment methods depending on the country.
Bank Transfers: Available for certain high-value business or sponsorship applications when authorized by UKVI. Follow precise payment instructions to ensure correct allocation.
Demand Drafts and Cheques: Accepted at some overseas locations, payable to the British diplomatic mission or local visa office as specified.
Always verify current fees on the official UKVI website before payment, as rates change frequently.
Common Misconceptions About UK Visa Fees
Myth: Visa fees are refunded if your application is denied Reality: Fees are generally non-refundable regardless of outcome. They cover processing costs that occur whether or not permission is granted.
Myth: Everyone pays the same fee worldwide Reality: While sterling amounts remain consistent, local currency payments vary due to exchange rate conversions under the Home Office policy.
Myth: The application fee covers all costs Reality: Additional charges often apply, including health surcharge, biometric fees, translations, and optional premium services.
Myth: Children and elderly applicants don’t pay fees Reality: Most children and elderly applicants pay standard fees unless they qualify for specific exemptions under UKVI policy.
Myth: Your fee covers multiple entries Reality: Entry permissions depend on the visa type granted. Some allow multiple entries, others don’t—this is determined by UKVI during assessment.
Myth: Visa fees remain constant Reality: Fees are reviewed and updated regularly, often annually or at fiscal review points. Always check current rates before applying.
Additional UK Immigration Services and Fees
UK Border Premium Services
| Service Type | Applicant Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Traveller – Yearly Subscription | Adult | £50 per year | Registered Traveller service |
| Registered Traveller – Yearly Subscription | Child | £24 per year | Child Registered Traveller |
| Registered Traveller – New Document Registration | Any | £20 | Update travel documents |
| Fast Track – Heathrow Airport | Any | £10 | Heathrow Fast Track |
| Fast Track – Other UK ports of entry | Any | £10 | Border Fast Track service |
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Route
| Application Type | Duration | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN(O) visa (applied overseas) | 30 months | £193 | BN(O) visa route |
| BN(O) visa (applied overseas) | 5 years | £268 | BN(O) 5-year application |
| BN(O) visa (applied in-country) | 30 months | £193 | Extend or switch BN(O) |
| BN(O) visa (applied in-country) | 5 years | £268 | BN(O) in-country application |
Other In-Country Applications
| Application Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Extension (main applicant and dependants) | £1,100 | Extend UK visit |
| Leave to enter for persons liable to immigration detention | £1,321 | Immigration detention procedures |
| Leave to remain – Other | £1,321 | Apply to stay in UK |
| Processing invalid application | £28 | Application requirements |
Document Replacement and Administrative Services
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement BRC (EU Settlement Scheme) – lost/stolen/damaged | £19 | Replace BRC |
| Replacement BRP – lost/stolen/damaged | £19 | Replace BRP |
| Single-entry visa to replace BRP | £154 | Replacement visa for travel |
| Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) overseas | £154 | Transfer visa conditions |
| Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode (outside UK) | £589 | Right of Abode certificate |
| Other visa (non-categorized) | £682 | General visa applications |
Review and Testing Services
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Review | £80 | Request administrative review |
| Life in the UK test | £50 | Book Life in UK test |
Consular Services
| Service Type | Fee | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Call out / out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) | £142 | Consular services |
| Receiving, preparing and forwarding documents | £141 | Document services |
Planning Your UK Visa Budget
When calculating your total visa costs, consider:
- Primary application fee for your visa category
- Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year standard, £776/year reduced rate)
- Biometric enrollment (usually free in UK, varies overseas)
- Priority processing (optional: £500-£1,000)
- Document translations (approximately £25-£50 per page)
- English language testing (£150-£250)
- Professional advice (varies significantly)
- Travel to appointments and related expenses
For families, multiply relevant costs by the number of applicants. Remember that dependants typically pay the same fees as main applicants.
Tips for Managing Visa Application Costs
Verify Current Fees: Always check the latest fee schedule on the UKVI website before paying. Rates change frequently.
Prepare Documentation Properly: Avoid rejection costs by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission.
Consider Timing: If you can be flexible, standard processing saves significant money compared to priority services.
Budget for Hidden Costs: Account for translations, travel, photographs, and other ancillary expenses beyond the application fee.
Check Exemption Eligibility: Research whether you qualify for any fee waivers or exemptions before paying.
Keep Payment Records: Save all receipts and confirmation emails for reference during your application process.
Use Stable Payment Methods: Ensure your payment card is enabled for international transactions and has sufficient funds.
Key Reminders
- Application fees are generally non-refundable once submitted
- IHS offers more refund scenarios than application fees, including for refused applications
- Priority service fees are separate from main application fees
- Exchange rates can cause local currency amounts to fluctuate slightly
- Fee changes can occur without advance public notice
- Always verify you’re paying the correct current amount
- Commercial service fees from visa centers follow provider terms
- Costs like translations and tests are separate from UKVI fees
Getting Professional Assistance
Navigating UK visa applications can be complex, especially when calculating total costs and ensuring fee compliance. Immigration specialists can help you:
- Determine the most cost-effective visa route for your circumstances
- Identify potential fee exemptions or waivers
- Ensure you pay correct amounts to avoid delays or rejections
- Understand refund eligibility if circumstances change
- Manage sponsorship obligations for employers
- Navigate complex family or settlement applications
Professional guidance is particularly valuable for business sponsors managing multiple applications or families planning long-term relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will my UK visa application cost? A: This depends on your visa route and permission length. Check the current fee tables before payment as rates change regularly.
Q: Can I pay in my local currency? A: Yes. Fees are set in sterling but can be paid locally. UKVI applies exchange rates using OANDA plus 4%, reviewed weekly, so local amounts may vary.
Q: What if my payment is declined? A: Verify your card details, available funds, and that international transactions are enabled. Try a different card if needed or pay at a Visa Application Centre if available.
Q: How can I avoid payment problems? A: Use a stable internet connection, confirm the exact current fee, ensure your bank permits the transaction, and keep all receipts and screenshots.
Q: How often do fees change? A: The Home Office reviews fees regularly, often annually or at fiscal review points. Changes can occur without advance notice.
Q: Does my application fee include multiple entries? A: No. Entry permissions depend on the visa route and the decision issued. Check your grant conditions for specific entry allowances.
Q: Are there costs beyond the application fee? A: Yes. Common additions include the Immigration Health Surcharge, priority services, translations, and Visa Application Centre fees.
Conclusion
Understanding UK visa fees is crucial for successful immigration planning. While costs can be substantial—especially when including the Immigration Health Surcharge and other ancillary expenses—proper budgeting ensures you’re financially prepared for your application.
Remember that visa fees are subject to regular review and can change without notice. Always verify current rates on the official UKVI website immediately before making payment to ensure accuracy. Incorrect payments can delay processing or result in application rejection.
Whether you’re applying for work, study, settlement, or citizenship, thorough financial planning will help your immigration journey proceed smoothly. Consider consulting with immigration professionals if you’re uncertain about fees, eligibility for exemptions, or the most cost-effective route for your circumstances.
This guide reflects fees effective from November 11, 2025, for sponsorship priority services and other updates. Always consult the official UKVI website for the most current fee information before submitting your application.
