UK Visa Fees 2026: Every Route
What you need to know
- •Every visa applicant must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year on top of their application fee.
- •Skilled Worker visa fees range from £719 to £1,500 depending on duration and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.
- •Priority and super priority processing can cost £500 to £1,000+ extra but can reduce waiting times significantly.
- •Some applicants qualify for fee waivers, but these are limited to specific circumstances.
- •Hidden costs like English language tests, TB certificates, and document translation can add hundreds of pounds.
UK immigration is expensive, and costs have risen significantly in recent years. This guide lists the exact fees for every major visa route in 2026 and explains the additional charges you need to plan for, including the Immigration Health Surcharge, biometric fees, and optional priority services.
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How UK Visa Fees Are Structured
Every UK visa application involves multiple fees. Understanding the structure helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. For a guide focused on costs that are not immediately obvious, see our hidden costs of immigration guide.
The main fee components are:
- Application fee: The main fee paid to the Home Office. This varies by visa route and application type (new application, extension, or switch).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): A separate fee that gives you access to the NHS. See our IHS guide for full details.
- Biometric enrolment fee: The cost of recording your fingerprints and photograph. See our biometrics fee guide.
- Priority processing (optional): Additional fees for faster decision times. See our priority services comparison.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in 2026
The Immigration Health Surcharge is one of the largest costs in any UK visa application. It gives you access to NHS services on the same basis as a UK resident.
- Standard rate: £1,035 per year
- Student and Youth Mobility rate: £776 per year
- Dependant rate: Same as the main applicant's rate, per dependant
The IHS must be paid upfront for the full duration of your visa. For a 2.5-year visa, you pay for 3 full years. The amount is calculated automatically when you apply online.
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a full IHS refund. If you leave the UK before your visa expires, you can apply for a partial refund of unused months.
Work Visa Fees
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa cost depends on the length of your visa and whether your job is on a shortage occupation list.
- Up to 3 years: £719 (small sponsor) / £719 (standard)
- More than 3 years: £1,420 (standard)
- Health and care worker roles: reduced fee of £284 (up to 3 years) or £551 (more than 3 years)
Employers also pay a Certificate of Sponsorship fee and the Immigration Skills Charge (£364 per year for small sponsors, £1,000 per year for medium/large sponsors). These are paid by the employer, not the visa applicant, though some employers pass costs on informally.
Graduate Route
The Graduate Route costs £822 for the application fee. You also pay the standard IHS rate. There is no sponsor fee. Total cost for 2 years is approximately £2,892. Read our full Graduate Route guide for more.
Global Talent Visa
The endorsement application costs £524. The visa application itself costs £192. The IHS applies on top. Global Talent visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge.
Scale-up Visa
The Scale-up visa costs £822 for up to 2 years or £1,636 for more than 2 years. IHS applies on top.
Family and Spouse Visa Fees
Family visa fees are among the highest of all UK visa routes. For a detailed cost analysis, see our Spouse visa cost breakdown.
Spouse / Partner Visa
- Initial application (from outside UK): £1,846
- Extension (from inside UK): £1,048
- IHS: £1,035 per year (paid for the full duration)
A spouse visa is granted for 2.5 years initially, then extended for another 2.5 years. The total cost over the 5-year route to settlement can exceed £10,000 including both applications, IHS, English language tests, and the ILR application fee.
Parent Visa
The parent route costs the same as the spouse route: £1,846 for an initial application and £1,048 for an extension. IHS applies on top.
Settlement and Citizenship Fees
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
ILR costs £2,885 per person. There is no IHS to pay because ILR holders have permanent access to the NHS. For a full cost breakdown, see our ILR cost breakdown guide.
British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
The citizenship application fee is £1,344 per person. There is an additional £130 ceremony fee. For a full breakdown, see our citizenship fees guide.
The total cost from initial visa to citizenship can be very high. For example, a Skilled Worker visa holder going from initial entry to citizenship might pay over £15,000 in fees across all stages.
Student Visa Fees
- Student visa (from outside UK): £490 (courses over 6 months) or £245 (courses of 6 months or less)
- Student visa (from inside UK): £490
- Short-term study visa: £200 (up to 6 months) or £400 (up to 11 months for English language courses)
- IHS: £776 per year (student rate)
Remember that tuition fees are separate from visa fees. The average international tuition fee at UK universities ranges from £15,000 to £40,000 per year depending on the course and institution.
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Visit Visa Fees
- Standard Visitor visa (6 months): £115
- Long-term visit visa (2 years): £400
- Long-term visit visa (5 years): £771
- Long-term visit visa (10 years): £963
- Transit visa: £64
Visit visa holders do not pay the IHS because they are not entitled to free NHS treatment. Visitors should arrange their own travel insurance.
Priority and Super Priority Processing Fees
If you need a faster decision, the Home Office offers priority processing services for some visa routes. For a detailed comparison, see our priority vs super priority guide.
- Priority service: Typically £500. Aims for a decision within 5 working days.
- Super priority service: Typically £800 to £1,000. Aims for a decision by the end of the next working day.
These services are not available for all visa routes and may be withdrawn at any time due to demand. They are available for most in-country applications but less commonly available for overseas applications.
Fee Waivers
In limited circumstances, you may be able to apply without paying the application fee. See our visa fee waiver guide for eligibility criteria.
Fee waivers are generally available for:
- Human rights-based applications where you cannot afford the fee
- Some applications involving children
- Victims of domestic abuse applying under the destitution domestic violence concession
- Some asylum-related applications
Most economic migration routes (Skilled Worker, Student, Graduate, family visas) do not qualify for fee waivers. You must pay the full fee or your application will not be processed.
Immigration Solicitor Costs
Many applicants choose to use an immigration solicitor or adviser. This is an additional cost on top of the official fees. For guidance on what to expect, see our immigration solicitor costs guide.
- Straightforward applications (e.g., Skilled Worker extension): £500 to £2,000
- Complex applications (e.g., refusal history, character issues): £2,000 to £5,000+
- Appeals and administrative reviews: £1,000 to £10,000+
Always check that your solicitor or adviser is registered with the OISC or a qualifying legal body. Unregistered advisers cannot legally provide immigration advice in the UK.
How to Budget for Your UK Visa
Our budgeting for immigration guide walks you through the process in detail. Here is a quick summary of what to include in your budget:
- Application fee for your visa route
- Immigration Health Surcharge for the full duration
- English language test fee (typically £150 to £200)
- TB test certificate (if required for your country, typically £50 to £150)
- Document translation and certification
- Biometric enrolment fee
- Priority processing (if you need a fast decision)
- Solicitor or adviser fees (if using professional help)
- Travel costs for visa application centre visits
As a rule of thumb, budget at least 30% more than the official application fee and IHS combined. This covers the various additional costs that most applicants encounter.
Fee Changes and Refunds
UK visa fees are reviewed regularly and typically increase each year. The Home Office can change fees at any time, though changes are usually announced in advance. Always check the official GOV.UK visa fees page for the most current figures.
Refund policy: The visa application fee is generally non-refundable. The IHS is refundable if your application is refused or if you leave the UK before your visa expires. Priority service fees are not refundable even if the processing target is not met.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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