Planning to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK? Understanding how much a UK visa costs is crucial before starting your journey. Hence, it’s important as prices vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of UK visa costs, additional charges to consider, and money-saving tips.
Types of UK Visas
Before diving into the costs, it’s essential to understand the main categories of UK visas and UK visa costs. Each category serves a different purpose, catering to tourists, workers, students, and families. Given these points, knowing your visa type helps estimate the UK visa cost and plan your budget effectively.
Standard Visitor Visa:
This visa allows you the following variety of activities typically for up to 60 days:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Transiting through the UK en route to another country
- Certain business activities, such as attending business meetings, interviews, trade fairs
- Certain paid engagements as an expert in your profession
- Participating in a school exchange program
- Studying, doing a placement, or taking an exam
- As an academic doctor, senior doctor, or dentist
- Seeking medical treatment
- Taking up a recreational course for up to 30 days
- Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charitable organization
Marriage Visitor Visa:
This visa applies to the following circumstances:
- Marrying or registering a civil partnership in the UK
- Giving notice of a marriage or civil partnership in the UK
- If you are not planning to stay or live in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership
Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) Visa:
This visa applies to Chinese travelers covered by an Approved Destination Status Agreement with the UK. Specifically, the applicant must be part of a tour group. In addition, an ADS-licensed Chinese tour operator must have organized the tour.
Work Visas:
These cover both temporary and permanent job opportunities in the UK. In addition, these are often linked to specific skill requirements.
Student Visas:
For international students pursuing higher education in UK universities or colleges.
Family and Spouse Visas:
These allow individuals to join family members residing in the UK.
Ukraine Visa:
This visa is under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. Specifically, it covers Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who wish to visit or stay in the UK.
Special Visas:
Settlement visas or start-up visas cater to unique circumstances like entrepreneurship or permanent residency.
Eligibility for a UK Visa
Whether or not you need a UK visa depends on your nationality. Here’s a breakdown:
Visa Nationals: Citizens of these countries always need a visa to enter the UK, regardless of the purpose or length of their visit. You can find a list of these countries by searching “UK Visa Nationals List.”
Non-Visa Nationals: Citizens of these countries generally don’t need a visa for short visits (e.g., tourism, business trips). However, they may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This includes:
• Non-European countries (beginning January 8, 2025)
• EU countries (beginning April 2, 2025)
Important Notes:
- ETA: An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. Correspondingly, it’s linked to your passport and is generally valid for multiple visits over two years.
- Purpose of Visit: Even if your nationality doesn’t generally require a visa, you may need one depending on the purpose of your visit. Namely, work, study, long-term stay visas.
Breakdown of UK Visa Costs
Let’s explore how much each UK visa costs as of January 2025. Note that visa fees can vary depending on the category and duration.
Standard Visitor Visas
- Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): GBP 127
These UK visa costs apply to general tourists, family visits, and short-term business travelers.
Marriage Visitor Visas
- Marriage Visitor Visa (6 months): GBP 127
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years): GBP 769
- Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years): GBP 1,519
- Health and Care Worker Visa (up to 3 years): GBP 304
- Health and Care Worker Visa (over 3 years): GBP 590
Work visa costs depend on the job type, duration, and any exemptions.
Student Visas
- Student Visa (Tier 4): GBP 524
- Child Student Visa: GBP 524
- Short-term Study Visa (6 to 11 months): GBP 214
These UK visa costs exclude additional charges like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which applies to most international students.
Family and Spouse Visas
- Spouse or Partner Visa (if applying outside the UK): GBP 1,846
- Spouse or Partner Visa (if applying from the UK): GBP 1,258
- Parent of a Child Student Visa: GBP 637
- Family Visa (as a Child): GBP 1,538 for applicants outside the UK
- Family Visa (as a Child): GBP 1,258 for applicants within the UK
- Family Visa (as a Parent): GBP 1,846 for applicants outside the UK
- Family Visa (as a Parent): GBP 1,258 for applicants within the UK
These UK visa costs enable families to reunite in the UK. However, extra charges may apply.
Special Visas
- Innovator Founder Visa (if applying outside the UK): GBP 1,274
- UK Ancestry Visa: GBP 637
These options cater to individuals seeking permanent residency or entrepreneurial opportunities.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for a UK visa, don’t overlook additional charges. These hidden costs can significantly impact your total expense.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is mandatory for most visa applicants staying over six months. Specifically, this fee ensures access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Here are the different UK visa costs for a year:
- GBP 776 per year for students, their dependants,
- GBP 1,552 for a 2-year visa for those on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- GBP 776 per year for visa and immigration applicants under 18 years old at time of application
- GBP 1,035 per year for all other visa and immigration applications
Priority and Super Priority Services
For urgent applications, priority services expedite the process for an extra fee.
- Priority Service: GBP 500
- Super Priority Service: GBP 800
These options reduce waiting times but add to the overall UK visa costs.
Other Charges
Additional expenses include:
- Biometric appointments: GBP 19.20
- Document translation services: Varies
- Optional services like courier return of documents
Planning for these expenses avoids unexpected surprises during the application process.
Saving Money on UK Visa Costs
Applying for a UK visa can be costly. For this reason, here are ways to minimize expenses.
Apply early: Submitting your application well in advance reduces the need for priority services. This saves hundreds in extra UK visa costs.
Double-check documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate. This prevents rejection or delays that could incur additional costs.
Avoid Scams: Work only with trusted visa advisors or services to prevent paying unnecessary charges.
Overall, these small steps can help you manage UK visa costs effectively while navigating the visa process.
Conclusion
Understanding UK visa costs is essential for anyone planning a visit or move to the UK. From tourist to family visas, each category comes with its own price tag and additional expenses. Given these points, by staying informed and planning carefully, you can easily navigate the visa process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK visa costs vary by country?
Yes, fees can vary depending on the applicant’s location. Therefore, make sure to always check local application centers for specific costs.
Are UK visa fees refundable?
Generally, visa fees are non-refundable, even if authorities reject your application. As such, remember to carefully review terms before applying.
Can I pay UK visa costs in installments?
No, you must pay visa fees in full during the application process.
Are there discounts if families apply together?
No, there are no such discounts. Hence, each applicant, including children, must pay the full visa fee individually.
Can I get a refund if my visa is refused?
Generally, no. The fee only covers the processing of your application, but not its outcome.
Photo by Chris Boland on Unsplash
