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UK Visa Fees 2026: How Much You’ll Pay For Visitor, Student, Work, And Family Visas
UK Visa Fees 2026: How Much You’ll Pay For Visitor, Student, Work, And Family Visas
UK visa fees changed in 2026, so it is important to check the latest cost before you apply. The amount you pay depends on your visa type, how long the visa is valid for, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK, and whether you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
For many applicants, the visa application fee is only one part of the total cost. You may also need to budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge, priority processing, translations, document services, courier fees, and visa application centre services.
GOV.UK updated the Home Office immigration and nationality fees table for fees effective from 8 April 2026. The UK government also provides a visa fees tool to check the exact cost based on your application country and visa type.
If you are still comparing visa routes or preparing documents, you can also use Outbound Visa’s Free Visa Tools before you apply.
Quick Answer: How Much Are UK Visa Fees In 2026?
Here are some common UK visa fees from 8 April 2026.
Visa Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Standard Visitor Visa, Up To 6 Months | £135 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 2 Years | £506 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 5 Years | £903 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 10 Years | £1,128 |
Student Visa, Outside The UK | £558 |
Child Student Visa, Outside The UK | £558 |
Skilled Worker, Up To 3 Years, Outside The UK | £819 |
Skilled Worker, More Than 3 Years, Outside The UK | £1,618 |
Health And Care Worker Visa, Up To 3 Years, Outside The UK | £324 |
Health And Care Worker Visa, More Than 3 Years, Outside The UK | £628 |
Route To Settlement / Family Route, Outside The UK | £2,064 |
Global Talent, No Approval Letter Required | £766 |
UK ETA | £20 |
Priority Service | £500 |
Super Priority Service | £1,000 |
These are UK government fees. The final amount in your local currency can change depending on exchange rate, application country, and visa application centre payment rules.
Why UK Visa Fees Matter
UK visa costs can add up quickly, especially for applicants applying for work, study, or family routes.
Before applying, you should budget for:
Visa Application Fee
Immigration Health Surcharge, If Required
Priority Or Super Priority Service, If Used
Visa Application Centre Services
Translations
Courier Or Passport Return Fees
Document Certification Or Notarisation, If Needed
Tuberculosis Test, If Required For Your Country
Dependants’ Fees, If Applying With Family Members
A common mistake is checking only the visa application fee and forgetting the IHS. For long-term visas, the IHS can cost more than the visa fee itself.
UK Visitor Visa Fees In 2026
UK visitor visa fees increased from 8 April 2026. The short-term Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months is now £135. Longer-term visitor visas cost more because they allow repeated visits during the validity period.
Visitor Visa Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Standard Visitor Visa, Up To 6 Months | £135 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 2 Years | £506 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 5 Years | £903 |
Long-Term Visitor Visa, Up To 10 Years | £1,128 |
Visiting Academic, More Than 6 Months Up To 12 Months | £234 |
Private Medical Treatment, More Than 6 Months Up To 11 Months | £234 |
A long-term visitor visa can be useful if you visit the UK often, but it does not mean you can stay in the UK continuously for years. You still need to follow the visitor rules for each trip.
UK Transit Visa Fees In 2026
If you are only passing through the UK, you may need a transit visa depending on your nationality, route, and whether you pass border control.
Transit Visa Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Direct Airside Transit Visa | £41.50 |
Visitor In Transit / Landside Transit Visa | £74.50 |
Before booking a route through the UK, check whether you need a transit visa. A short layover does not always mean you are exempt.
UK Work Visa Fees In 2026
Work visa fees depend on the route, length of stay, job type, and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK.
For applicants applying from outside the UK, Skilled Worker fees from 8 April 2026 are:
Work Visa Type, Outside The UK | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Skilled Worker, Up To 3 Years | £819 |
Skilled Worker, More Than 3 Years | £1,618 |
Skilled Worker, Immigration Salary List, Up To 3 Years | £628 |
Skilled Worker, Immigration Salary List, More Than 3 Years | £1,235 |
Health And Care Worker Visa, Up To 3 Years | £324 |
Health And Care Worker Visa, More Than 3 Years | £628 |
Temporary Work Routes | £340 |
Global Business Mobility, Up To 3 Years | £819 |
Global Business Mobility, More Than 3 Years | £1,618 |
High Potential Individual | £880 |
Scale-Up | £937 |
For work visas, do not only check the application fee. You may also need to consider the Certificate of Sponsorship, IHS, employer sponsor requirements, and dependants’ fees.
Health and Care Worker applicants usually pay lower visa fees, and GOV.UK guidance notes that those applying for the Health and Care visa are exempt from the Immigration Health Charge.
UK Student Visa Fees In 2026
Student visa fees also increased from 8 April 2026.
Study Visa Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Student Visa, Outside The UK | £558 |
Child Student Visa, Outside The UK | £558 |
Short-Term Student Studying English, More Than 6 Months But Not More Than 11 Months | £228 |
Student Visa, Inside The UK | £558 |
Child Student Visa, Inside The UK | £558 |
Students also need to budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge if their visa requires it. GOV.UK lists the IHS rate for students and their dependants as £776 per year.
UK Family Visa Fees In 2026
Family visas are usually more expensive than visitor or student visas.
For applications made outside the UK, the Home Office fee table lists the Route to Settlement fee as £2,064 from 8 April 2026. This category covers many family settlement applications, such as partner and parent routes. Other dependant relative applications are higher.
Family / Settlement Route, Outside The UK | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Route To Settlement | £2,064 |
Route To Settlement, Other Dependant Relative | £3,635 |
Route To Settlement, Refugee Dependant Relative | £452 |
Family applicants may also need to pay IHS, depending on the route and circumstances. Always check the exact visa route before budgeting.
Global Talent Visa Fees In 2026
Global Talent fees depend on whether you need an approval letter.
Global Talent Fee Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Approval Letter From A Competent Body | £561 |
Global Talent Main Applicant, Approval Letter Required | £205 |
Global Talent Main Applicant, Approval Letter Not Required | £766 |
Global Talent Dependants | £766 |
If your Global Talent route requires endorsement, the total cost can involve both the approval letter fee and the visa application fee.
UK ETA Fee In 2026
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, costs £20 from 8 April 2026.
ETA is not the same as a visitor visa. It applies to eligible travellers who do not need a visa for short visits but need electronic permission to travel to the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge In 2026
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS, is one of the biggest extra costs for many UK visa applicants.
GOV.UK lists the 2026 IHS rates as:
Applicant Type | IHS Rate |
|---|---|
Students, Student Dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme Applicants | £776 Per Year |
Applicants Under 18 | £776 Per Year |
Most Other Visa And Immigration Applicants | £1,035 Per Year |
Example:
If you apply for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa and need to pay the standard adult IHS rate, the IHS alone would be:
£1,035 x 3 years = £3,105
That is separate from the visa application fee.
Do You Always Need To Pay IHS?
No. Not every visa requires IHS.
GOV.UK says you do not need to pay the surcharge if you are applying from outside the UK for 6 months or less. For visas longer than 6 months, the IHS amount depends on the length of the visa and where you apply from.
You should check the IHS requirement carefully if you are applying for:
Student Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Family Visa
Youth Mobility Scheme
Graduate Route
Long-Term Work Or Residence Routes
Priority And Super Priority Fees In 2026
If available for your visa type and location, you may be able to pay extra for faster processing.
The Home Office fee table lists the following optional premium services from 8 April 2026:
Service | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
Priority Visa Service, Settlement | £500 |
Priority Visa Service, Non-Settlement | £500 |
Super Priority Visa Service | £1,000 |
User Pays Visa Application Service | £76.50 |
International Contact Centre Email Service | £2.74 Per Query |
International Contact Centre Telephone Helpline | £0.69 Per Minute |
Priority service does not guarantee approval. It only affects the processing timeline if the service is available and your application is eligible.
Other Costs To Budget For
Your total UK visa cost may include more than government fees.
Possible extra costs include:
Visa Application Centre Service Fees
Courier Or Passport Return Fees
Document Upload Assistance
Biometric Appointment Services
Certified Translation
Notarisation Or Legalisation
Tuberculosis Test, If Required
English Language Test
Maintenance Funds
Travel To The Visa Centre
Professional Document Review, If Needed
These costs vary by country and application centre. Check your local visa application centre instructions before paying.
Can UK Visa Fees Be Refunded?
Refund rules are limited.
In general, you should not assume the visa fee will be refunded if your visa is refused. Some refunds may apply if you cancel before the application is processed, if the application is invalid, or in specific service-related situations.
GOV.UK’s refunds guidance says priority and super priority fees may be refundable in certain cases where the applicant completed the required steps but the application was not considered within the published timescale.
The IHS is usually handled separately from the visa application fee, so check the official IHS refund rules for your route.
How To Budget For A UK Visa In 2026
A practical UK visa budget should include:
Visa Application Fee
IHS, If Required
Priority Service, If You Choose It
Visa Application Centre Fees
Translations Or Certifications
Travel To Appointment
Document Preparation Costs
Dependants’ Fees, If Applying With Family
For example, a Skilled Worker applicant applying from outside the UK for up to 3 years may need to budget:
Cost Item | Example Amount |
|---|---|
Skilled Worker Visa Fee, Up To 3 Years | £819 |
IHS, 3 Years At £1,035 Per Year | £3,105 |
Priority Service, If Used | £500 |
Possible Extra Document / VAC Costs | Varies |
Estimated total before local service costs: £3,924 without priority or £4,424 with priority.
This is only an example. Your real cost depends on your route, visa length, dependants, country of application, and optional services.
Tips To Avoid Paying More Than You Need
1. Check The Correct Visa Route First
Applying for the wrong visa can waste money and time. Use the official UK visa tool if you are unsure.
2. Do Not Pay For Priority Unless It Helps Your Timeline
Priority service can be useful, but it is not always necessary. If your trip is not urgent, applying earlier may be more cost-effective.
3. Check IHS Before Submitting
For long-term routes, IHS can be the biggest cost. Calculate it before paying the visa fee.
4. Avoid Weak Or Incomplete Applications
A refusal may mean you need to pay again for a new application. Review your documents before submission.
5. Check Local Currency And Exchange Rate
If you apply outside the UK, the final amount may be shown in local currency. Exchange rates and payment rules can affect what you pay.
6. Watch Out For Optional Visa Centre Services
Some services are optional, such as document scanning, courier return, premium lounge, or SMS updates. Only pay for what you actually need.
UK Visa Fee Checklist Before You Apply
Before paying, check:
Your Correct Visa Type
Whether You Are Applying Inside Or Outside The UK
The Latest GOV.UK Fee
Whether IHS Applies
How Many Years Of IHS You Must Pay
Whether Dependants Are Applying
Whether Priority Service Is Available
Whether Your Visa Centre Charges Extra Service Fees
Whether You Need Translation, TB Test, Or English Test
Whether Your Documents Are Ready Before Payment
If you want to organize your visa documents before submission, check Outbound Visa’s Free Visa Tools.
If your UK visa case is less straightforward, such as a past refusal, unclear documents, sponsor concerns, or a complex family/work route, Smart VisaAssist can help with a basic readiness check. For more detailed application review, Visa Concierge can help you review your documents before submission.
You can also compare similar UK visa fee and application questions in the Outbound Visa Forum.
FAQ
How Much Is A UK Visitor Visa In 2026?
A Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months costs £135 from 8 April 2026.
How Much Is A UK Student Visa In 2026?
A Student visa costs £558 for applications made outside or inside the UK from 8 April 2026.
How Much Is A UK Skilled Worker Visa In 2026?
For applications made outside the UK, a Skilled Worker visa costs £819 for up to 3 years and £1,618 for more than 3 years.
How Much Is The UK Immigration Health Surcharge In 2026?
The IHS is £1,035 per year for most adult applicants. Students, student dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and applicants under 18 usually pay £776 per year.
Do Visitor Visa Applicants Pay IHS?
Usually no. GOV.UK says applicants applying from outside the UK for 6 months or less do not need to pay the surcharge.
How Much Is UK Priority Service In 2026?
Priority service is £500. Super priority service is £1,000, if available for your visa type and location.
Are UK Visa Fees Refundable If Refused?
Usually, visa application fees are not refunded just because an application is refused. Refunds are limited and depend on the situation.
Why Is My UK Visa Fee Different In Local Currency?
If you apply outside the UK, the amount may be converted into local currency. Exchange rates and payment rules can affect the final amount.
Final Takeaway
UK visa fees in 2026 are higher than many older guides show, so do not rely on outdated fee lists.
From 8 April 2026, a Standard Visitor visa costs £135, a Student visa costs £558, and a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK starts from £819. For long-term visas, the Immigration Health Surcharge can add a much larger amount to the total cost.
Before applying, check the latest GOV.UK fee table, calculate IHS, review optional service costs, and make sure your documents are ready so you do not pay twice for avoidable mistakes.
Sources
GOV.UK — Home Office Immigration And Nationality Fees, 8 April 2026
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-8-april-2026
GOV.UK — UK Visa Fees
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table
GOV.UK — Visa Fees Tool
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
GOV.UK — Pay For UK Healthcare As Part Of Your Immigration Application
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
GOV.UK — Immigration Health Surcharge: Caseworker Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-health-surcharge-caseworker-guidance/immigration-health-surcharge-caseworker-guidance-accessible
GOV.UK — Immigration And Nationality Refunds Policy
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-and-nationality-refunds-policy/immigration-and-nationality-refunds-policy-accessible
