Overview
Applying for a UK visa involves more than just a single fee. The total cost depends on your visa
type, your situation, and how long you plan to stay.
Most applicants will need to pay:
• A visa application fee
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Possible additional costs (documents, priority services, etc.)
Fees and requirements can change based on UK Home Office updates.
Not sure how much your application will cost in total?
👉Join the LawNeeds waitlist to get early access to personalised guidance.
Typical UK visa costs (estimated ranges)
Family / Spouse visas
• Application fee: typically £1,000 – £2,000+
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): usually charged per year
Work visas (e.g. Skilled Worker)
• Application fee: typically £700 – £1,500+
• IHS: usually charged per year
Student visas
• Application fee: typically around £400 – £600
• IHS: charged per year of study
Global Talent visa
• Application fee: typically £600 – £800+ (may be split across endorsement and application
stages)
• IHS: usually charged per year
Costs can vary depending on whether you need endorsement and your visa duration.
Innovator Founder visa
• Application fee: typically £1,000 – £1,500+
• IHS: usually charged per year
You may also need to consider endorsement-related costs depending on your business application.
Visitor visa
• Application fee: typically £100 – £1,000+ (depending on duration, e.g. 6 months to longterm
visas)
• IHS: not required
Visitor visas are usually shorter-term and do not include access to the NHS via IHS.
The total you pay depends on your personal situation, visa duration, and any additional services you
choose.
Get early access to estimate your full cost with LawNeeds.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory fee that gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)
during your stay.
• Paid upfront for the full length of your visa
• Varies depending on visa type and duration
When you cannot switch
Many applicants forget about these:
• Document translations
• Priority or fast-track services
• Travel and appointment costs
• Legal or advisory support (optional)
Many applicants underestimate the total cost of applying.
👉 Join the LawNeeds waitlist to plan your application properly.
Common mistakes
• Budgeting only for the application fee
• Forgetting the IHS
• Not accounting for additional costs
• Applying without confirming affordability
Why visa costs can change
UK immigration fees are updated periodically based on government policy and economic factors.
This means:
• Costs may increase or change
• Requirements may be updated
• What applies to one person may not apply to another
👉 Instead of relying on general estimates, get guidance tailored to your situation.
Get early access to support
Understanding your full costs upfront can help you avoid delays, stress, and unexpected issues.
Join the LawNeeds waitlist to:
• Estimate your full visa costs based on your situation
• Understand what applies to you
• Be first to access personalised legal guidance and support
Note
This page provides general guidance. Fees and requirements may change over time. Always check
official sources or seek personalised advice before applying.
UK Visa Fees (2026) FAQs
How much does a UK visa cost in 2026?
The total cost depends on the type of visa you are applying for, the length of your stay, whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, and whether you choose additional services such as priority processing. In most cases, you will need to budget for the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, document preparation, translations, appointments, and any legal support you choose to use.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge, often called the IHS, is a healthcare fee paid as part of many UK visa applications. It gives eligible visa holders access to the NHS during their stay in the UK. The amount usually depends on the length of the visa and the applicant’s circumstances.
Do dependants need to pay separate visa fees?
Yes. If your partner, spouse, children, or other dependants are applying with you, each person normally needs to pay their own visa application fee. Where the Immigration Health Surcharge applies, this is also usually charged per person, not per family.
Are priority visa services included in the standard visa fee?
No. Priority and super priority services are optional extras and are charged separately where available. These services may help you get a faster decision, but availability depends on the visa type, where you apply from, and current Home Office processing options.
Why can the total cost of a UK visa be higher than expected?
The total cost can be higher than expected because applicants often focus only on the main visa fee. Additional costs may include the Immigration Health Surcharge, biometric appointments, document translations, English language tests, priority processing, courier services, and professional advice. It is worth calculating the full cost before starting your application.
The key official checks are that UK visa fees were updated from 8 April 2026, the IHS is usually £1,035 per year for most applicants, and lower IHS rates apply to students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and under-18s. Visitor visa applicants and some short-term applicants do not usually pay the IHS.