- UK visa fees increased across most categories in April 2024; the figures below reflect the current 2026 schedule.
- The total cost of a UK visa includes the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric enrolment fee, and any priority service charges.
- A family of four applying for 3-year Skilled Worker Visas faces a total outlay of over 15,000 pounds in combined fees and IHS.
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) costs 2,885 pounds per person in 2026.
- Visa fees are non-refundable on refusal except for the IHS element, which is refunded automatically.
Last reviewed: 13 May 2026
The total cost of applying for a UK visa has multiple components. Understanding each is essential for accurate budgeting, particularly for families or multi-year applications where costs compound significantly.
How UK Visa Fees Are Structured
The four main cost components are the visa application fee (base fee for the specific visa route and duration), the Immigration Health Surcharge (1,035 pounds per year per person for most routes), the biometric enrolment fee (included in the application fee for most routes; sometimes separate), and the optional priority or super priority service (500 pounds or 1,000 pounds respectively). The visa application fee and IHS are both mandatory where the IHS applies. The priority service is optional. Biometric enrolment is typically embedded in the application fee rather than charged separately.
Visitor Visa Fees 2026
Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): 115 pounds. Standard Visitor Visa (up to 2 years): 400 pounds. Standard Visitor Visa (up to 5 years): 771 pounds. Standard Visitor Visa (up to 10 years): 963 pounds. Permitted Paid Engagement (up to 1 month): 115 pounds. Marriage Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): 115 pounds. Visitor visas do not attract the IHS as they are short-stay visas. The application fee is the total cost.
Work Visa Fees 2026
Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years): 719 pounds, IHS applies separately. Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years): 1,420 pounds, IHS applies separately. Health and Care Worker Visa (up to 3 years): 284 pounds, IHS exempt for NHS workers. Health and Care Worker Visa (over 3 years): 551 pounds. Global Talent Visa: 716 pounds, endorsement fee separate (456 pounds). Innovator Founder Visa: 1,486 pounds, IHS applies. Scale-up Visa (up to 3 years): 719 pounds, IHS applies. Graduate Visa (2 years): 822 pounds, IHS applies. Senior or Specialist Worker (ICT) up to 3 years: 719 pounds, IHS applies. Temporary Worker Creative Worker: 259 pounds, IHS applies.
Student Visa Fees 2026
Student Visa from outside UK: 490 pounds, reduced IHS 776 pounds per year applies. Student Visa extend or switch in UK: 490 pounds, reduced IHS applies. Child Student Visa: 490 pounds, IHS applies. Short-term Study Visa (up to 6 months, outside EEA): 200 pounds, no IHS. Short-term Study Visa (up to 11 months): 200 pounds, no IHS.
Family Visa Fees 2026
UK Family Visa partner entry clearance: 1,846 pounds, IHS applies. UK Family Visa child entry clearance: 1,846 pounds, IHS applies. UK Family Visa parent of British child: 1,846 pounds, IHS applies. Adult Dependent Relative Visa: 3,250 pounds, IHS applies. Returning Resident Visa: 637 pounds.
Settlement and Long-Term Fees 2026
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR/settlement): 2,885 pounds, no IHS (permanent status). Indefinite Leave to Enter: 2,885 pounds. British citizenship application (naturalisation): 1,500 pounds, ceremony fee 80 pounds extra. British citizenship child (registration): 1,214 pounds. EU Settlement Scheme: free (applications closed June 2021; late applications subject to review). Long Residence (10-year route): 2,885 pounds, IHS applies until ILR granted.
Total Cost Examples
Example 1, single Skilled Worker applicant, 3-year visa: application fee 719 pounds plus IHS 3 years at 1,035 pounds (3,105 pounds) totals 3,824 pounds.
Example 2, Skilled Worker with spouse and two children, 3-year visa: application fees (4 x 719 pounds = 2,876 pounds) plus IHS (4 people x 3 years x 1,035 pounds = 12,420 pounds) totals 15,296 pounds.
Example 3, Family Visa applicant (spouse) with child, 2.5-year visa rounded to 3 years for IHS: application fees (2 x 1,846 pounds = 3,692 pounds) plus IHS (2 people x 3 years x 1,035 pounds = 6,210 pounds) totals 9,902 pounds.
Example 4, Student Visa 3-year degree course, single applicant: application fee 490 pounds plus IHS (3 years at 776 pounds = 2,328 pounds) totals 2,818 pounds.
Fee Increases Since 2023
UK visa fees have increased substantially over the past two years as part of a broader government strategy to fund public services through immigration fee revenues. Key increases: the April 2023 increase raised most visa fees by approximately 15 to 20 percent; the February 2024 increase raised the IHS from 624 pounds to 1,035 pounds per year, a 66 percent increase; settlement fees increased from 2,404 pounds to 2,885 pounds in April 2024. There is no scheduled further increase announced for 2026 at the time of writing, but the government has indicated that visa fees will continue to be reviewed annually.
Fees That Are Not Refundable
The visa application fee is not refunded on refusal, withdrawal, or if entry is subsequently refused at the border. Priority and super priority service fees are not refunded on refusal. Biometric enrolment fees (where separately charged) are not refunded. SELT test fees are non-refundable (charged by the test provider, not UKVI). The IHS is refundable if the visa is refused. UKVCAS service fees for in-country biometric appointments are additional and vary: core service is free but with limited availability; enhanced service costs 200 to 400 pounds; premium lounge is 500 pounds plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK Skilled Worker Visa cost in total in 2026?
For a single applicant on a 3-year visa, the total is approximately 3,824 pounds, comprising the 719 pound application fee plus 3,105 pounds IHS. For a family of four on the same visa, total costs exceed 15,000 pounds when application fees and IHS for all family members are included.
Are UK visa fees refunded if the application is refused?
The visa application fee is not refunded on refusal. Only the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is refunded automatically if a visa is refused.
How much does UK settlement cost in 2026?
Indefinite Leave to Remain costs 2,885 pounds per person in 2026. The IHS does not apply to the settlement application itself, as permanent residence status is being granted.
Have UK visa fees increased in 2026?
The main round of fee increases took effect in April 2024, raising both application fees and the IHS substantially. No further scheduled increase has been announced for 2026 as of May 2026, though fees are reviewed annually.
Is the visitor visa fee the same for 6 months and 10 years?
No. Visitor visa fees vary by duration: 6 months costs 115 pounds, 2 years costs 400 pounds, 5 years costs 771 pounds, and 10 years costs 963 pounds. The longer the validity, the higher the fee, though all visitors can only stay for up to 6 months per visit regardless of the visa's total validity period.
How We Verified This Article
This article draws on the Home Office visa fees schedule published on GOV.UK, the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 as amended, and UKVI fee transparency data current as of May 2026.
