UK Visa Fees & Costs
Complete breakdown of UK visa application costs and optional premium services
Understanding UK Visa Application Costs
UK visa fees fund the processing and administration of immigration applications. The cost of your visa depends on your visa category and whether you apply from inside or outside the United Kingdom. Understanding the complete cost structure—including optional expedited services and health surcharge requirements—helps you budget appropriately for your UK journey.
This comprehensive guide details all visa fees, costs that vary by location and category, and optional premium services available to accelerate your application processing.
Visitor Visa Fees (Tourist & Short-Stay)
Visitor visa fees depend on duration of stay requested:
| Visa Duration | Fee | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 Months | £100 | Tourism, short business visits, family visits |
| Up to 2 Years | £376 | Frequent visitors, regular business travel |
| Up to 5 Years | £670 | Recurring visits over multiple years |
| Up to 10 Years | £837 | Long-term visa for frequent travelers |
Student Visa Fees
Full-Time Degree Study
Short-Term English Language Study (6-11 Months)
Note: No health surcharge required for short-term study visas
Work Visa Fees by Category
Skilled Worker & Graduate Visas
Up to 3 Years
£625-£719
Inside/Outside UK
Over 3 Years
£1,235-£1,423
Inside/Outside UK
Health & Care Visa
£247-£479
Reduced fees
Temporary Work Visas
Seasonal Worker, Charity, Creative, Religious
£259
Flat rate regardless of location
Youth Mobility Scheme
£259
For eligible young nationals
Business & Entrepreneur Visas
Startup Visa
£378-£508
Global Talent Visa
£167-£623
Innovator Visa
£1,036-£1,292
Other Visa Categories
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa (Direct Airside) | £35 |
| Transit Visa (Landside) | £64 |
| Visiting Academic (6-12 months) | £200 |
| Private Medical Treatment (6-11 months) | £200 |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | £30 |
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an additional cost required for most visa applications for stays exceeding 6 months. Once paid, you gain access to National Health Service (NHS) services equivalent to UK citizens.
Students & Youth Mobility
£300/year
Discounted rate for young people and students
All Other Categories
£400/year
Standard rate for workers, family members, others
Under 18 Applicants
£150/year
Reduced rate for child applicants
Coverage Note: Health surcharge covers NHS services including prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, and assisted conception—though copays apply for some services like prescriptions and assisted conception.
Optional Priority Processing Services
If your travel dates are urgent, optional expedited processing services allow faster application reviews for additional fees:
Priority Service
Decision Timeline
5 Working Days
Super Priority Service
Decision Timeline
Next Working Day
Availability: Premium services depend on visa type and current processing volume. Not all visa categories qualify for expedited services. Check with your local visa application center for availability.
Total Cost Example: Graduate Work Visa
Key Cost Insights
- •Visa fees vary significantly by type and application location (inside/outside UK)
- •Most visas exceeding 6 months require additional Immigration Health Surcharge
- •Students and healthcare workers receive discounted fee rates
- •Optional premium services cost £250-£956 for accelerated processing
- •Budget comprehensive costs including application fee, health surcharge, and potential premium services