UK Visa Costs & Fees Guide
Understanding the full cost of UK visa applications is essential for proper financial planning. This guide breaks down all the fees and expenses you'll encounter during the application process.
Table of Contents
1. Visa Application Fees
UK visa application fees vary depending on the visa type and duration. Here are the current fees for the most common work visa routes:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Up to 3 years | £719 |
| Skilled Worker | More than 3 years | £1,423 |
| Health and Care Worker | Up to 3 years | £247 |
| Health and Care Worker | More than 3 years | £479 |
| Global Business Mobility | Up to 3 years | £719 |
| Scale-up | 2 years | £719 |
Note: Fees are typically updated annually in April. Always check the official UK government website for the most current fees.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge
Most visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS). This is paid upfront for the entire duration of your visa.
Current IHS Rates:
- Standard rate: £624 per year per person
- Student/Youth Mobility rate: £470 per year per person
- Children under 18: £470 per year per person
Example: For a 5-year Skilled Worker visa, you would pay £3,120 (5 × £624) for the IHS.
Health and Care Worker Exemption
If you're applying for a Health and Care Worker visa, you are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
3. Sponsorship-Related Costs
Several costs are associated with the sponsorship process, some of which may be covered by your employer:
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Each visa application requires a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your employer.
Cost: £199
Immigration Skills Charge
This is paid by the employer for each sponsored worker. The amount depends on the size of the organization and the length of employment.
- Small or charitable sponsors: £364 per year
- Medium or large sponsors: £1,000 per year
Example: For a 5-year sponsorship by a large company, the employer would pay £5,000 (5 × £1,000).
4. Additional Costs
Beyond the main application fees, you should budget for these additional expenses:
English Language Test
Most visa applicants need to prove their English language proficiency.
Cost: £150-£200
Biometric Information
Fee for providing your fingerprints and photograph.
Cost: £19.20
Translation Services
If your documents are not in English or Welsh.
Cost: £30-£100 per document
Priority Services
Optional faster processing of your application.
Cost: £500-£800
Financial Requirement
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK. For most work visas, you need to show you have at least:
£1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days
This requirement may be waived if your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
5. Total Cost Estimation
Here's an example of the total costs for a typical Skilled Worker visa application:
Example: 5-Year Skilled Worker Visa
- Visa Application Fee£1,423
- Immigration Health Surcharge (5 years)£3,120
- Certificate of Sponsorship£199
- English Language Test£180
- Biometric Information£19.20
- Total Cost£4,941.20
Note: This example doesn't include potential costs for translations, priority services, or travel expenses. Your employer may cover some of these costs, particularly the Certificate of Sponsorship and Immigration Skills Charge.
6. Visa Cost Calculator
For a personalized calculation of your visa costs based on your specific circumstances, use our interactive Visa Cost Calculator:
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