UK Visa Fees
Introduction to UK Visa Fees
Navigating the intricacies of UK Visa Fees is crucial for individuals aspiring to make the United Kingdom their new home. Whether you're a skilled professional, a dedicated healthcare worker, a young adventurer, or someone with cherished ancestral connections to the UK, understanding the financial aspects of your visa application is essential. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of visa fees, providing a detailed breakdown for three sought-after visa categories: the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Work Visa, Youth and Mobility Scheme Visa, and Ancestral Visa. Join us as we demystify the costs associated with these pathways to the UK.
If you're already aware of the visa category you qualify for, our UK Visa Cost Calculator is at your service, making it effortless to swiftly determine the associated fees.
Overview of the fee structure
UK visa fees encompass two primary components: the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These charges are integral to the visa application process and may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The IHS, specifically, is a critical part of the cost structure for several visa categories.
For individuals applying for an Ancestral Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or a Youth and Mobility Scheme Visa, the immigration health surcharge is a mandatory expense. This fee is designed to provide access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK, ensuring you receive necessary healthcare services. While it's an essential part of the cost for these visa categories, it's important to note that Health and Care Visa applicants are exempt from paying the IHS fee.
The Health and Care Visa is tailored for healthcare professionals, and as a recognition of their valuable contributions to the UK's healthcare system, they are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This exemption serves as an incentive for healthcare workers looking to pursue their careers in the UK, making the visa process more accessible and cost-effective for this specific group of applicants. Understanding these nuances in visa fees is crucial for anyone planning to apply for a UK visa, as it ensures accurate budgeting and a smooth application process.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees
The Skilled Worker Visa is for individuals who have a job offer in the UK and meet the required skill level, English language proficiency, and salary threshold. This visa allows the applicant to stay in the UK for up to 5 years and 14 days, and they can apply for settlement after 5 years.
The fee amount varies based on whether your job is on the shortage list or not. Jobs which are on the shortage list qualify for a discounted application fee. There is a lot of confusion about the UK Skilled Worker Shortage List: your job does not have to be on the UK Skilled Worker Shortage List in order to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Our Skilled Worker Visa Fee Calculator will calculate and summarise all the fees, and show you if you qualify for discounted Skilled Worker Visa application fees.
The UK government announced an adjustment to the application fees, set to take effect from 4 October 2023. The fees listed on this page are reflect these revised amounts.
Skilled Worker Visa Application fee
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The application fees for UK visas depend on the applicant's duration of stay and location of application. For applicants outside the UK, fees are £719 for up to 3 years and £1,420 for more than 3 years. For those inside the UK applying to extend, switch or update their visa, fees are £827 for up to 3 years and £1,500 for more than 3 years. If the applicant's job is on the shortage occupation list, the fee is lower at £551 for up to 3 years and £1084 for more than 3 years, regardless of whether they apply inside or outside the UK.
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Skilled Worker Visa Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
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There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £624 per year.
NOTE: The Immigration Health Surcharge is set to increase to £1035 per from 16 January 2024.
Skilled Worker Visa Savings
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To qualify for an Skilled Worker Visa you need a minimum of £1,270 in savings.
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You can use this calculator to work out if you need to pay the immigration health surcharge.
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Please note that the UK Visa and Immigration fees are subject to change.
Health and Care Work Visa Fees
The Health and Care Work Visa is for healthcare professionals who have a job offer in the UK and meet the required skill level, English language proficiency, and salary threshold. The application fee for is dependent on the duration of stay, and is the same whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. The fees below reflect the revised appllication fees which come into effect from the 4 October 2023.
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Health and Care Work Visa application fee
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For a stay up to 3 years, the standard fee is £284 per person, while for a stay of more than 3 years, the standard fee is £551 per person.
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Health and Care Work Visa Immigration Health Surcharge
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There is currently no immigration health surcharge for health and care work visas.
Health and Care Work Visa Savings
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To qualify for an Health and Care Work Visa you need a minimum of £1,270 in savings.
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Please note that the UK Visa and Immigration fees are subject to change.
Ancestral Visa Fees
The Ancestral Visa is for individuals who have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Â This visa allows the applicant to stay in the UK for up to 5 years and 14 days, and they can apply for settlement after 5 years.
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Ancestral Visa Application Fee
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The current fee for an Ancestral Visa is £531 and is issued for 5 year duration.
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Ancestral Visa Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
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There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £624 per year or £3120 for 5 year duration.
Ancestral Visa Savings
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To qualify for an ancestral visa you need a minimum of £1,270 in savings.
You can use this calculator to work out if you need to pay the immigration health surcharge.
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Please note that the UK Visa and Immigration fees are subject to change.
Youth And Mobility Scheme Visa
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa is a reciprocal agreement between the UK and a number of countries that allows young people to live and work in each other's countries for up to two years. The YMS Visa is a great opportunity for young people to experience a new culture, learn new skills, and make new friends. The countries which qualify include:
Australia
Canada
Iceland
Japan
Monaco
New Zealand
San Marino
Taiwan
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Fee
The fee for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa stands at £298 and is granted for a 2-year duration.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Additionally, there is an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applicable for each year of your stay, typically amounting to £470 per year or £940 for the full 2-year duration.
Youth Mobility Scheme Savings
You must also have £2,530 in savings and a valid passport.
Please be aware that fees for UK Visa and Immigration are subject to potential changes.