UK visa costs add up fast — on top of the application fee there’s the Immigration Health Surcharge and, often, fees for dependants. Here’s a clear 2026 overview of the main UK visa fees so you can budget. Fees changed on 8 April 2026; always confirm the exact current fee on GOV.UK before you apply.
Main UK visa fees (2026)
- Standard Visitor visa (6 months): from around £120
- Student visa: £558
- Skilled Worker visa: £819 for up to 3 years / £1,618 for more than 3 years (from outside the UK); in-country extensions are £943 / £1,865
- Spouse / partner visa (entry clearance): around £2,064
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,226 per person
- Naturalisation (citizenship): see our citizenship guide for the current fee and the £130 ceremony
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most applicants staying longer than 6 months also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for the whole visa:
- £1,035 per year — most adults
- £776 per year — students, their dependants, Youth Mobility and under-18s
This is often the biggest single cost — for example, three years of IHS for an adult is over £3,000 on top of the visa fee.
Employer / sponsorship costs
If you’re being sponsored for work, your employer pays separate fees: a Certificate of Sponsorship (£525), a sponsor licence (£611 small / £1,682 large) and the Immigration Skills Charge.
Don’t forget the extras
- Dependants usually pay the same application fee as the main applicant, plus their own IHS.
- Priority / super-priority services cost extra for a faster decision.
- English test and the Life in the UK Test (£50) where required.
Working out your route? See our guides to the Skilled Worker visa, spouse visa and ILR.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
£819 for up to 3 years or £1,618 for more than 3 years from outside the UK; in-country extensions are £943 and £1,865. The Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) is on top.
How much is a UK Student visa?
£558 for the application, plus the reduced IHS of £776 per year.
How much is the spouse visa?
Around £2,064 for entry clearance, plus the IHS.
How much is ILR (settlement)?
£3,226 per person in 2026.
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
£1,035 per year for most adults, or £776 for students, dependants, Youth Mobility and under-18s, paid upfront for the visa length.
Do dependants pay the full visa fee?
Yes — usually the same application fee as the main applicant, plus their own IHS.
