How much does a UK visa cost?

UK Visa Fees 2026

If you wish to come to the UK and you need a visa, you will be required to pay an application fee as part of the process.

The cost of the total fee depends on the type of visa, where you are applying from, and whether you are required to pay additional costs (such as the immigration healthcare surcharge, biometric residence permits, and any visa application centre costs).

The list of visa application costs is current and includes some of the most popular visa categories, as well as sponsor licence and citizenship fees.

If you need a trusted legal expert to assist with your application, contact us for a confidential discussion about how we can help you.

This table lists the most common visa fees and the application costs (made inside or outside the UK).

UK Visa Costs 2026

The following is a summary of the cost of the main immigration categories to obtain a UK visa.

Immigration Healthcare Surcharge Fees 2026

Some people may be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of their immigration application.

The IHS is a fee that immigrants pay to cover the cost of use of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

There are still additional costs for some services, including prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests.

In general, those who are applying for a stay in the UK of longer than 6 months (or, alternatively, if a person is extending their stay while in the UK) will be required to pay the surcharge, even if they hold private medical insurance.

A full list of who must pay the IHS is available on the Gov.uk website. If you hold a visitor visa and you intend to enter the UK, you will not need to pay the charge.

The cost of the immigration healthcare surcharge is as follows:

In most cases, dependents will pay the same fee as the main applicant. The exact fee depends on the length of leave you are granted.

You must pay the fee as part of your application. If you fail to pay, your application may be denied.

Priority Processing Fees 2026

Other Fees 2026

Sponsorship Costs 2026

Since the changes to the UK immigration system, employers must now apply for sponsor licences if they wish to hire employees from the EU (as well as non-EEA employees).

The sponsor licence application is a complex process and it is vital that employers follow all the guidelines to ensure that their application is accepted.

The fee for a sponsor licence depends on whether the applicant is a small or large organisation, and what category of organisation it is.

Below is a table of the 2026 sponsorship application costs for employers of overseas workers:

Approximately 80% of applications will be decided within eight weeks. As part of the decision-making process, UK Visas and Immigration may conduct on-site visits to your business.

In some cases, it may be possible to pay an extra £500 for an expedited decision (within 5 working days).

It is important to submit a thorough and comprehensive application that is error-free to comply with the Home Office’s guidance. If not, your application could be refused or rejected.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application Fee 2026

Naturalisation and British Citizenship Costs 2026

Applying for British citizenship is one of the most important choices a person can make. In many cases, people will make the decision if they have held indefinite leave to remain for at least one year, and they fulfil the other requirements (including the minimum years of residency requirement).

It currently costs £1,500 to apply for the naturalisation process that leads to British citizenship. However, there are a number of other associated costs.

If you are submitting your citizenship application to the Home Office, you should ensure that you are fully aware of all the costs involved.

Below are the current British citizenship fees for 2026:

Are UK Visa Fees Refundable?

UK visa fees are generally non-refundable. Once the payment has been made, it cannot be reclaimed, even if the application is withdrawn or refused.

What Payment Methods Are Available?

Payment methods for UK visa applications vary by country, but typically include:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are commonly accepted.
• Bank Transfers: Available in some countries for direct payments.
• Online Payment Systems: Some visa application centers may accept payments through platforms like PayPal or local payment gateways.

How can IAS help with your visa application?

When it comes to making immigration applications, IAS is well-positioned to help you throughout the whole process.

One of our experienced immigration lawyers will work directly with you to outline all the costs involved in your application. As each case is different, we will explain exactly what is involved based on your individual circumstances.

Some of the additional costs include providing your biometric information, proving your English language levels (where relevant), or the Life in the UK test (where relevant).

We also ensure that your documents are accompanied by certified translations so that you can be confident in submitting your application and meeting the eligibility requirements.

If you have any doubts about the process, reach out to our friendly advisers for a discussion about your specific needs.

Many of these applications will have a number of routes that may suit your circumstances more and will therefore come with a slightly different cost.

For an accurate price on Home Office fees for your intended application for a visa UK, contact one of our expert immigration lawyers, located in areas across the UK, including London, Birmingham and Manchester, today on +44 (0)333 414 9244.