It seems that UK visa prices are always changing. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together the most recent UK visa prices across all categories. These rates are accurate as of November 2023. We will continually update this article as prices change so that you always have a reliable source of information.
In this guide, we will not only cover UK visa fees, but we will also look at additional fees you may face, such as the immigration health surcharge. If you’re a UK employer hiring workers from overseas, we’ve also included the latest prices for UK visa sponsorship. And finally, if you’re hoping to take the path to citizenship, we’re also looking at the fees associated with this.
Bookmark this page if you want to know the latest UK visa fees and any upcoming changes that might impact you. Knowing when visa fee increases are expected can save you a lot of money if you are applying for your first visa or renewing an existing visa.
UK Visa Fees in 2023
Below you will find the latest visa fees for a wide range of visa categories:
| Visa type | Application from outside the UK | Application from inside the UK |
| Family Visas (Spouse, Partner, Fiance, Child, Parent) | £1,846 | £1,048 |
| Family Visas (Adult Dependent) | £3,250 | £1,048 |
| Student | £490 | £490 |
| Graduate | NA | £822 |
| Visitor | £115 | £115 |
| Visitor in Transit | £64 | £64 |
| Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor | £115 | NA |
| Ancestry | £637 | £637 |
| British Overseas National Living in Hong Kong (2 years and 6 months) | £180 | NA |
| British Overseas National Living in Hong Kong (5 years) | £250 | NA |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 years) | £719 | £827 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (More than 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,500 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (Up to 3 years) | £284 | £284 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (More than 3 years) | £551 | £551 |
| Temporary Worker | £298 | £298 |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | £637 | NA |
| Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)– Up to 3 years | £719 | £827 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)– More than 3 years | £1,420 | £1,500 |
| Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) | £259 | NA |
| International Sportsperson (up to 12 months) | £298 | £298 |
| International Sportsperson (more than 12 months) | £719 | £719 |
| Minister of Religion | £827 | £719 |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | £625 | £719 |
| Scale-up Worker visa | £822 | £822 |
| Innovator Founder visa | £1,191 | £1,486 |
| Global Talent | £716 | £716 |
| Indefinite leave to remain | – | £2,885 |
Priority processing fees
If you are in a hurry and need a decision on your visa application faster than the stated timescales, you may be able to apply for priority processing.
How much this costs will depend on where you are applying from and your visa category. There are also fees associated with checking the status of your application and submitting queries to the relevant department.
Optional services from outside the UK:
| Premium service | Cost |
| Priority Visa service – Settlement | £500 |
| Priority Visa service – Non-settlement | £500 |
| Super Priority Visa service | £1,000 |
| International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query) | £2.74 |
| International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute) | £0.69 |
Optional premium services inside the UK:
| Premium service | Cost |
| Super priority service | £1,000 |
| Expedited processing – priority service | £500 |
Immigration health surcharge
In addition to your visa application fee, many applicants will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS). This is an additional fee that covers the use of the National Health Service (NHS) while in the UK.
This fee will be payable before your application can be processed, and failure to pay this fee will result in your application being cancelled.
The current immigration health surcharge is as follows:
- Student visa: £470 per year
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa £470 per year
- Visa applicants aged 18 and under: £470 per year
- All other visa applicants: £624
You will pay the full amount for the duration of your visa upfront. You cannot pay on an annual basis.
These fees are due to increase in early 2024.
Cost of becoming a UK visa sponsor
If you would like to expand your UK workforce with overseas workers, you will need to become a UK visa sponsor. There are various fees associated with this process.
The current costs of a UK visa sponsor licence are as follows:
| Type of licence | Fee for small or charitable sponsor | Fee for medium or large sponsor |
| Worker | £536 | £1,476 |
| Temporary Worker | £536 | £536 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker | £536 | £1,476 |
| Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence | No fee | £940 |
| Add a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence | No fee | No fee |
In addition to your sponsor licence fee, you will also need to pay the following fees:
- Certificate of sponsorship: £239 per applicant
- Immigration skills charge: Varies, depending on the size of the organisation and the length of the contract.
| Period | Fee for small or charitable sponsor | Fee for medium or large sponsor |
| First 12 months | £364 | £1,000 |
| Each additional 6 months | £182 | £500 |
Citizenship fees
If you have been in the UK for long enough and meet the eligibility criteria, you may choose to apply for British Citizenship. This will grant you the right to a UK passport and full protection of your right to live in the UK. It can be a momentous occasion for many people.
| British Citizenship Category | Fee |
| Citizenship by naturalisation | £1,580 |
| Citizenship by naturalisation (British overseas territory citizens) | £1,000 |
| Citizenship by registration (adult) | £1,431 |
| Citizenship by registration (child) | £1,214 |
| Renunciation of British citizenship | £372 |
How can A Y & J help?
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with UK visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
