How Much is a UK Visa Fee—2025 Guide to Costs & Smart Tips
Moving to the UK is exciting, whether it’s for work, study, or to reunite with family. But let’s be honest—figuring out how much the UK visa fee can be can be confusing. There are different visa categories, extra charges like healthcare surcharges, and optional add-ons such as priority processing.
The good news is, you don’t have to tackle this all by yourself. Smartmigrate UK gives you clear, step-by-step guidance, showing you exactly what to budget and helping you avoid common mistakes that cost time and money.
In this guide, we’ll break down the latest visa fees, explain additional costs you might not expect, and share tips for planning your finances so your journey to the UK starts smoothly.
Learn more about our UK Visit Visa Charges
Why Knowing Your Visa Costs Upfront Matters
Most people focus only on the main application fee and forget there are extra costs involved in getting a UK visa. These can include:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Priority or super-priority services
- Document translation or certification
- Biometric appointment charges
When these are added up, the total cost can be higher than expected.
With Smartmigrate UK’s visa fee calculator, you can see a full breakdown in advance, so you’re never caught off guard by hidden expenses. This makes budgeting much easier and keeps you financially prepared.
Types of UK Visas and Their Current Fees
There are several UK visa categories, and each one comes with a different price tag. Here’s a simple overview of common visas and their fees for 2025:
| Visa Type | Standard Fee (Outside UK) | Standard Fee (Inside UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | £115 – £200 | N/A |
| Student Visa | £490 | £490 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | £719 – £1,420 | £719 – £1,420 |
| Health & Care Visa | £247 – £479 | £247 – £479 |
| Family Visa | £1,846 | £1,048 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | £1,191 | £1,486 |
Quick Tip: Not sure which visa you need? Smartmigrate UK’s visa selector tool helps you choose the right category and instantly shows the latest fees.
Additional Costs You Might Not Expect
When searching for the UK visa fee, people often focus on the basic application fee. However, there are other charges you’ll need to consider.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Adults: £1,035 per year
Children under 18: £776 per year
Smartmigrate UK automatically includes this cost in its calculator, so you don’t forget to budget for it. - Priority and Super-Priority Services
Priority Service: Add £500 (decision in about five working days).
Super-Priority Service: Add £1,000 (decision within 24 hours).
Example: A student named Maria almost paid for super-priority service, but after using Smartmigrate UK, she realised the standard timeline was fast enough. That one insight saved her £1,000. - Other Possible Charges
Biometric appointments: £20 – £150
Document translations: £50 – £200
Tuberculosis test: £65 – £110 (if required)
How to Calculate Your Total UK Visa Cost (In Minutes!)
Smartmigrate UK makes calculating your total visa cost easy and stress-free. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose your visa type – Work, study, family, or visitor.
- Enter your planned length of stay – This helps calculate the exact IHS amount.
- Select optional services – Priority processing or extra help if needed.
- View the final amount – Get a clear picture of your total cost before applying.
Common Mistakes People Make with UK Visa Fees
- Forgetting the IHS fee – It’s a major part of your total cost.
- Using outdated information – Visa fees change regularly.
- Paying for services you don’t need – Priority processing isn’t always necessary.
- Ignoring extra bank charges – Some cards add international transaction fees.
Smartmigrate UK keeps its data updated in real time and guides you to the most cost-effective options based on your unique situation.
Why Smartmigrate UK Makes the Process Easier
- Clear, accurate fee calculators that include every possible charge.
- Personalized advice based on your specific visa type.
- Up-to-date information so you’re never working with outdated numbers.
- Support features, like live chat, for quick answers when you need help.
Smartmigrate UK helps you in applying for your UK visa and saves money along the way.
Learn more About Smart Migration UK
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Visa Journey with Confidence
Understanding the UK visa fee is one of the most important steps before starting your application. When you know the full costs upfront, you can plan your budget, avoid unnecessary expenses, and focus on your exciting move to the UK.
With Smartmigrate UK, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. From selecting the right visa type to calculating every fee, Smartmigrate UK is your trusted partner in making the process smoother and easier.