UK Visa Fees — Clear guidance from Smartmigrate UK
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.
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.
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 |
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.
1. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is required for most visa types and gives access to the UK’s NHS.
- Adults: £1,035 per year
- Children under 18: £776 per year
2. Priority and Super-Priority Services
- Priority Service: Add £500 to your application fee (decision in 5 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.
3. 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!)
- 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.
- Using outdated information — visa fees change regularly.
- Paying for unnecessary premium services.
- Ignoring extra bank or transaction charges.
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.
Get in touch with Smartmigrate UK
Note: Fees and charges can change. Always check official sources or Smartmigrate UK’s live calculator for exact, up-to-date amounts before paying.