UK Immigration Fees: Home Office, IHS & Legal Costs Explained
UK visa and immigration applications can be expensive. Applicants often need to budget for Home Office fees, Immigration Health Surcharge fees, priority service fees, biometric or appointment costs, translation fees, document preparation and legal advice.
This NM Immigration Lawyers guide explains common UK immigration fees in 2026, including spouse visa fees, Skilled Worker visa costs, ILR fees, British citizenship fees, Student visa fees, Visitor visa fees and sponsor licence costs.
Book Immigration Advice View Legal Fees
UK Visa and Immigration Fees at a Glance
The figures below are a practical guide only. Home Office fees can change and the correct fee depends on the route, where the application is made, the length of permission requested and whether dependants are applying.
| Application Type | Common Home Office Fee / Cost | Additional Costs to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner Visa | Family visa application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge | IHS, priority service if available, English test, TB test where required, document preparation and legal fees. |
| Family Visa Extension | Application fee plus IHS for the period of leave | Super priority may be available in some cases. Evidence must be updated for relationship, income and accommodation. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Standard fee commonly ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on circumstances | IHS, Certificate of Sponsorship, maintenance evidence and dependant fees. |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Lower visa fee may apply compared with standard Skilled Worker routes | Eligible Health and Care applicants are generally exempt from IHS. |
| Student Visa | Student visa fee plus student-rate IHS | CAS, financial evidence, dependant costs where eligible and appointment costs. |
| Visitor Visa | Visitor visa fee depends on length of visa requested | No IHS for standard visitor visas, but evidence quality is crucial to avoid refusal. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | ILR fee payable per applicant | Super priority may be available. No IHS is normally payable for ILR. |
| British Citizenship | Naturalisation or registration fee depends on application type | Life in the UK Test, English language evidence, referee preparation and document review. |
| Sponsor Licence | Licence fee depends on organisation size and route | Priority service, Certificate of Sponsorship fees, Immigration Skills Charge and compliance training. |
Immigration Health Surcharge Explained
Many UK visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, also known as the IHS. The IHS is usually paid upfront as part of the visa application and is separate from the Home Office application fee.
- Most adult visa applicants pay £1,035 per year.
- Students, their dependants and children usually pay £776 per year.
- Family visa applicants may pay several years of IHS upfront.
- Visitor visa applicants do not usually pay the IHS.
- ILR applicants do not usually pay the IHS.
- Eligible Health and Care Worker visa applicants may be exempt.
Hidden Costs Applicants Often Forget
Priority Service
Priority or super priority service can increase costs but may reduce waiting time where available.
English Language Test
Some family, settlement and citizenship routes require approved English language evidence.
Life in the UK Test
Settlement and citizenship applications often require Life in the UK Test evidence.
Translations
Documents not in English or Welsh may need certified translation.
Appointments
Some biometric or document scanning appointments may involve additional costs.
Legal Advice
A strong application can reduce avoidable refusal risk, especially where evidence or facts are complex.
Immigration Fees by Route
Choose the relevant route below to understand the main cost issues, evidence requirements and common mistakes that can lead to wasted fees or refusal.
Spouse Visa Fees
Understand spouse visa application fees, IHS, priority service, English tests and document preparation costs.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees
Skilled Worker costs can include visa fees, IHS, CoS fees and maintenance requirements.
Sponsor Licence Fees
Employers must budget for licence fees, CoS fees, Immigration Skills Charge and compliance support.
ILR Fees
ILR applicants should budget for settlement fees, test evidence, advice and super priority where available.
British Citizenship Fees
Citizenship applications require careful budgeting for Home Office fees, referee evidence and eligibility checks.
Visitor Visa Fees
Visitor visa fees vary by visa length, but refusal can be costly if evidence is weak.
Why Low-Cost Applications Can Become Expensive
Many applicants focus only on the Home Office fee. The real cost of a failed application can be much higher: lost fees, fresh application costs, family separation, lost employment, missed course dates, sponsor licence problems and urgent legal work after refusal.
Popular Searches Covered by This Page
This page targets users searching for UK immigration fees 2026, UK visa fees, Home Office visa fees, spouse visa fee UK, Immigration Health Surcharge, IHS fee UK, Skilled Worker visa fee, ILR fee UK, British citizenship fee, sponsor licence fee, visitor visa fee UK and immigration lawyer fees UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Most adult applicants pay £1,035 per year. Students, student dependants and children usually pay £776 per year.
Do visitor visa applicants pay the IHS?
No. Visitor visa applicants do not usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Do ILR applicants pay the IHS?
Applicants for indefinite leave to remain do not usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Are Home Office fees refundable if my visa is refused?
In many cases, the application fee is not refunded if the application is refused. This is why eligibility and evidence checks are important before submission.
Should I get legal advice before paying visa fees?
Yes, especially where the application involves financial evidence, previous refusals, overstaying, sponsor issues, complex family facts or urgent deadlines.
Before You Pay Expensive Visa Fees, Check the Application Properly
NM Immigration Lawyers can review your eligibility, evidence and risk factors before you submit your UK visa application.
Speak to an Immigration Adviser