To have your UK visa application processed, you will need to pay a visa fee before attending your interview appointment. The payment of this fee is an essential step in completing your application.
The cost of your UK visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
UK Short-Stay Visa Fee
| UK Short-Stay Visa Category | Fee in GBP |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Adults) | £100 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Children aged 6-17) | £50 |
| Short-Term Study Visa (for less than 6 months) | £97 |
| Short-Term Study Visa (for 6 months to 11 months) | £186 |
| Transit Visa | £64 |
| Nationals from certain countries (e.g., India,Pakistan) may have different fee structures based on bilateral agreements. |
As of 2023, the standard fee for UK short-stay visas is £100 for adults, and £50 for children between 6 and 17 years old. This fee applies to general visitors, business travelers, tourists, and students. However, specific visa categories, such as student visas or transit visas, have their own fee structure.
Short-Stay Visa Fee Exemptions
You may be exempt from paying the visa fee or eligible for a reduced fee if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Children under 6 years old: No visa fee is required for children under six.
- Spouses, same-sex partners in a civil union, and children of British citizens or settled persons: Family members of British nationals who enjoy freedom of movement may not be required to pay the visa fee.
- Diplomatic or consular staff: Those traveling on official diplomatic or consular business.
- Participants in certain international exchanges: Individuals traveling for government-approved cultural, scientific, or educational programs.
- Students: Certain students applying for short-term study purposes may also be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction.
Additionally, applicants traveling for humanitarian, cultural, or development purposes may also receive reduced or waived fees upon consideration by the UK consulate.
UK Long-Stay Visa Fee
As of 2023, the fee for long-term UK visas, such as work or family reunion visas, depends on the type of visa. Common long-stay visa categories and their fees are as follows:
| UK Long-Stay Visa Category | Fee in GBP |
| Family Visa (Spouse, Partner, or Child) | £1,538 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | £610 (or £1,220 for applicants outside the European Economic Area) |
| Student Visa (more than 6 months) | £348 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | £232 |
Note that there may be additional fees for applicants who want to extend their visa or apply for a visa after having already been in the UK on another visa.
Long-Stay Visa Fee Exemptions
If you are applying for a UK long-term visa, you may be exempt from paying the visa fee if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Spouses, same-sex partners in a civil union, and children of UK citizens: These family members are usually exempt from visa fees or are entitled to a reduced rate.
- Nationals covered by special agreements: If your country has specific agreements with the UK, you may be eligible for reduced or waived fees.
- Refugees or individuals granted asylum status: Applicants who are granted refugee status in the UK or are part of a protected family will often be exempt from visa fees.
- Diplomatic staff and other official representatives: Official travelers may be granted a fee waiver.
UK Visa Fee Reimbursement
It is important to note that the UK does not reimburse visa fees in the event of a visa refusal or if you choose to withdraw your application after payment. Once you have paid your visa fee, it cannot be refunded, regardless of the outcome of your visa application.
Additional Information on Visa Fees
Visa fees for applicants from some countries may vary based on diplomatic agreements or specific visa processing regulations. Additionally, applicants applying for long-term visas may be required to pay an additional healthcare surcharge, which contributes to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.