1. Executive Summary & Main Fee Components
Applying for a UK visa involves two mandatory government charges: the Visa Application Fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
2. Master UK Visa Fee Comparison Matrix (2026 Rates)
The table below outlines current 2026 UKVI fee structures:
| Visa Category | Application Fee (Outside UK) | Application Fee (Inside UK) | Annual IHS Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (Up to 3 yrs) | £819.00 | £943.00 | £1,035 / year where IHS applies |
| Skilled Worker (Over 3 yrs) | £1,618.00 | £1,865.00 | £1,035 / year where IHS applies |
| Student Visa | £558.00 | £558.00 | £776 / year |
| Graduate Visa | N/A (In-country only) | £937.00 | £1,035 / year |
| Spouse / Partner Visa | £2,064.00 | £1,407.00 | £1,035 / year where IHS applies |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 Months) | £135.00 | N/A | No IHS |
3. Priority & Fast-Track Fee Add-Ons
The Priority Service costs an additional £500 and generally aims for a decision within 5 working days for eligible applications. Super Priority costs an additional £1,000 and generally aims for a decision by the end of the next working day where available. These are separate from the underlying visa application fee and IHS.
4. Fee Waiver Applications for Destitution
Fee waivers are available for specified human-rights and other eligible applications where the applicant cannot afford the required fee or meets the applicable destitution/affordability test. They do not apply to Indefinite Leave to Remain applications. The process and qualifying categories are set by the Home Office fee-waiver guidance.
5. How the Immigration Health Surcharge Is Calculated
The IHS is not always calculated by simply multiplying the annual rate by the headline visa duration. The amount depends on the length of immigration permission, where the application is made and the IHS rounding rules. The standard rate is £1,035 per year and the reduced rate is £776 per year for eligible applicants such as students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and applicants under 18.
6. IHS Exemptions and Settlement
Applicants for indefinite leave to remain do not pay the IHS. Other exemptions include certain Health and Care Worker applicants and dependants, some EU Settlement Scheme applications, diplomats and specified protected or humanitarian categories. A person applying for ILR who is instead granted limited leave may then become liable to pay IHS before that limited permission is granted.
7. Application Fees, IHS and Premium Services Are Separate Charges
The final cost of an immigration application can contain several separate charges: the Home Office application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge where applicable, and an optional Priority or Super Priority fee where that faster service is available. Some routes can also involve separate Ecctis, TB-test, biometric, or commercial application-centre costs.
8. Refund Rules
Application fees and IHS have different refund rules. A refused visa application does not normally receive its application fee back, while a qualifying IHS payment is generally refunded when the refusal/appeal process reaches the relevant stage. IHS can also be refunded for qualifying withdrawals, voids or duplicate payments. Priority fees have their own refund rules.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- Standard IHS is £1,035 per year for most applicants; the reduced £776 rate applies to students and their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and applicants under 18. ILR applications do not normally pay IHS.
- ILR settlement fee is £3,226 per person from 8 April 2026.
- British citizenship naturalisation costs £1,709 application fee plus £130 ceremony fee, giving a £1,839 total where the ceremony fee applies.
- Priority costs £500 and generally targets 5 working days for eligible applications; Super Priority costs £1,000 and generally targets the end of the next working day where available.
- Fee waivers can be available for specified human-rights and other eligible applications where the applicant meets the affordability/destitution criteria; ILR applications are not covered by the fee-waiver route.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
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