UK Visa Fee and Costs
UK Visa Fee and Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom, whether it’s for work, study, or sightseeing, you’ll need to obtain a visa. The visa fee and costs can vary depending on the duration and purpose of your visit. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to know about UK visa fees and costs.
Types of UK Visa
Before we dive into the visa fees and costs, it’s essential to identify the type of visa you require. Here are the different types of UK visas:
1. Standard Visitor Visa: For those who want to visit the UK for tourism, business, or medical treatment for up to six months.
2. Study Visa: For those who want to study full-time or part-time in the UK.
3. Work Visa: For those who have a job offer and want to work in the UK for a specific period.
4. Family Visa: For those who want to join their family members settled in the UK.
5. Transit Visa: For those who need to pass through the UK on their way to another country.
6. Premium Service Visa: For those who wish to get priority service, same-day processing, or decisions about their visa application.
UK Visa Fee
As per the UK government’s guidelines, the visa fee is a non-refundable payment that you need to make when applying for a UK visa. The cost of the visa depends on the type of visa you require, and how long you plan to stay in the UK.
Here are the visa fee costs effective from October 2021:
1. Standard Visitor Visa:
– For up to six months: £95
– For up to two years: £361
– For up to five years: £655
– For up to ten years: £822
2. Study Visa:
– Short-term study (up to 6 months): £97
– Tier 4 (General) student visa (up to 3 years): £348
– Tier 4 (General) student visa (more than 3 years): £348 per year
3. Work Visa:
– Tier 2 (General) visa – for medium and highly skilled workers (up to 3 years): £610
– Tier 2 (General) visa – for medium and high-skilled workers (more than 3 years): £1220
– Tier 5 visa – for temporary workers: £244
– Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa – for those who want to set up or run a business in the UK: £1277
4. Family Visa:
– Spouse, partner, or fiancé(e): £1523
– Dependent child: £1,233
– Dependent relative: £3,250
5. Transit Visa: £35
6. Premium Service Visa: £212 and above, depending on the type of service you require.
Other Costs Associated with UK Visa
Apart from the visa fees, the following costs are associated with UK visas:
1. Healthcare: If you’re a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national, you’ll need to pay the NHS (National Health Service) surcharge, which is £624 per year.
2. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): A BRP is a secure biometric card that proves your identity, right to study, or right to work in the UK. The cost of a BRP is £19.20.
3. VFS Global Service Fee: If you apply for your visa through the VFS Global visa application center, you’ll need to pay a fee of £55. This fee is in addition to the visa fee.
FAQs
1. Do I need to pay the visa fee if my application is rejected?
Yes, the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
2. Is there any way to reduce the visa fee?
No. The visa fee is fixed, and there is no way to reduce it.
3. Do I need to pay the visa fee when I apply for an extension to my visa?
Yes, you’ll need to pay the visa fee when applying for an extension to your visa.
4. Do I need to pay the visa fee for every member of my family?
Yes, you’ll need to pay the visa fee for each family member who applies for a visa.
5. What happens if I do not pay the visa fee?
Your visa application will not be processed if you do not pay the visa fee.
In conclusion, the UK visa fee and costs vary depending on the type of visa you require and the duration of your stay. Apart from the visa fee, you’ll also need to pay for healthcare and the biometric residence permit. We hope you found this guide helpful and have all the information you need to apply for a UK visa. Goodluck!