In this all-inclusive guide, we bring you the latest information on UK visa fees in 2023 for applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom. Stay ahead by learning about the costs associated with various visa categories, such as visitor, work, spouse, and study visas, as well as optional premium services to expedite your application process. The UK visa application process can be complex, but with our up-to-date guide, you’ll have all the key information at your fingertips to make informed decisions about your visa application.
Table of Contents
1. UK Visitor Visa Fees 2023: Complete Breakdown
In this section, we outline the UK visa fees for various visitor visa types in 2023, including visit, family, tourist, marriage, and more.
Standard UK Visit Visa Fees in 2023
The standard visitor visa is a popular choice for those visiting the UK for various purposes, such as tourism, family visits, academic visits, medical treatment, or permitted paid engagements.
For 2023, the application fee for a 6-month UK visit visa is £100. Frequent travelers can opt for long-term visitor visas, with fees for 2, 5, and 10-year visas at £376, £670, and £837, respectively.
Non-visa nationals from countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States of America (B5JSSK), EEA states, and Switzerland do not need a standard visitor visa for stays up to 180 days.
UK Standard Visitor Visa Priority Service Fee
In 2023, the fees for 5-working day priority visitor visa service are £250. As a result, the 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year tourist or visitor application fees, inclusive of priority service, are £350, £626, £920, and £1,087, respectively.
The next working day super-priority service fee is £956. Consequently, 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year visitor or tourist visa application fees, inclusive of super-priority service, are £1,056, £1,332, £1,626, and £1,793, respectively.
The priority service accelerates the processing time by placing visitor or tourist visa applications at the front of the queue. However, priority or super-priority service does not guarantee a favorable or swift decision.
Family & Tourist Visa Fees for 2023
Family and tourist visa fees for 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years are £100, £376, £670, and £837, respectively. Both visa types require proof of sufficient funds, intent to leave the UK after the visit, and a maximum stay duration of 180 days.
London/England Visa Fees for 2023
The 6-month standard visitor visa UK, often called the England or London tourist visa, costs £100. Providing false documents for this visa may lead to a 10-year deception ban.
Child Visitor Visa UK Fees for 2023
UK child visitor visa fees for 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years are £100, £376, £670, and £837, respectively. Infants and children under 5 years are not exempt from the visa application fee.
Other Visitor Visas
There are several other visa categories with specific purposes, such as visiting academics, private medical treatment, and transit visas. The fees for these categories are:
- Marriage visitor visa: £100
- Visiting academic (more than 6 months but no more than 12 months): £200
- Permitted Paid Engagement visa (valid for up to one month): £100
- Private medical treatment visa (more than 6 months but not more than 11 months): £200
- Parent of a Child Student visa (valid for 12 months): £531
- ADS visa for Chinese nationals visiting the UK in authorized tour groups: £100
- Transit visa (direct airside transit): £35
- Transit visit visa (landside transit): £64
- Visa for joining a ship or aircraft as a crew member: £64
- Electronic Visa Waiver: £30
2. UK Student Visa Fees 2023: Cost Breakdown for Studying Abroad
In 2023, the UK student visa fees are £363 for studying in London or anywhere else in England or Britain. The fees for child students and dependants on a student visa are also £363. The UK priority and super-priority student (Tier 4) visa fees are £613 and £1,319, respectively. The Immigration Health Charge (IHC) for both student and dependent visas is £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.
Please note that applicants who wish to study in the UK must apply for a student visa, which replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa on October 5, 2020. The student route is for those who:
- plan to study with a sponsor on a course of further or higher education
- enroll in a pre-sessional English course
- join a recognized foundation program
- serve in an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
Short-Term Student (English Language) Visa Fees
In 2023, the Short-term (English Language) student visitor visa UK fees for a period exceeding 6 months but not more than 11 months are £200.
Applicants who wish to study an English language course in the UK for more than 6 months but not exceeding 11 months at an accredited institution can apply for the Short-term Student (English Language) visa. However, if an individual plans to study a course for 6 months or less, they can apply for a standard visitor visa.
3. UK Family Visa Fees 2023: Complete Guide to Family Visa Prices
The family route is for individuals who can apply for a UK visa based on their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen. This includes spouse settlement visas, adult dependent relatives, and parent of a British child visas, among others.
Spouse Visa Fee in 2023
In 2023, the UK spouse visa fees are £1,538. This fee is the same for civil, unmarried, or same-sex partners. The settlement priority service cost is £573 for fast-tracking visa applications within 30 working days, making the UK priority spouse visa fee £2,111.
Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, a spouse (partner) visa is granted for an initial period of 33 months with no recourse to public funds. Migrants can work in the UK on a spouse visa, and after 30 months, they can apply for an extension.
Dependant Joining or Accompanying
The UK spouse or partner visa fees under the Dependant Joining or Accompanying route are £1,538.
The ‘joining or accompanying’ route is for those applying for a visa based on their relationship to another migrant who is neither settled in the UK nor a British citizen and is on a route without a specific visa for dependants.
Other Settlement Visas
Fiancé(e) Visa UK Cost
The UK fiancé(e) visa fees are £1,538, and the cost of a priority fiancé(e) visa application is £2,111.
Applicants can apply for a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa if their purpose is to get married or enter a civil partnership in the UK. The fiancé(e) visa duration is six months, with no recourse to public funds and no permission to work in the UK. However, after marriage or civil partnership in the UK, migrants on a fiancé visa can apply for leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner, with permission to work.
Parent of a British Child
The Parent of a British Child visa application fee in 2023 is £1,538.
The Parent of a British Child visa is for those who have sole responsibility for (or direct access to) the child following the breakdown of their relationship with the child’s other parent.
Adult Dependant Relative
The UK Adult Dependant Relative visa fees are £3,250.
Applicants can apply for an Adult Dependant Relative visa if they are parents (or other adult dependent relatives such as siblings) and require long-term personal care due to illness, age, or disability. The UK sponsor must be their only relative able to provide such long-term personal care without recourse to public funds.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
There are no application charges for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit.
Under Appendix EU (Family Permit), applicants can apply for the EUSS Family Permit as a non-EEA family member, such as a spouse, civil partner, child, child over 21 years of age, or parent of an EEA national living in the UK.
Due to Brexit, the EEA family permit route under EEA Regulations 2016 ended on June 30, 2021.
Miscellaneous
- Returning Residents: £531
- Route to Settlement (refugee dependant relative): £388
- Armed Forces Dependant Indefinite Leave: £2,404
- Discharged Foreign/Commonwealth HM Forces Indefinite Leave: £2,404
4. UK Work Visa Fees 2023: Comprehensive Breakdown
The UK offers various work visas, including Skilled Worker (previously Tier 2 General or Work Permit), Innovator, Startup, Health and Care Worker, Global Business Mobility, High Potential Individual, and Scale-up visas. As a result, the UK work visa cost varies depending on the specific visa type.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Costs 2023
In 2023, the Skilled Worker visa fees are £625 for 3-year applications and £1,235 for 6-year applications. For jobs in shortage occupations, the fees are £479 for 3-year applications and £943 for 6-year applications.
Applicants sponsored to work in a skilled job for a Home Office licensed sponsor in the UK can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This is the most common UK work visa.
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must score 50 points for sponsorship, job, and English language skills, as well as 20 tradeable points for salary and other qualifications.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 General (work permit) in 2020, and this new route can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK.
Health and Care Visa Fees in 2023
The UK Health and Care visa fees vary depending on the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) duration. If the COS is valid for 3 years or less, the visa cost is £247. However, for a COS lasting 3 years or more, the Health and Care visa fees are £479.
Qualified doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals sponsored to work in the UK by a Home Office licensed sponsor can apply for a Health and Care Visa. This skilled worker visa route can also lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK.
Global Business Mobility Visa: Fees and Categories
The Global Business Mobility Visa route encompasses several sponsored categories for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK, transfer overseas staff, or enter the UK for specific business purposes. There are five sub-categories for the Global Business Mobility Visa:
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Graduate Trainee
- UK Expansion Worker
- Service Supplier
- Secondment Worker
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Fees for 2023
The fees for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa depend on the application duration. If the application is for 3 years or less, the cost is £625. For applications exceeding 3 years, the fee is £1,235.
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa replaces the Intra-company Transfer route and is designed for senior managers or specialist employees assigned to a UK business with common ownership to the overseas employing company.
Graduate Trainee Visa Fees in 2023
The Graduate Trainee visa application fee is £259.
Replacing the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route, the Graduate Trainee visa is for workers on a graduate training course leading to a senior management or specialist position and work placement in the UK.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Fees for 2023
The UK Expansion Worker visa application cost is £259.
The Expansion Worker visa caters to specialist or senior employees assigned to assist with overseas business expansion in the UK.
This visa replaces the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business route, with the Sole Representative visa remaining open for Media Representatives and those already on the Sole Representative route in the UK.
Service Supplier Visa Fees in 2023
The Service Supplier visa application fee is £259.
Intended for overseas workers coming to the UK to provide a service in line with UK trade commitments, the Service Supplier visa replaces contractual service providers and independent professional persons in the T5 Temporary Worker – International Agreement route.
Secondment Worker Visa Fees for 2023
The UK Secondment Worker visa fee is £259.
The Secondment Worker visa is for individuals seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer.
Other Work Visas
High Potential Individual Visa Cost in 2023
The 2023 High Potential Individual visa fees are £715. This visa aims at top-50 global university graduates seeking full-time or self-employment opportunities in the UK.
Scale-up Visa Cost for 2023
The UK Scale-up Visa fee is £715, catering to individuals with a sponsored job offer from a recognized UK scale-up company and qualifying for a ‘fast-track visa.’
Start-up Visa Prices in 2023
UK Start-up Visa fees, applicable to both main applicants and dependants, are £378. This visa supports those launching innovative businesses in the UK, replacing the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route in March 2019.
Innovator Visa Prices in 2023
UK Innovator Visa fees are £1,036 for main applicants and dependants alike. This visa targets those creating innovative, viable, and scalable UK businesses, replacing the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route in March 2019.
Investor Visa Prices in 2023
UK Investor visa fees stand at £1,638 for both main applicants and dependants. This visa is tailored for high net worth individuals planning UK investments, replacing the Tier 1 Investor route.
Global Talent Visa Prices in 2023
For leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology, the UK Global Talent Visa Fees include:
- Initial application Approval Letter: £456
- Main Applicant with Approval Letter: £167
- Main Applicant without Approval Letter: £623
- Dependants: £623
This Global Talent route replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.
T2 Sportsperson Visa Cost in 2023
T2 Sportsperson visa fees vary with Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) duration. For COS up to 12 months, the fee is £259, while COS exceeding 12 months costs £625. This visa caters to elite sportspersons or coaches making significant contributions to UK sports development and replaces the Tier 2 Sportsperson route.
T2 Minister of Religion Visa Cost in 2023
The T2 Minister of Religion visa fees are £625 for individuals engaging in preaching, pastoral work, missionary work, or joining a religious order in the UK. This visa replaced the Tier 2 Minister of Religion route.
T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa Cost in 2023
T5 (Temporary Worker) visa fees for both main applicants and dependants are £259. This visa encompasses seasonal, religious, charity, creative, sporting, government-authorized exchange workers, and Youth Mobility Scheme participants. It replaced the Tier 5 Temporary Worker route.
Miscellaneous
UK visa fees for other work applications in 2023 include:
- Graduate Entrepreneur – dependants only: £378
- Tier 1 Exceptional Talent – dependants only: £623
- Offshore worker: £531
- Overseas domestic worker in a private household: £531
- Representative of an overseas business and dependants: £625
- Employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organization: £625
- Sheep Shearer: £531
- Ancestry: £531
These fees cater to a wide range of work-related visa categories for those pursuing opportunities in the UK. Please note that fees may change, and it’s crucial to stay informed on the most recent UK work visa fees and costs for 2023.
5. UK Visa Fees 2023: Other Visas and Services
If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa for a purpose other than work or visit, here’s a complete breakdown of the UK visa fees in 2023:
- Single-entry visa to replace Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): £154
- Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) overseas application: £154
- Certificate of Entitlement – Right of Abode (outside UK): £388
- Miscellaneous visa: £531
- Right of abode – certificate of entitlement: £372
- Registered Traveller (UK only) – adult: £50 and child: £24
- Registration of new documents – Registered Traveller (UK only): £20
- Receiving/handling/forwarding applications on behalf of Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories: £141
- Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces: £531
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months: £180
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years: £250
- Consular officer call-out/out-of-hours fee (per hour/part hour): £142
- Document preparation and forwarding (consular functions): £141
- Administrative review: £80
Optional Premium Services
You can choose to pay for additional premium services to expedite your UK visa application process. The fees for these optional services in 2023 are:
- Priority Visa Fee (Settlement): £573
- Priority Visa Fee (Non-Settlement): £250
- Super Priority Visa Service: £956
- User Pays Visa Application service: £55
- Immigration officer provision for premium service relating to entry or transit (per hour per officer): £77.40
- International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query): £2.74
- International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute): £0.69
UK Visa Fee Exemptions in 2023
Certain categories of applicants are exempt from paying the UK visa application fees in 2023. They include:
- FCO Strategic Performance Fund and bilateral projects
- HM Forces personnel or members of foreign armed forces – exempt from immigration control
- Diplomatic posting to the UK – main applicant and dependants
- Members of international organizations on official visits
- Official visits or transit
By keeping track of the UK visa fees and ensuring that you have the necessary funds to pay for them, you can avoid any unnecessary delays in your visa application process.
For more information about UK visa fees and application processes, explore UK Government’s Official Visa Fees Page.
