This comprehensive guide covers UK visa requirements for Bangladeshi citizens in 2026, including official fees, processing times, and current success rates. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ৳21,856, the Student visa is ৳84,329, and the Spouse visa is ৳317,717. Critical warning: Bangladesh has the lowest visitor visa grant rate globally at just 48% — meaning more than half of all applications are refused. Understanding the statistics and requirements is essential for Bangladeshi applicants to maximise their chances of approval.
Overview: UK Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026
Bangladeshi citizens require a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose — tourism, family visits, study, or work. Applications are processed through VFS Global centres in Dhaka and Sylhet, with standard processing times of approximately 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and up to 12 weeks for settlement applications. The exception is Bangladeshis holding dual citizenship from visa-exempt countries such as the USA, EU member states, or Commonwealth nations with visa-free access.
The challenging approval rates reflect the UK Home Office's heightened scrutiny of applications from Bangladesh. Common refusal reasons include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Bangladesh, concerns about overstaying intentions, and document authenticity issues. Professional guidance is often essential for complex applications, particularly for spouse visa applications and skilled worker visas.
UK Visa Ratio from Bangladesh 2026
The UK visa ratio (success rate) from Bangladesh varies significantly by visa type: visitor visas have a 48% grant rate (worst globally), student visas 84%, family visas 88%, and work visas just 51%. According to Home Office statistics for the year ending September 2025, Bangladesh faces the highest refusal rates among all major nationalities.
The term "ratio" is commonly used in Bangladesh to refer to success rates or grant rates. Understanding these statistics helps applicants set realistic expectations and prepare stronger applications. The data below comes from official Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025.
What is the UK visa ratio from Bangladesh 2025?
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
How does Bangladesh compare to other countries?
Bangladesh's 48% visitor visa grant rate is the lowest of any major nationality applying for UK visas. For comparison, the global average visitor visa grant rate is 79%. Even other countries considered "high-risk" by the Home Office have significantly better outcomes — Ghana achieves 57%, Pakistan 58%, and Nigeria 61%. The only countries approaching Bangladesh's refusal rates are smaller applicant pools with less than 10,000 annual applications.
UK Visa Fees in Bangladesh 2026 (BDT)
UK visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens in 2026 are paid in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) at the official Home Office exchange rate of 1 GBP = ৳172.10. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ৳21,856, the Student visa is ৳84,329, and the Spouse settlement visa is ৳317,717. VFS service charges and IHS fees are additional.
UK Visit Visa Fee from Bangladesh
UK Study, Work & Family Visa Fees from Bangladesh
VFS Fees & Priority Services in Bangladesh
*Super Priority service is not consistently available in Bangladesh. Check availability at time of application.
UK Visit Visa from Bangladesh
The UK visit visa from Bangladesh costs ৳21,856 for a 6-month visa, with a standard processing time of 3 weeks. Bangladesh has the lowest visitor visa grant rate globally at just 48%, meaning applicants must provide exceptionally strong evidence of ties to Bangladesh, genuine travel intentions, and substantial financial resources.
The Standard Visitor visa allows Bangladeshi citizens to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business activities, or short-term studies. The visa permits stays of up to 180 days per visit, though the challenging 48% approval rate means exceptional documentation is essential.
How to improve UK visit visa chances from Bangladesh?
- Strong ties to Bangladesh: Property ownership, employment letters, business registration
- Substantial bank balance: 6+ months statements showing consistent savings (not recent large deposits)
- Clear travel history: Previous Schengen, US, or other Western visa stamps demonstrate compliance
- Specific travel plans: Confirmed accommodation bookings, detailed itinerary, return tickets
- Genuine purpose: Sponsor invitation letter with relationship evidence if visiting family
Show money for UK tourist visa from Bangladesh
Bangladeshi applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds for their UK trip. While there is no official minimum, typical expectations based on trip duration are:
For comprehensive guidance on supporting documents for UK visa applications, including financial evidence requirements, see our detailed guide.
UK Student Visa from Bangladesh
The UK Student visa for Bangladeshi citizens costs ৳84,329 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of ৳178,124 per year. The student visa ratio from Bangladesh is 84%, significantly better than visitor visas, though below the global average of 95%. In the year ending September 2025, 14,104 Bangladeshis applied for student visas, with 1,684 refused.
The UK Student visa permits Bangladeshi nationals to study at licensed UK institutions with a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The visa allows part-time work during studies — 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays for degree-level courses.
UK student visa ratio from Bangladesh 2025
Bangladesh ranks #7 globally for UK student visa applications. The 84% grant rate, while decent, is below the global average of 95%. China achieves 99%, India 96%, and Pakistan 92%. Bangladeshi students face greater scrutiny around financial evidence and genuine student intent. After graduation, Bangladeshi students can access the Graduate route for 18 months post-study work (reduced from 2 years in January 2027).
UK Family Visa from Bangladesh
UK family visa applications from Bangladesh have an 88% success rate — the best outcome among all visa categories for Bangladeshi nationals. The spouse visa costs ৳317,717 with processing times of up to 12 weeks. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement, increasing to £38,700 by 2027.
The UK Spouse visa is the most common family route for Bangladeshi nationals. Requirements include proving a genuine relationship, meeting the financial requirement (£29,000 minimum income or equivalent savings), and demonstrating adequate accommodation.
After initial approval, spouse visa holders can extend their visa and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years (or 10 years via the 10-year family route).
UK Work Permit Visa from Bangladesh
The UK work permit visa price from Bangladesh ranges from ৳48,876 (Health & Care Worker) to ৳123,740 (Skilled Worker, up to 3 years). Bangladesh has a concerning 51% work visa grant rate — the second-lowest after visitor visas. The Skilled Worker route specifically has just a 52% success rate with 2,581 refusals in the year ending September 2025.
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for Bangladeshis seeking UK employment. Applicants need a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher). The Health and Care Worker visa offers reduced fees and faster processing for NHS and social care roles.
Other work routes include the Global Business Mobility visa for intra-company transfers, and various Temporary Worker categories. Successful work visa holders can eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years and subsequently British citizenship.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Bangladesh
To apply for a UK visa from Bangladesh: complete the online application at gov.uk, pay the visa fee, book an appointment at VFS Global (Dhaka or Sylhet), attend for biometrics and document submission, then await the decision within 3 weeks for non-settlement visas or up to 12 weeks for settlement applications.
The UK visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens involves several steps. Unlike EU/EEA nationals and some other nationalities, Bangladeshis cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for identity verification — all applications require an in-person appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
VFS Bangladesh UK Visa Application Centres
- VFS Dhaka: 4th Floor, Delta Life Tower, Plot 37, Road 45, North Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212
- VFS Sylhet: 7th Floor, Nirvana Inn, Mirza Jungle Road, Ramerdhigir par, Sylhet 3100
For detailed guidance on completing the UK visa application form and understanding processing times after biometrics, see our comprehensive guides.
Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK
Approximately 600,000 people of Bangladeshi origin live in the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest Bangladeshi communities outside South Asia. Major concentrations are found in East London (particularly Tower Hamlets, where Bangladeshis comprise over 30% of the population), Birmingham, Manchester, and Luton. This established diaspora creates strong family connections driving visitor visa applications, though the challenging approval rates highlight the importance of thorough documentation.
- Visitor visa: 48% grant rate (LOWEST globally) — ৳21,856 for 6 months
- Student visa: 84% grant rate — ৳84,329 + IHS ৳178,124/year
- Family visa: 88% grant rate (BEST outcome) — ৳317,717 for spouse
- Work visa: 51% grant rate — ৳123,740 for Skilled Worker (3 years)
- Processing: 3 weeks (non-settlement), 12 weeks (settlement), priority available
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: UK Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
How much is the UK visa fee in Bangladesh 2026?
UK visa fees in Bangladesh for 2026 are paid in BDT: 6-month visitor visa ৳21,856, student visa ৳84,329, skilled worker visa ৳123,740 (up to 3 years), and spouse visa ৳317,717. Additional costs include IHS (৳178,124/year for study/work visas) and optional priority service (৳86,050).
What is the UK visa ratio from Bangladesh 2025?
The UK visa ratio (success rate) from Bangladesh varies by category: visitor visa 48% (lowest globally), student visa 84%, family visa 88% (highest), and work visa 51%. According to Home Office statistics for year ending September 2025, Bangladesh faces the highest refusal rates among major nationalities.
How long does UK visa processing take from Bangladesh?
Standard UK visa processing time from Bangladesh is approximately 3 weeks for non-settlement visas (visitor, student, work) and up to 12 weeks for settlement visas (spouse, family). Priority service reduces non-settlement processing to 5 working days (৳86,050) and settlement to 6 weeks.
Why is the UK visit visa ratio so low from Bangladesh?
Bangladesh's 48% visitor visa grant rate reflects heightened Home Office scrutiny around several factors: concerns about overstaying intentions, insufficient evidence of ties to Bangladesh, questionable financial documentation (including unexplained large deposits), and document authenticity verification challenges. Applicants should provide comprehensive evidence of employment, property, family ties, and consistent savings history.
What are UK spouse visa requirements from Bangladesh?
UK spouse visa requirements from Bangladesh include: genuine relationship evidence (photos, communication records, meeting history), UK sponsor earning minimum £29,000 annually (increasing to £38,700), adequate accommodation, English language requirement (A1 level), and ৳317,717 application fee. Processing takes up to 12 weeks with an 88% approval rate — the highest of any Bangladesh visa category.
What is the UK student visa ratio from Bangladesh?
The UK student visa ratio from Bangladesh is 84% (year ending September 2025), with 14,104 applications and 1,684 refusals. While this is significantly better than visitor visas, it remains below the global student visa average of 95%. Key requirements include a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds, and genuine student intent.
Where is the UK visa application centre in Bangladesh?
VFS Global operates two UK Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh: VFS Dhaka at 4th Floor, Delta Life Tower, Plot 37, Road 45, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212; and VFS Sylhet at 7th Floor, Nirvana Inn, Mirza Jungle Road, Sylhet 3100. Appointments are booked online through the VFS Global website after completing the UK visa application.
How many Bangladeshi live in the UK?
Approximately 600,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage live in the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest South Asian diaspora communities. The highest concentrations are in East London (Tower Hamlets has over 30% Bangladeshi population), Birmingham, Manchester, and Luton. This established community creates strong family ties driving visitor visa applications.