This guide covers UK visa requirements for Bangladeshi citizens in 2026 — official fees in taka, processing times and current grant rates. The 6-month visitor visa costs ৳23,258, the Student visa ৳96,131 and the spouse visa ৳355,582. The number that shapes everything: Bangladesh's visitor grant rate is 45%, the lowest of any major nationality — while family (89%) and student (86%) routes succeed far more often.
UK Visas from Bangladesh
UK Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026: Ratio & Fees in Taka
UK Visa Ratio from Bangladesh 2026
The UK visa ratio (grant rate) from Bangladesh varies sharply by route: visitor visas 45% — the lowest of any major nationality — student visas 86%, family visas 89% and work visas 60%, per Home Office statistics for the year ending June 2026. More than half of visitor applications are refused, while family and study outcomes are far stronger.
"Ratio" is the term widely used in Bangladesh for the visa grant rate, and knowing the figures helps applicants set realistic expectations and build stronger files. The data below comes from official Home Office statistics; for cross-country context see our UK visa success rate analysis.
UK visa grant rates for Bangladesh (year ending June 2026)
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 37,254 | 17,568 | 45% |
| Student visa | 12,468 | 10,021 | 86% |
| Family visa | 2,069 | 1,648 | 89% |
| Work visa | 3,785 | 2,362 | 60% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending June 2026
UK visa ratio for Bangladeshi students 2026
The ratio for Bangladeshi students is 86% for the year ending June 2026 — 12,468 applications, 10,021 granted, the seventh-highest student volume in the world. Far stronger than the visitor route, it still trails fellow student-senders Nepal (95%) and India (96%), reflecting closer scrutiny of financial evidence and genuine student intent. Most student refusals turn on bank statements and sponsorship documents rather than academics.
How does Bangladesh compare to other countries?
Bangladesh's 45% visitor rate is the lowest of any major nationality, against a 80% global average. Even other closely-scrutinised nationalities do better — Pakistan reaches 57%, Ghana 58% and Nigeria 62%, while India sits at 82%.
Visitor visa grant rates by country (year ending June 2026)
| Country | Visitor Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh (lowest) | 45% |
| Pakistan | 57% |
| Ghana | 58% |
| Nigeria | 62% |
| Sri Lanka | 71% |
| India | 82% |
| Global average | 80% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending June 2026
UK Visa Fees in Bangladesh 2026 (BDT)
All UK visa fees for Bangladesh are paid in taka at the Home Office's quarterly-adjusted rate — about ৳172.3 per £1 (August 2026) — and are non-refundable even if the application is refused. Fees move when the rate resets, so confirm the current figure on the official fee calculator before applying. The visitor fee family first:
UK visit visa fees from Bangladesh (2026)
| Visitor Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | ৳23,258 |
| Long-term (2 years) | ৳87,173 |
| Long-term (5 years) | ৳155,567 |
| Long-term (10 years) | ৳194,330 |
| Marriage Visitor | ৳23,258 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | ৳40,313 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
The long-term options allow unlimited trips over their validity with each stay capped at 180 days. Study fees next — the Student visa applies to any course at a licensed institution:
UK student visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens (2026)
| Study Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Student visa | ৳96,131 |
| Short-term Study (6–11 months) | ৳39,279 |
| Child Student visa | ৳96,131 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
Work routes span the widest fee range, with the Immigration Salary List discount and the Health & Care rate well below the standard Skilled Worker fee:
UK work visa fees in Bangladesh (2026)
| Work Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ৳141,096 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ৳278,746 |
| Skilled Worker — ISL (up to 3 years) | ৳108,191 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | ৳55,818 |
| UK Ancestry | ৳125,074 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | ৳35,317 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
Family routes carry the highest application fees on this page:
UK spouse & family visa fees from Bangladesh (2026)
| Family Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner visa | ৳355,582 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | ৳355,582 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | ৳626,231 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
On top of the visa fee, the priority services and the Immigration Health Surcharge are charged separately:
Priority services and IHS from Bangladesh (2026)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Priority Service (5 working days) | ৳86,139 |
| Super Priority (next working day) | ৳172,278 |
| Settlement Priority (~6 weeks) | ৳86,139 |
| IHS — student rate (per year) | £776 (GBP) |
| IHS — standard rate (per year) | £1,035 (GBP) |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
Super Priority is not consistently available in Bangladesh — check at the time of application. The IHS is paid in pounds online and applies to all visas longer than 6 months; visitor applicants do not pay it.
UK Visit Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The Standard Visitor visa lets Bangladeshi citizens visit for tourism, family visits, business or short courses, with each stay capped at 180 days under the multiple-entry rules. At ৳23,258 non-refundable, the grant rate is part of the price calculation:
What strengthens a visitor application from Bangladesh:
- Strong ties to Bangladesh: property ownership, employment letters, business registration
- Consistent finances: 6+ months of statements showing steady savings, not sudden large deposits
- Clear travel history: previous Schengen, US or other Western visas demonstrate compliance
- Specific plans: confirmed accommodation, itinerary and return tickets matching the purpose
- Genuine sponsor: a sponsor's invitation letter with relationship evidence if visiting family
Show money for a UK tourist visa from Bangladesh
There is no official minimum, but funds should be proportionate to the trip — broadly ৳200,000–৳350,000 for one to two weeks, more for longer stays. Statements should show a consistent savings pattern rather than recent lump-sum deposits, which frequently trigger refusals. Full guidance is in our supporting documents guide.
UK Student Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The Student visa lets Bangladeshi nationals study at licensed UK institutions with a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, and allows part-time work in term and full-time in holidays on degree-level courses at compliant providers. Applicants must meet the English language requirement and hold maintenance funds — full detail in our Student visa requirements guide.
UK student visa cost breakdown for Bangladeshi applicants
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | ৳96,131 |
| IHS (per year, student rate) | £776 (GBP) |
| Maintenance funds (London) | £1,529/month (9 months) |
| Maintenance funds (outside London) | £1,171/month (9 months) |
| Priority processing (optional) | ৳86,139 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 rate; maintenance per Appendix Student
Students must show they can cover tuition plus living costs, with the maintenance requirement capped at 9 months. After graduation, the Graduate route allows post-study work without sponsorship. The Short-term Study visa (৳39,279) covers English language courses longer than 6 and up to 11 months only.
UK Family Visa from Bangladesh 2026
Family visas are Bangladesh's strongest route: 2,069 applications, 1,648 granted — an 89% rate, far above the 45% visitor figure, reflecting genuine relationships with British and settled partners. The spouse visa at ৳355,582 is the most common family route, with the financial rules set in Appendix FM — sponsors should confirm their income category first. The requirements:
- Genuine relationship: photos, communication records, visit history, meeting evidence
- Financial requirement: UK sponsor earning at least £29,000 annually, or equivalent savings
- English language: A1 level for the initial application, A2 for extension
- Accommodation: adequate housing that will not be overcrowded
- Application fee: ৳355,582 plus IHS at £1,035 per year
After initial approval, spouse visa holders extend and reach settlement after 5 years on the route. The Adult Dependent Relative visa (৳626,231) has far stricter requirements, including showing that adequate care is not available in Bangladesh.
UK Work Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary work route: a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the salary threshold or going rate, for ৳141,096 (up to 3 years). Bangladesh's 60% work grant rate — 3,785 applications, 2,362 granted — is the second-weakest after visitors: the salary threshold, sponsor compliance and document verification are where refused applications fall down, so both need checking before the fee is paid.
Jobs on the Immigration Salary List pay a discounted ৳108,191, and the Health and Care Worker visa — ৳55,818 with IHS exemption — is the most accessible route for Bangladeshi nurses and care workers in NHS and social care roles. Work visa holders can apply for settlement after 5 years and later British citizenship.
UK Transit Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026
Bangladesh is on the UK's DATV list, so Bangladeshi citizens need a visa even to change flights airside without leaving the airport. The two options:
UK transit visa fees from Bangladesh (2026)
| Transit Visa Type | Fee (BDT) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | ৳7,150 | Changing flights without passing UK border control |
| Visitor in Transit | ৳12,835 | Passing through UK border control (up to 48 hours) |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, August 2026 exchange rate
Holders of a valid visa, residence permit or permanent residence card from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or an EEA country may be exempt from the DATV requirement — check the exemption list before booking.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Bangladesh
Every application starts on GOV.UK — our application form guide walks through it — with the fee paid in taka and biometrics given in person at VFS Global: Bangladeshi applicants cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Standard processing is about 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and up to 12 weeks for settlement; current decision waiting times are published by the Home Office. A TB test certificate is required for any visa of 6 months or longer.
- VFS Dhaka: Delta Life Tower, Plot 37, Road 45, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212
- VFS Sylhet: Nirvana Inn, Mirza Jungle Road, Ramerdighir Par, Sylhet 3100
If your application is refused
Given the 45% visitor rate, refusal is common — the decision letter sets out the specific grounds. Our guides on refusal reasons and your chances after a refusal explain whether to reapply with stronger evidence, request an administrative review, or take another route — addressing the exact refusal ground first is the single most useful step.
Sources: fees from the Home Office visa fee calculator at its August 2026 exchange rate (about ৳172.3 per £1); grant rates and volumes from the Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending June 2026; maintenance figures per Appendix Student. Figures verified 29 August 2026 at the August 2026 Home Office exchange rate.
Frequently Asked
Questions about UK Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens
For the year ending June 2026: visitor visa 45% (the lowest of any major nationality), student visa 86%, family visa 89% (the highest) and work visa 60%. Bangladesh faces the toughest visitor scrutiny in the world, but family and study applications succeed at much stronger rates.
The student ratio from Bangladesh is 86% for the year ending June 2026 — 12,468 applications, 10,021 granted, the seventh-highest volume globally. It trails Nepal (95%) and India (96%), with most refusals turning on financial evidence rather than academics. A valid CAS, clean bank statements and genuine student intent are the keys.
The visit visa ratio is 45% — of 37,254 applications in the year ending June 2026, 21,418 were refused, the lowest approval rate of any major nationality. It compares with Pakistan at 57%, India at 82% and the 80% global average. Strong ties, consistent finances and travel history are what move a file into the successful half.
Paid in taka at about ৳172.3 per pound: 6-month visitor visa ৳23,258, Student visa ৳96,131, Skilled Worker visa ৳141,096 (up to 3 years), Health & Care Worker ৳55,818 and spouse visa ৳355,582. The IHS (£776/year student, £1,035/year standard) and optional priority service (৳86,139) are extra.
Standard processing is about 3 weeks for non-settlement visas (visitor, student, work) and up to 12 weeks for settlement visas (spouse, family). Priority service cuts non-settlement processing to 5 working days for ৳86,139, and settlement to about 6 weeks at the same fee. Super Priority is not consistently available in Bangladesh.
The 45% rate reflects heightened scrutiny around return intentions, insufficient evidence of ties to Bangladesh, questionable financial documentation — especially unexplained large deposits — and document verification. Comprehensive evidence of employment, property, family ties and a consistent savings history is what improves the odds.
A genuine relationship with evidence, a UK sponsor earning at least £29,000 annually (or equivalent savings), adequate accommodation, A1 English for the initial application, and the ৳355,582 fee plus IHS at £1,035 per year. Processing takes up to 12 weeks, and the 89% approval rate is the highest of any Bangladesh visa category.
VFS Global operates two UK Visa Application Centres: VFS Dhaka at Delta Life Tower, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, and VFS Sylhet at Nirvana Inn, Mirza Jungle Road, Sylhet 3100. Appointments are booked through the VFS Global portal after completing the application on GOV.UK — there is no in-app or embassy application option.
Skilled Worker visa ৳141,096 (up to 3 years) or ৳278,746 (over 3 years); Immigration Salary List roles ৳108,191; Health & Care Worker ৳55,818; UK Ancestry ৳125,074. IHS of £1,035 per year applies, with Health & Care holders exempt. Bangladesh's work grant rate is 60% — sponsorship and salary evidence decide most cases.
৬ মাসের ভিজিটর ভিসার ফি ৳23,258, স্টুডেন্ট ভিসা ৳96,131, স্কিল্ড ওয়ার্কার ভিসা (৩ বছর পর্যন্ত) ৳141,096 এবং স্পাউস ভিসা ৳355,582। সব ফি হোম অফিসের নির্ধারিত হারে টাকায়, অনলাইন আবেদনের সময় দিতে হয়। ওয়ার্ক, স্টাডি ও ফ্যামিলি ভিসায় ইমিগ্রেশন হেলথ সারচার্জ পাউন্ডে আলাদাভাবে দিতে হয়।
আবেদন GOV.UK-এ অনলাইনে করতে হয় এবং ফি টাকায় দিতে হয়। এরপর বায়োমেট্রিক্সের জন্য VFS Global কেন্দ্রে সশরীরে উপস্থিত হতে হয়। নন-সেটেলমেন্ট ভিসার সিদ্ধান্ত সাধারণত প্রায় ৩ সপ্তাহে আসে, আর সেটেলমেন্ট ক্ষেত্রে ১২ সপ্তাহ পর্যন্ত লাগতে পারে।