This guide covers UK visa requirements for Bangladeshi citizens in 2026, with official fees in BDT, processing times, and current grant rates. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ৳23,113, the Student visa is ৳95,500, and the Spouse visa is ৳324,908. Critical context: Bangladesh has the lowest visitor visa grant rate of any major nationality at 46% — more than half of applications are refused. Understanding the statistics and preparing strong evidence is essential for Bangladeshi applicants.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
- UK Visa Ratio from Bangladesh 2026
- UK Visa Fees in Bangladesh (BDT)
- UK Visit Visa from Bangladesh
- UK Student Visa from Bangladesh
- UK Family Visa from Bangladesh
- UK Work Visa from Bangladesh
- UK Transit Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
- How to Apply for a UK Visa from Bangladesh
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026: Overview
Bangladeshi citizens need a visa to enter the UK for any purpose — tourism, family visits, study, or work. Applications run through VFS Global centres in Dhaka and Sylhet, with standard processing of about 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and up to 12 weeks for settlement. Fees are charged in Bangladeshi Taka at the Home Office rate of roughly ৳171.2 per £1 (May 2026). The exception is Bangladeshis holding dual citizenship from a visa-exempt country.
The challenging rates reflect heightened Home Office scrutiny. Common refusal grounds include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Bangladesh, concerns about return intentions, and document authenticity. Professional guidance is often valuable for complex cases, particularly spouse visa and skilled worker applications.
UK Visa Ratio from Bangladesh 2026
The UK visa ratio (grant rate) from Bangladesh varies sharply by type: visitor visas 46% (lowest globally), student visas 86%, family visas 89%, and work visas 58%. According to Home Office statistics for the year ending March 2026, Bangladesh faces the highest visitor refusal rate among all major nationalities, though family and study outcomes are far stronger.
The term "ratio" is widely used in Bangladesh to mean the visa grant rate. Understanding these figures helps applicants set realistic expectations and build stronger applications. The data below comes from official Home Office statistics; for cross-country context see our UK visa success rate analysis.
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 37,612 | 19,498 | 46% |
| Student visa | 12,947 | 11,094 | 86% |
| Family visa | 2,135 | 1,726 | 89% |
| Work visa | 4,521 | 2,718 | 58% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
How does Bangladesh compare to other countries?
Bangladesh's 46% visitor grant rate is the lowest of any major nationality. The global average is 79%. Even other closely-scrutinised nationalities do better — Pakistan reaches 55%, Ghana 57%, and Nigeria 61%, while India sits at 82%.
| Country | Visitor Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 46% (lowest) |
| Pakistan | 55% |
| Ghana | 57% |
| Nigeria | 61% |
| Sri Lanka | 71% |
| India | 82% |
| Global average | 79% |
What is the UK student visa ratio from Bangladesh?
The UK student visa ratio from Bangladesh is 86% in the year ending March 2026, with 12,947 applications and 11,094 granted — Bangladesh ranks #7 globally for student volume. While far stronger than the visitor route, it trails fellow student-sender Nepal at 95% and India at 96%, reflecting closer scrutiny of financial evidence and genuine student intent.
UK Visa Fees in Bangladesh 2026 (BDT)
UK visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens are paid in Bangladeshi Taka at the Home Office rate of about ৳171.2 per £1 (May 2026). The 6-month Standard Visitor visa is ৳23,113, the Student visa ৳95,500, and the Spouse settlement visa ৳324,908. The IHS, TB test, and optional priority fees are additional.
UK visit visa fee from Bangladesh
| Visitor Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | ৳23,113 |
| Long-term (2 years) | ৳86,633 |
| Long-term (5 years) | ৳154,604 |
| Long-term (10 years) | ৳193,126 |
| Marriage Visitor | ৳23,113 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | ৳40,063 |
UK student visa fee for Bangladeshi citizens
| Study Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Student visa | ৳95,500 |
| Short-term Study (6–11 months) | ৳39,036 |
| Child Student visa | ৳95,500 |
UK work visa fee in Bangladesh
| Work Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ৳139,804 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ৳276,195 |
| Skilled Worker — ISL (up to 3 years) | ৳107,201 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | ৳55,307 |
| UK Ancestry | ৳123,929 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | ৳130,757 |
UK spouse visa fee from Bangladesh
| Family Visa Type | Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner visa | ৳324,908 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | ৳324,908 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | ৳572,193 |
| Parent of a Child Student | ৳124,299 |
Priority services and IHS
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Priority Service (5 working days) | ৳85,600 |
| Super Priority (next working day) | ৳171,200* |
| Settlement Priority (6 weeks) | ৳85,600 |
| IHS — Student rate (per year) | £776 (GBP) |
| IHS — Standard rate (per year) | £1,035 (GBP) |
*Super Priority is not consistently available in Bangladesh — check at the time of application. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid in pounds online and is required for all visas longer than 6 months. Visitor visa applicants are exempt from the IHS.
UK Visit Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The UK visit visa from Bangladesh costs ৳23,113 for 6 months, with standard processing of about 3 weeks. Bangladesh has the lowest visitor grant rate globally at 46%, so applicants must provide exceptionally strong evidence of ties to Bangladesh, genuine travel plans, and consistent finances to succeed.
The Standard Visitor visa lets Bangladeshi citizens visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business, or short courses. Each visit is capped at 180 days under the multiple-entry visa rules, regardless of validity. The 46% grant rate means thorough documentation is essential, not optional.
How to improve UK visit visa chances 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 applicants should show funds proportionate to the trip — broadly ৳200,000–৳350,000 for one to two weeks, more for longer stays. For full guidance on financial evidence, see our supporting documents guide. Bangladeshi applicants should ensure statements show a consistent savings pattern rather than recent lump-sum deposits, which frequently trigger refusals.
UK Student Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The UK Student visa for Bangladeshi citizens costs ৳95,500 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. The student ratio from Bangladesh is 86% — far stronger than visitor visas. In the year ending March 2026, 12,947 Bangladeshis applied for student visas with 11,094 granted, ranking Bangladesh #7 globally.
The UK Student visa lets Bangladeshi nationals study at licensed UK institutions with a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. The visa allows part-time work during term and full-time in holidays for degree-level courses. Applicants must meet the English language requirement and hold maintenance funds.
UK student visa cost breakdown for Bangladeshi applicants
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | ৳95,500 |
| IHS (per year, student rate) | £776 (GBP) |
| Maintenance funds (London) | £1,483/month (9 months) |
| Maintenance funds (outside London) | £1,136/month (9 months) |
| Priority processing (optional) | ৳85,600 |
Bangladeshi students must show they can cover tuition and living costs for at least 9 months. After graduation, students can move to the Graduate route for post-study work. The Short-term Study visa (৳39,036) covers English language courses of 6–11 months that don't lead to a qualification.
UK Family Visa from Bangladesh 2026
UK family visa applications from Bangladesh succeed at 89% — the best outcome of any Bangladesh visa category. The spouse visa costs ৳324,908 with processing of up to 12 weeks. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement. Genuine, well-documented relationships drive the strong approval rate.
The UK spouse visa is the most common family route for Bangladeshi nationals. Requirements include a genuine relationship, meeting the £29,000 financial requirement, and adequate accommodation. The financial rules are set in Appendix FM, so sponsors should confirm their income category first.
UK spouse visa requirements from Bangladesh
- 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: ৳324,908 plus IHS at £1,035 per year
After initial approval, spouse visa holders can extend and eventually apply for settlement after 5 years. The Adult Dependent Relative visa costs ৳572,193 and has stricter requirements, including showing that adequate care is not available in Bangladesh.
UK Work Visa from Bangladesh 2026
The UK work visa from Bangladesh ranges from ৳55,307 (Health & Care Worker) to ৳139,804 (Skilled Worker, up to 3 years). Bangladesh's work grant rate is 58% in the year ending March 2026 — the second-weakest after visitor visas, with 1,983 refusals. Strong sponsorship and salary evidence are essential.
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for Bangladeshis seeking UK employment. Applicants need a job offer from a licensed sponsor meeting the salary threshold or going rate. Jobs on the Immigration Salary List qualify for a discounted fee — ৳107,201 instead of ৳139,804 for up to 3 years.
The Health and Care Worker visa offers much lower fees (৳55,307 for up to 3 years) and IHS exemption for NHS and social care roles, making it the most accessible work route for Bangladeshi nurses and care workers. Successful work visa holders can apply for settlement after 5 years and later British citizenship.
UK Transit Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026
Bangladeshi citizens need a transit visa to pass through the UK, even without leaving the airport. The Direct Airside Transit visa costs ৳7,105, while the Visitor in Transit visa costs ৳12,755. Both are far cheaper than the Standard Visitor visa but serve different transit purposes.
| Transit Visa Type | Fee (BDT) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | ৳7,105 | Changing flights without passing UK border control |
| Visitor in Transit | ৳12,755 | Passing through UK border control (up to 48 hours) |
Bangladesh is on the UK's DATV list, so Bangladeshi nationals need a visa even to transit airside without leaving the airport. 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.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Bangladesh
To apply from Bangladesh: complete the online form on gov.uk, pay the fee in BDT, book an appointment at VFS Global (Dhaka or Sylhet), attend for biometrics and document submission, then await the decision — about 3 weeks for non-settlement visas or up to 12 weeks for settlement.
Bangladeshi applicants cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app — all applications require an in-person appointment at a Visa Application Centre. Current visa decision waiting times are published by the Home Office. For a walkthrough of the form, see our guide to the UK visa application form.
VFS Bangladesh UK Visa Application Centres
- 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 46% visitor rate, a Bangladeshi refusal is common — the decision letter sets out the specific grounds. Reviewing the common refusal reasons and our guide on your chances after a refusal explains whether to reapply with stronger evidence, request an administrative review, or take another route. Addressing the exact refusal reason before reapplying is the single most useful step.
- Visitor visa: 46% grant rate (lowest globally) — ৳23,113 for 6 months
- Student visa: 86% grant rate — ৳95,500 plus £776 IHS per year
- Family visa: 89% grant rate (best outcome) — ৳324,908 for spouse
- Work visa: 58% grant rate — ৳139,804 for Skilled Worker (3 years)
- Processing: about 3 weeks (non-settlement), up to 12 weeks (settlement)
- TB test required for stays of 6 months or more
FAQs: UK Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
How much is the UK visa fee in Bangladesh 2026?
UK visa fees in Bangladesh for 2026, paid in BDT at about ৳171.2 per pound: 6-month visitor visa ৳23,113, student visa ৳95,500, skilled worker visa ৳139,804 (up to 3 years), health and care worker ৳55,307, and spouse visa ৳324,908. Additional costs include the IHS (£776/year student, £1,035/year standard) and optional priority service (৳85,600).
What is the UK visa ratio from Bangladesh 2026?
The UK visa ratio from Bangladesh in the year ending March 2026: visitor visa 46% (lowest globally), student visa 86%, family visa 89% (highest), and work visa 58%. Bangladesh faces the highest visitor refusal rate of any major nationality, though family and study applications succeed at much stronger rates.
How long does UK visa processing take from Bangladesh?
Standard UK visa processing from Bangladesh is about 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 (৳85,600) and settlement to about 6 weeks at the same fee.
Why is the UK visit visa ratio so low from Bangladesh?
Bangladesh's 46% visitor grant rate reflects heightened Home Office scrutiny around overstaying concerns, insufficient evidence of ties to Bangladesh, questionable financial documentation including unexplained large deposits, and document verification. Applicants should provide comprehensive evidence of employment, property, family ties, and a consistent savings history to improve their chances.
What are UK spouse visa requirements from Bangladesh?
UK spouse visa requirements from Bangladesh include genuine relationship evidence, a UK sponsor earning at least £29,000 annually, adequate accommodation, the A1 English requirement, and the ৳324,908 fee plus IHS at £1,035 per year. Processing takes up to 12 weeks with an 89% 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 86% in the year ending March 2026, with 12,947 applications and 11,094 granted. Bangladesh ranks #7 globally for student volume. While far stronger than visitor visas, it trails Nepal (95%) and India (96%). A valid CAS, proof of funds, and genuine student intent are the key requirements.
Where is the UK visa application centre in Bangladesh?
VFS Global operates two UK Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh: VFS Dhaka at Delta Life Tower, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212; and VFS Sylhet at Nirvana Inn, Mirza Jungle Road, Sylhet 3100. Appointments are booked online through VFS Global after completing the UK visa application on gov.uk.
What is the UK work visa price from Bangladesh?
UK work visa prices from Bangladesh in 2026: Skilled Worker visa ৳139,804 (up to 3 years) or ৳276,195 (over 3 years), Health and Care Worker ৳55,307, Immigration Salary List discount ৳107,201, and UK Ancestry ৳123,929. IHS of £1,035 per year applies (Health and Care holders are exempt). The work visa grant rate from Bangladesh is 58%.