This guide covers the UK visa from Nepal in 2026 — every fee in Nepalese rupees and pounds, plus the latest success rates. The visitor visa costs ₨27,836, the Student visa ₨115,055 and the family visa ₨425,579. Nepal's story is a split: students succeed 95% of the time, ranking #5 in the world by volume, while the family route manages just 61% — the two numbers that should shape any application.
UK Visas from Nepal
UK Visa from Nepal 2026: Success Rate, Fees & How to Apply
UK Visa Success Rate in Nepal 2026
The UK visa success rate in Nepal splits sharply by route: student visas 95% — among the best of any high-volume nationality — and family visas just 61%, per Home Office statistics for the year ending March 2026. Fees are paid in rupees at about ₨206.2 per £1: visitor ₨27,836, Student ₨115,055, Skilled Worker ₨168,871, family ₨425,579.
Nepali citizens need a visa for any UK visit, study or work — there is no visa-free route — with applications processed through the VFS Global centre in Kathmandu. In the year ending March 2026, Nepal ranked #5 globally for study applications, with 20,465 lodged and 19,667 granted. For every nationality's figures, see our UK visa success rate breakdown.
UK visa grant rates for Nepal (year ending March 2026)
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | 20,465 | 19,667 | 95% |
| Family visa | 4,644 | 2,433 | 61% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
UK student visa success rate from Nepal 2026
The 95% student success rate puts Nepal ahead of fellow senders Bangladesh (86%) and Sri Lanka (89%), and just behind India (96%). It reflects applicants who arrive with confirmed CAS letters, met English requirements and clear maintenance funds — the three areas where student refusals most often occur.
Why the family rate tells the opposite story
The 61% family rate — 1,539 refusals in the year — points to heightened scrutiny of relationships and financial evidence, a sharper split than Pakistan or its other South Asian peers show. Visitor and work volumes are lower and not separately ranked, but both routes are actively used by Nepali applicants.
UK Student Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK Student visa lets Nepali students study at licensed UK institutions. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, proof they meet the English language requirement, and funds for tuition and living costs held for the 28-day qualifying period. Standard processing takes about 3 weeks. The fees:
UK student visa fees from Nepal (2026)
| Study Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant) | ₨115,055 | £558 |
| Child Student visa | ₨115,055 | £558 |
| Short-term study (6–11 months English) | ₨47,012 | £228 |
| IHS (per year of study) | ~₨160,000 | £776 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, May 2026 exchange rate (~₨206.2/£1)
A one-year master's therefore costs about ₨115,055 in visa fee plus £776 for the Immigration Health Surcharge — always paid in pounds online before the biometrics appointment, never in rupees. After graduating, Nepali students can move to the Graduate route for post-study work. Nepal's mature network of education agents and strong tradition of overseas study underpin the route's 95% rate — well-documented applicants have excellent prospects.
UK Visit Visa from Nepal 2026
The Standard Visitor visa lets Nepali citizens visit for tourism, family visits, business or short courses, with each stay capped at 180 days under the multiple-entry rules. Frequent travellers often choose a long-term 2, 5 or 10-year visa for better value. The current prices:
UK visitor visa fees from Nepal (2026)
| Visa Duration | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months (single/multiple entry) | ₨27,836 | £135 |
| 2 years (long-term) | ₨104,333 | £506 |
| 5 years (long-term) | ₨186,191 | £903 |
| 10 years (long-term) | ₨232,584 | £1,128 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | ₨27,836 | £135 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | ₨48,249 | £234 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, May 2026 exchange rate (~₨206.2/£1)
The fee is non-refundable, so the file needs to be right first time. What strengthens a Nepali visitor application:
- Sponsor evidence: if visiting family, include a clear sponsor's invitation letter with proof of the relationship
- Financial history: recent bank statements showing consistent funds, not last-minute deposits
- Ties to Nepal: employment, property or business records showing reasons to return
- Document checklist: follow our supporting documents guide for your category
- Clear itinerary: confirmed accommodation and return travel matching the stated purpose
Transit visa fees from Nepal
Nepali nationals passing through UK airports may need a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit visa costs ₨8,557 (£41.50) for travellers staying within the airport transit area; the Visitor in Transit visa, for those passing through UK border control, costs ₨15,361 (£74.50).
UK Work Visa from Nepal 2026
The Skilled Worker visa — the main working visa from Nepal — costs ₨168,871 (£819) for up to 3 years and requires sponsorship from a licensed UK employer at the route's salary threshold or going rate. After five years, holders can apply for settlement. Nepal also has strong historic links to the UK Ancestry route through Gurkha service connections.
UK work visa fees from Nepal (2026)
| Work Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ₨168,871 | £819 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ₨333,618 | £1,618 |
| Skilled Worker — ISL (up to 3 years) | ₨129,488 | £628 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | ₨66,806 | £324 |
| UK Ancestry visa | ₨149,695 | £726 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | ₨42,269 | £205 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, May 2026 exchange rate (~₨206.2/£1)
Health and Care Worker applicants pay the lowest work-visa fee and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge — especially attractive for Nepali nurses and care workers recruited by the NHS and registered care providers. Global Talent applicants pay the ₨42,269 visa-stage fee, with the endorsement stage charged separately.
UK Family Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK spouse visa lets Nepali nationals join a British or settled partner for ₨425,579 (£2,064), with the UK sponsor meeting the £29,000 minimum income requirement and settlement possible after five years on the route. It is the route where preparation matters most:
The full family price list:
UK family visa fees from Nepal (2026)
| Family Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner/Child visa | ₨425,579 | £2,064 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | ₨425,579 | £2,064 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | ₨749,506 | £3,635 |
| Returning Resident | ₨149,695 | £726 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, May 2026 exchange rate (~₨206.2/£1)
UK Priority Visa from Nepal 2026
Standard processing after biometrics from Nepal runs about 3 weeks for visitor and student visas. For urgent travel, the priority visa service costs ₨103,096 (£500) on top of the visa fee — for non-settlement routes it cuts the wait to 5 working days, and for settlement applications to about 6 weeks at the same fee.
Priority fees are fixed in pounds and converted to rupees at the Home Office rate, and the service may be paused during peak student-intake seasons — check slot availability when booking your biometrics appointment in Kathmandu. Priority buys speed, not approval, and is not refunded on refusal.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nepal
Every application starts with the online form on GOV.UK — our application form guide walks through it — with the fee paid in rupees and biometrics given at VFS Global Kathmandu. The steps:
- Step 1: complete the online application on GOV.UK and pay the fee in rupees
- Step 2: pay the Immigration Health Surcharge online for stays over 6 months
- Step 3: get a TB test certificate from an approved clinic before applying
- Step 4: book a biometrics appointment via the VFS Global Nepal portal
- Step 5: attend the Kathmandu centre with your passport and document checklist
- Step 6: wait for the decision (about 3 weeks) and collect your passport
TB test required for Nepali applicants
Nepal is on the Home Office tuberculosis screening list, so applicants need a TB certificate for any stay of 6 months or more. Tests are carried out at approved clinics in Nepal — the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centres in Kathmandu and Damak — and typically cost around ₨7,000–8,000. The certificate is valid for 6 months and must be included with the application.
If your application is refused
A refusal — most likely on the family route at its 61% rate — comes with a decision letter setting 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 May 2026 exchange rate (about ₨206.2 per £1); grant rates and volumes from the Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026. Figures verified June 2026 at the May 2026 Home Office exchange rate.
Frequently Asked
Questions about the UK Visa from Nepal
The 6-month visitor visa costs ₨27,836 (£135), the Student visa ₨115,055 (£558), the Skilled Worker visa ₨168,871 (£819) and the family visa ₨425,579 (£2,064). All fees are charged in rupees at the Home Office rate of about ₨206.2 per pound, plus the IHS and TB test where applicable.
For the year ending March 2026, Nepal's student visa success rate is 95% — among the best of any high-volume nationality — while the family visa rate is just 61%, with 1,539 refusals. Visitor and work volumes are lower and not separately ranked. The student-family split is the defining feature of Nepali applications.
Nepal has a 95% UK student visa success rate for the year ending March 2026 — 20,465 applications, 19,667 granted, ranking #5 globally, ahead of Bangladesh (86%) and Sri Lanka (89%). Applicants with a valid CAS, met English requirements and clear maintenance funds held for 28 days have excellent prospects.
Nepal's family rate is just 61% — far below its 95% student rate. Refusals commonly turn on the £29,000 income threshold not being met, gaps in relationship evidence, or documentation concerns. Sponsors should confirm their income category under Appendix FM before applying, and evidence the relationship thoroughly.
Yes — Nepal is on the Home Office tuberculosis screening list, so a TB certificate is needed for any stay of 6 months or more. Tests are done at approved IOM clinics in Kathmandu and Damak, cost around ₨7,000–8,000, and the certificate is valid for 6 months. Visitor stays under 6 months do not require one.
The Skilled Worker visa costs ₨168,871 (up to 3 years) or ₨333,618 (over 3 years); Immigration Salary List roles pay ₨129,488. The Health and Care Worker visa is much cheaper at ₨66,806 and exempt from the IHS, making it popular with Nepali nurses and care workers. A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor meeting the salary threshold is required.
There is no separately published Home Office biometric fee — biometric enrolment happens as part of your standard appointment at VFS Global Kathmandu, covered by the visa fee. VFS lists charges for optional added services (premium appointment slots, courier return, SMS updates) on its Nepal portal, so check what is optional before paying anything beyond the visa fee.
The 10-year long-term visitor visa is ₨232,584 (£1,128), allowing multiple entries with each stay capped at 180 days. The 2-year option is ₨104,333 and the 5-year ₨186,191. For frequent travellers these work out cheaper than repeated 6-month visas at ₨27,836 each.
Standard processing is about 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas — including student applications in peak intake season, when timelines can stretch — and up to 12 weeks for settlement and family visas. Priority service (₨103,096) cuts non-settlement processing to about 5 working days, subject to availability at the Kathmandu centre.