This guide covers the UK visa from Nepal in 2026, with every fee in Nepalese Rupees and pounds, plus the latest grant-rate statistics. Nepal is one of the UK's strongest student-sending nations — Nepali students achieve a 95% study visa grant rate and rank #5 globally by volume, ahead of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The family route tells the opposite story, with just a 61% grant rate, according to Home Office statistics. Applications are processed through VFS Global in Kathmandu.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
Understanding the UK Visa from Nepal 2026
Nepali citizens need a visa for any UK visit, study, or work — there is no visa-free route. Fees are charged in Nepalese Rupees at the Home Office rate of roughly ₨194.3 per £1 (May 2026), and this guide shows each in both NPR and GBP. Nepal's profile is defined by its student corridor: alongside South Asian peers such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Nepal sends a large and growing number of students to UK universities.
UK Visa Ratio from Nepal 2026
The UK visa "ratio" — the grant rate — varies sharply by category for Nepal. Students enjoy a 95% success rate, but families face a notably difficult 61%. In the year ending March 2026, Nepal ranked #5 globally for study applications with 20,465 lodged and 19,667 granted. For wider context, see our UK visa success rate breakdown by country.
| 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
This split is the defining feature of Nepali applications. The 95% study rate reflects well-prepared applicants with genuine offers and clear funding, while the 61% family rate — with 1,539 refusals — points to heightened scrutiny of relationships and financial evidence. 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 from Nepal costs ₨100,146 (£558). Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of about ₨150,800 per year (£776), always charged in pounds. Nepali students achieve an excellent 95% grant rate — rank #5 globally — making this Nepal's strongest UK visa route by far.
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 evidence of funds for tuition and living costs held for the 28-day qualifying period. After graduating, Nepali students can move to the Graduate route for post-study work.
| Study Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant) | ₨100,146 | £558 |
| Child Student visa | ₨100,146 | £558 |
| Short-term study (6–11 months English) | ₨40,899 | £228 |
| Parent of a Child Student | ₨130,342 | £726 |
| IHS (per year of study) | ~₨150,800 | £776 |
A one-year master's therefore costs about ₨100,146 in visa fee plus £776 IHS for the year. The IHS is always paid in pounds online before your biometrics appointment and cannot be settled in Rupees. Nepal's 95% study rate is among the best of any high-volume nationality, so well-documented applicants have strong prospects.
UK Visit Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK visit visa from Nepal costs ₨26,236 (£135) for 6 months. Long-term options are ₨98,127 for 2 years, ₨175,183 for 5 years, and ₨218,772 for 10 years. Each visit is capped at 180 days whichever validity you hold. The visitor route covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short courses.
The Standard Visitor visa lets Nepali citizens visit the UK for tourism, family visits, or business. Under the multiple-entry visa rules, every visit is limited to 180 days. Frequent travellers often choose a long-term 2, 5, or 10-year visa for better value.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Nepal 2026
| Visa Duration | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months (single/multiple entry) | ₨26,236 | £135 |
| 2 years (long-term) | ₨98,127 | £506 |
| 5 years (long-term) | ₨175,183 | £903 |
| 10 years (long-term) | ₨218,772 | £1,128 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | ₨26,236 | £135 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | ₨45,448 | £234 |
Strengthening a Nepali Visitor Visa 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 ₨8,057 (£41.50) for travellers who stay within the airport transit area. The Visitor in Transit visa, for those passing through UK border control, costs ₨14,461 (£74.50).
UK Work Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa from Nepal costs ₨174,272 (£819) for up to 3 years, or ₨344,288 for over 3 years. Health and Care Worker visas are cheaper at ₨68,943. Nepal also has strong historic links to the UK Ancestry visa (₨154,483) through Gurkha service connections.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main employment route for Nepali nationals, requiring sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and a salary meeting the route threshold or going rate. After five years, holders can apply for settlement. The Health and Care route is widely used by Nepali nurses and care workers, offering reduced fees and IHS exemption.
| Work Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ₨174,272 | £819 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ₨344,288 | £1,618 |
| Skilled Worker — ISL (up to 3 years) | ₨133,630 | £628 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | ₨68,943 | £324 |
| UK Ancestry visa | ₨154,483 | £819 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | ₨162,994 | £766 |
Health and Care Worker applicants pay the lowest work-visa fee and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, which makes the route especially attractive for Nepali medical and care professionals recruited by the NHS and registered care providers.
UK Family Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK family visa from Nepal costs ₨400,359 (£2,064) for partners, parents, and children joining settled family. Unusually, Nepal's family grant rate is just 61% — far below its 95% student rate — with 1,539 refusals in the year ending March 2026. Strong relationship and financial evidence is essential.
The UK spouse visa lets Nepali nationals join a British or settled partner. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement, and after five years on the route the applicant can apply for settlement. Nepal's low 61% family rate makes this the route where professional preparation matters most.
| Family Visa Type | Fee (NPR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner/Child visa | ₨400,359 | £2,064 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | ₨400,359 | £2,064 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | ₨705,070 | £3,635 |
| Returning Resident | ₨140,890 | £726 |
UK Priority Visa from Nepal 2026
The UK priority visa from Nepal costs ₨101,341 (£500) for a faster decision, added to the standard visa fee. The same fee applies to both non-settlement and settlement priority. Standard processing runs about 3 weeks for visitor and student visas, subject to availability at the Kathmandu VFS centre.
Standard processing times after biometrics from Nepal are around 3 weeks for visitor and student visas. For urgent travel, the priority visa service shortens the wait, where slots are available at the Kathmandu centre.
| Service | Processing Time | Fee (NPR / GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | About 3 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority service (non-settlement) | 5 working days | ₨101,341 (£500) |
| Settlement priority | About 6 weeks | ₨101,341 (£500) |
Priority fees are fixed in pounds and converted to Rupees at the Home Office rate. The service may be paused for some categories during peak student-intake seasons, so check availability when booking your biometrics appointment in Kathmandu.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nepal
Applying from Nepal means completing the online form on gov.uk, paying in Rupees, and giving biometrics at the VFS Global centre in Kathmandu. For a walkthrough of the form, see our guide to the UK visa application form.
- 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 of 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 Nepali applicants need a TB test 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
If a Nepali application is refused — most likely on the family route at the 61% rate — 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.
- Student visa: ₨100,146 (£558) — 95% grant rate, rank #5 globally
- 6-month visitor visa: ₨26,236 (£135); 10-year ₨218,772
- Skilled Worker visa: ₨174,272–₨344,288; Health & Care ₨68,943
- Family visa: ₨400,359 (£2,064) — but a low 61% grant rate
- Priority service: ₨101,341 (£500) for a faster decision
- TB test required for stays of 6 months or more (~₨7,000–8,000)
Frequently Asked Questions About the UK Visa from Nepal
How much is a UK visa from Nepal in 2026?
The UK visa from Nepal costs ₨26,236 (£135) for a 6-month visitor visa and ₨100,146 (£558) for a student visa. The Skilled Worker visa is ₨174,272 and the family visa ₨400,359. All fees are charged in Rupees at the Home Office rate of about ₨194.3 per pound, plus IHS and the TB test where applicable.
What is the UK student visa ratio from Nepal?
Nepal has a 95% UK student visa grant rate in the year ending March 2026, ranking #5 globally with 20,465 applications and 19,667 granted. This is Nepal's strongest route, ahead of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by volume. Well-prepared applicants with a valid CAS, met English requirements, and clear maintenance funds have excellent prospects.
Why is the UK family visa ratio low from Nepal?
Nepal's UK family visa grant rate is just 61%, with 1,539 refusals in the year ending March 2026 — 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.
Do Nepali citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes. Nepal is on the Home Office tuberculosis screening list, so Nepali applicants need a TB test certificate 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 a TB test.
How much is the UK work visa from Nepal?
The UK Skilled Worker visa from Nepal costs ₨174,272 (up to 3 years) or ₨344,288 (over 3 years). The Health and Care Worker visa is much cheaper at ₨68,943 and is exempt from the IHS, making it popular among Nepali nurses and care workers. A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor meeting the salary threshold is required.
How much is the 10-year UK visa from Nepal?
The 10-year long-term visitor visa from Nepal is ₨218,772 (£1,128). It allows multiple entries over 10 years, with each stay capped at 180 days. For frequent travellers it works out cheaper than repeated 6-month visas at ₨26,236 each. The 2-year option is ₨98,127 and the 5-year is ₨175,183.
How long does a UK visa take from Nepal?
Standard processing is about 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas, and up to 12 weeks for settlement and family visas. Priority service (₨101,341) reduces this to around 5 working days, subject to availability at the Kathmandu VFS centre, which can pause priority during peak student-intake seasons.