This comprehensive guide covers all UK visa fees and requirements for Chinese citizens in 2026, with costs in Chinese Yuan at the official Home Office exchange rate. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ¥1,257, the Student visa is ¥4,851, and the Spouse visa is ¥18,276. Chinese applicants enjoy an excellent 91% visitor visa approval rate and an outstanding 99% student visa success rate. Priority service costs ¥4,950 for 5-day processing.
UK Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026: Overview
UK visa fees for Chinese citizens are paid in Chinese Yuan at the Home Office exchange rate of 1 GBP = ¥9.90 CNY (January 2026). The 6-month visitor visa costs ¥1,257, student visa ¥4,851, skilled worker visa ¥7,118, and spouse visa ¥18,276. Priority processing adds ¥4,950.
China ranks as the 2nd largest source of UK visa applications globally, with 519,918 visitor visa applications in the year ending September 2025. Chinese applicants benefit from strong approval rates across all visa categories, reflecting established documentation standards and travel patterns.
UK Visa Success Rate for Chinese Citizens 2026
Chinese citizens enjoy excellent UK visa approval rates: 91% for visitor visas, 99% for student visas (only 203 refused out of 89,988), 94% for work visas, and 91% for family visas. The 91% visitor rate is well above the global average of 79%.
UK Visa Grant Rates for China (YE Sep 2025)
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
China vs Other Countries: Visitor Visa Comparison
UK Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026
The UK tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens is ¥1,257 for a 6-month visa, ¥4,702 for 2 years, ¥8,394 for 5 years, and ¥10,482 for 10 years. All visitor visas allow stays of up to 180 days per visit. Chinese visitors enjoy a strong 91% approval rate.
The Standard Visitor visa enables Chinese citizens to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term studies. Long-term visitor visas (2, 5, and 10 years) offer excellent value for frequent travellers while still limiting each stay to 180 days maximum.
UK Visit Visa Fee from China
Other UK Visitor Visa Fees from China
UK Priority Visa Service Fees from China
UK Student Visa Requirements for Chinese Citizens 2026
The UK student visa fee for Chinese citizens is ¥4,851. Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of ¥10,247 per year. China ranks #2 globally for UK student visas with 89,988 applications and an exceptional 99% success rate (only 203 refused).
The UK Student visa allows Chinese students to study at licensed UK educational institutions. Applicants need a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and must demonstrate they meet financial requirements and English language proficiency.
UK Study Visa Fees from China
After graduation, Chinese students can access the Graduate route for 18 months post-study work (reduced from 2 years from January 2027). PhD graduates receive 3 years.
UK Work Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026
UK work visa fees for Chinese citizens range from ¥2,812 (Health & Care Worker, up to 3 years) to ¥14,058 (Skilled Worker, over 3 years). China enjoys a 94% work visa success rate. The minimum salary threshold is £41,700 for most Skilled Worker roles.
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for Chinese professionals seeking UK employment. Applicants need a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold.
UK Work Permit Visa Fees in Chinese Yuan
UK Family Visa from China 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from China is ¥18,276 with standard processing of 12-24 weeks. Priority processing (6 weeks) costs an additional ¥4,950. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement, increasing to £38,700 by 2027. China has a 91% family visa success rate.
The UK Spouse visa allows Chinese nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. Requirements include proving a genuine relationship, meeting the financial requirement, and demonstrating adequate accommodation.
UK Family Visa Fees from China
- Exchange rate: 1 GBP = ¥9.90 CNY (Home Office rate, January 2026)
- Visitor visa: 91% success rate — ¥1,257 (6 months) to ¥10,482 (10 years)
- Student visa: 99% success rate — ¥4,851 + IHS ¥10,247/year
- Work visa: 94% success rate — Skilled Worker ¥7,118 (up to 3 years)
- Family visa: ¥18,276 — 91% success rate
- China ranks #2 globally for UK visa applications (519,918 visitor apps)
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: UK Visa for Chinese Citizens
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for UK?
Yes, Chinese citizens require a visa to visit the UK. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ¥1,257. The only exception is for Chinese nationals holding dual citizenship with visa-exempt countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or EU member states.
How much is UK visa fee from China?
UK visa fees from China in 2026: 6-month visitor visa ¥1,257, 2-year visitor ¥4,702, 5-year visitor ¥8,394, 10-year visitor ¥10,482, student visa ¥4,851 (plus IHS ¥10,247/year), skilled worker visa ¥7,118 (up to 3 years), and spouse visa ¥18,276. All fees at 1 GBP = ¥9.90 CNY.
How long can a Chinese citizen stay in the UK?
Chinese visitors can stay up to 180 days per visit on any Standard Visitor visa (6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year). For student and work visas, the stay duration matches the visa validity. Paths such as Skilled Worker and Innovator Founder visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
What is UK visa success rate for Chinese citizens?
Chinese citizens enjoy excellent UK visa approval rates (year ending September 2025): visitor visa 91% (above 79% global average), student visa 99% (only 203 refused out of 89,988), work visa 94%, and family visa 91%. China is the 2nd largest source of UK visa applications globally.
How long does UK visa take from China?
Standard UK visa processing from China takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service (¥4,950) reduces this to 5 working days, while super priority (¥9,900) provides next working day decisions. Settlement visas (spouse) take 12-24 weeks standard or 6 weeks with priority service.
Can Chinese citizens work in the UK?
Yes, Chinese citizens can work in the UK with appropriate work visas. Options include the Skilled Worker visa (¥7,118 for up to 3 years), Health and Care Worker visa (¥2,812), Global Talent visa (¥1,905 with approval), and Innovator Founder visa (¥11,860). The minimum salary threshold is £41,700 for most Skilled Worker roles.
What is the ADS visa for Chinese tour groups?
The ADS (Approved Destination Status) visa is a specialized UK entry permit for organized Chinese tour groups. It costs ¥1,257 and allows groups to explore the UK for up to 30 days. It's an attractive alternative to the standard tourist visa, particularly for first-time UK travelers from China.
For the most current fee information, refer to the official Home Office visa fees calculator.