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 ¥1,244, the Student visa is ¥5,134, and the Spouse visa is ¥18,987. Chinese applicants enjoy an excellent 91% visitor visa approval rate and an outstanding 99% student visa success rate. All UK visa applications from China are processed through VFS Global visa application centres.
- Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for UK?
- UK Visa Success Rate for Chinese Citizens
- UK Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (Fees & Requirements)
- UK Visa for Chinese Citizens with US Green Card
- UK Student Visa from China
- UK Work Visa for Chinese Citizens
- UK Family Visa from China
- UK Transit Visa for Chinese Citizens
- How to Apply for UK Visa from China
- FAQs: UK Visa for Chinese Citizens
UK Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026: Fees, Success Rates & Requirements
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for UK?
Yes, Chinese citizens need a visa to visit the UK. China is a visa-national country, meaning all Chinese passport holders must obtain a valid visa before travelling to the United Kingdom. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ¥1,244. Chinese nationals with dual citizenship or holding a US Green Card still require a UK visa — there is no visa waiver for Chinese passport holders regardless of residency status.
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. The UK-China relationship supports significant volumes of tourism, education, and business travel.
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)
| Visa Category | Applications | Grant Rate | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 519,918 | 91% | 45,126 |
| Student Visa | 89,988 | 99% | 203 |
| Work Visa | 6,365 | 94% | 309 |
| Family Visa | 1,060 | 91% | 79 |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
China vs Other Countries: Visitor Visa Comparison
| Country | Applications | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|
| India (#1) | 677,699 | 82% |
| China (#2) | 519,918 | 91% |
| Turkey (#3) | 248,009 | 90% |
| Nigeria (#4) | 171,933 | 61% |
| Pakistan (#5) | 157,570 | 58% |
| Global Average | 2,796,854 | 79% |
Despite its massive application volume, China maintains a strong 91% visitor visa grant rate — 12 percentage points above the global average. However, the 9% refusal rate still means 45,126 Chinese applicants were refused in the year ending September 2025, making China the 4th highest country by refusal volume. Understanding common refusal reasons is essential for successful applications.
UK Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026
The UK tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens is ¥1,244 for a 6-month visa, ¥4,654 for 2 years, ¥8,308 for 5 years, and ¥10,375 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 Fees from China
| Visa Duration | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| 6 Months (Standard) | ¥1,244 |
| 2 Years (Long-term) | ¥4,654 |
| 5 Years (Long-term) | ¥8,308 |
| 10 Years (Long-term) | ¥10,375 |
Other UK Visitor Visa Fees from China
| Visa Type | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Tour Group (ADS) | ¥1,244 |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | ¥1,244 |
| Medical Visitor (6-11 months) | ¥2,155 |
| Visiting Academic (6-12 months) | ¥2,155 |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | ¥1,244 |
Long-term visitor visas allow multiple entries to the UK over 2, 5, or 10 years — but each individual visit is still limited to 6 months. These visas are cost-effective for Chinese nationals who travel frequently to the UK for business or family visits. The 10-year visa at ¥10,375 works out to approximately ¥1,038 per year — cheaper than applying for a new 6-month visa every year.
UK Visa for Chinese Citizens with US Green Card
Yes, Chinese citizens holding a US Green Card still need a UK visa. A US permanent resident card does not exempt Chinese nationals from UK visa requirements. However, Green Card holders may benefit from stronger applications due to established immigration history, ties to the US, and demonstrated financial stability — factors that support the visa decision.
A significant number of Chinese nationals living in the United States with Green Cards seek UK visitor visas for tourism or business. While the US Green Card does not change the visa requirement, it can positively influence the application by demonstrating that you have legal permanent residence elsewhere and strong reasons to return after your UK visit.
The UK visitor visa approval rate for Chinese nationals is already an excellent 91%. While the Home Office does not publish separate statistics for Green Card holders, immigration advisors generally observe that applicants with established legal residence in developed countries tend to have even stronger profiles for Standard Visitor visa applications.
UK Priority Visa Service Fees from China
| Service Type | Fee (CNY) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing | Included | ~3 weeks |
| Priority Service | ¥4,899 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | ¥9,797 | Next working day |
| Settlement Priority | ¥4,899 | ~6 weeks |
Priority and Super Priority services are available at VFS Global centres across China but are subject to availability. These fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. Note that priority processing does not guarantee approval — it only expedites the decision timeline.
UK Student Visa from China 2026
The UK student visa fee for Chinese citizens is ¥5,134. Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year (discounted student rate). 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
| Visa Type | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa (Main Applicant) | ¥5,134 |
| Child Student Visa | ¥5,134 |
| Short-term Study (6-11 months) | ¥2,097 |
| IHS (per year, student rate) | ~£776 |
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. Chinese nationals can also access the Youth Mobility Scheme if aged 18-30.
UK Work Visa for Chinese Citizens 2026
UK work visa fees for Chinese citizens range from ¥2,978 (Health & Care Worker, up to 3 years) to ¥14,882 (Skilled Worker, over 3 years). China enjoys a 94% work visa success rate. The minimum salary threshold is £38,700 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 minimum salary threshold.
UK Work Visa Fees in Chinese Yuan
| Visa Type | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ¥7,534 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ¥14,882 |
| ISL — Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ¥5,780 |
| ISL — Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | ¥11,365 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | ¥2,978 |
| Health & Care Worker (over 3 years) | ¥5,780 |
| Global Talent (with approval) | ¥2,008 |
| Innovator Founder | ¥12,482 |
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees from China
- Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years): ¥7,534
- Senior or Specialist Worker (over 3 years): ¥14,882
- Graduate Trainee: ¥3,125
- UK Expansion Worker: ¥3,125
- Service Supplier: ¥3,125
- Secondment Worker: ¥3,125
UK Family Visa from China 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from China is ¥18,987 with standard processing of 12-24 weeks. Priority processing (~6 weeks) costs an additional ¥4,899. 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. The initial visa is granted for 33 months, after which you can apply for extension and eventually settlement (ILR).
UK Family Visa Fees from China
| Visa Type | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner Visa | ¥18,987 |
| Fiancé(e) Visa | ¥18,987 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | ¥33,438 |
| Parent of Student Child | ¥6,682 |
UK Transit Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese nationals transiting through UK airports may require a transit visa depending on their route. The Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is required if you're changing flights without passing through UK border control. If you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), you'll need a Visitor in Transit visa.
| Transit Type | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | ¥382 |
| Visitor in Transit | ¥686 |
How to Apply for UK Visa from China
- Step 1: Complete the online application at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa application fee in CNY and IHS (if applicable)
- Step 3: Book a biometric appointment at your nearest VFS Global centre
- Step 4: Attend appointment with passport, printed application, and supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision — standard ~3 weeks, priority 5 working days
- Step 6: Collect passport with vignette or receive decision notification
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in 15 cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, Kunming, Changsha, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Xi'an. Appointments must be booked online through the VFS Global website.
- Visa required: Yes — Chinese citizens need a visa for all UK visits
- Visitor visa: 91% success rate — ¥1,244 (6 months) to ¥10,375 (10 years)
- Chinese Visa Scheme: 2-year visa at 6-month price (¥1,244) from mainland China
- Student visa: 99% success rate — ¥5,134 + IHS £776/year
- Work visa: 94% success rate — Skilled Worker ¥7,534 (up to 3 years)
- Family visa: ¥18,987 — 91% success rate
- China ranks #2 globally for UK visa applications (519,918 visitor apps)
- US Green Card: Does not exempt Chinese nationals from UK visa requirement
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. China is a visa-national country, meaning all Chinese passport holders must obtain a valid visa before travelling. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs ¥1,244. Chinese nationals holding a US Green Card or other residency permits still require a UK visa — there is no exemption based on residency status in another country.
How much is UK visa fee from China in 2026?
UK visa fees from China in 2026: 6-month visitor visa ¥1,244, 2-year visitor ¥4,654, 5-year visitor ¥8,308, 10-year visitor ¥10,375, student visa ¥5,134 (plus IHS £776/year), skilled worker visa ¥7,534 (up to 3 years), and spouse visa ¥18,987. Under the Chinese Visa Scheme, applicants in mainland China can obtain a 2-year visa for ¥1,244.
What is the 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 with 519,918 visitor applications.
Do Chinese citizens with a US Green Card need a UK visa?
Yes, Chinese citizens with a US Green Card still need a UK visa. The US permanent resident card does not exempt Chinese nationals from UK visa requirements. However, if applying from the US, fees are charged in USD rather than CNY. Green Card holders may benefit from stronger applications due to established residency, travel history, and financial stability. The visitor visa approval rate for Chinese nationals is already 91%.
What is the UK long-term visitor visa approval rate for Chinese nationals?
The Home Office does not publish separate approval rates for long-term (2, 5, or 10 year) visitor visas by nationality. The overall Chinese visitor visa grant rate is 91% (year ending September 2025), which includes all visitor visa durations. Long-term visa applications are assessed on the same criteria as standard 6-month visas, but caseworkers may give additional scrutiny to financial evidence and travel history for longer-duration visas.
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 (¥4,899) reduces this to 5 working days, while super priority (¥9,797) provides next working day decisions. Settlement visas (spouse/partner) take 12-24 weeks standard or approximately 6 weeks with priority service (¥4,899 additional).
Can Chinese citizens work in the UK?
Yes, Chinese citizens can work in the UK with an appropriate work visa. Options include the Skilled Worker visa (¥7,534 for up to 3 years, requiring a £38,700 minimum salary), Health and Care Worker visa (¥2,978), Global Talent visa (¥2,008 with approval), and Innovator Founder visa (¥12,482). China has a 94% work visa success rate.
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 ¥1,244 and allows groups to visit the UK for up to 30 days. It's designed for Chinese tourists travelling as part of an approved tour group and is only available to Chinese nationals applying in mainland China.
How long can a Chinese citizen stay in the UK?
Chinese visitors can stay up to 180 days (6 months) per visit on any Standard Visitor visa, regardless of the visa duration (6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year). For student and work visas, the stay duration matches the visa validity. Settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa and Spouse visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Where can I apply for a UK visa in China?
UK visa applications from China are processed through VFS Global centres in 15 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, Kunming, Changsha, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Xi'an. Applications are submitted online at gov.uk, then a biometric appointment is booked at the nearest VFS centre.
For the most current fee information, refer to the official Home Office visa fees calculator. For professional immigration advice, contact Connaught Law Limited, a London-based immigration law firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.