UK Visa Fees
Understanding UK Visa Fees in 2025: What You Need to Know
Introduction
If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is UK visa fees. These costs vary based on the type of visa, your country of application, and how long you plan to stay. In this article, we break down the key fee categories, recent changes, and tips to make sure you pay the correct amount without surprises.
1. What Are UK Visa Fees?
UK visa fees are the charges applicants must pay when submitting a visa application to the UK Home Office. These fees cover the processing of the application, administrative costs, and in some cases additional services (such as priority processing). They are separate from other costs like translations, medical tests, or travel.
The fees differ depending on the visa route — for example, visitor visas, work visas, student visas, family visas, or settlement (indefinite leave) visas. Also, applicants often have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when staying more than six months. (DavidsonMorris | Solicitors)
2. Recent Increases: Changes from 9 April 2025
In April 2025, the UK government increased visa application fees across almost every immigration route. (GOV.UK) Below are some notable changes:
| Visa Type | Fee Before 9 April 2025 | Fee From 9 April 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard visitor (up to 6 months) | £115 | £127 | +£12 (GOV.UK) |
| Visitor visa (2-year) | £432 | £475 | +£43 (GOV.UK) |
| Visitor visa (5-year) | £771 | £848 | +£77 (GOV.UK) |
| Visitor visa (10-year) | £963 | £1,059 | +£96 (GOV.UK) |
| Student visa (outside UK) | £490 | £524 | +£34 (Smith Stone Walters) |
| Short-term English course visa (>6 months ≤11) | £200 | £214 | +£14 (Smith Stone Walters) |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / Settlement | £2,885 | £3,029 | +£144 (Smith Stone Walters) |
| Naturalisation (British citizenship) | £1,500 | £1,605 | +£105 (Smith Stone Walters) |
The increases reflect the government’s efforts to adjust for inflation and higher administrative costs. (KPMG)
3. Key Visa Fee Categories
a) Visitor / Tourism Visas
These are among the simplest visa routes. As of April 2025, a standard visitor visa (up to 6 months) costs £127. For longer-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years), fees are significantly higher (see the table above). (GOV.UK)
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you must still apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £16 as of April 2025. (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk)
b) Study / Student Visas
For study visas applied from outside the UK, the fee is £524 for the main applicant and dependants. (Smith Stone Walters)
Children and those under 18 generally pay the same rate for Student visas. (DavidsonMorris | Solicitors)
c) Work and Skilled Visas
The cost of work visas depends on the category and duration. For example, a Skilled Worker visa applied outside the UK has increased to £769 for up to three years. (Richmond Chambers) Longer periods and other specialized visas (e.g. Global Talent, Innovator) have their own fee levels. (Richmond Chambers)
d) Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain
Settlement or ILR applications—which allow you to stay in the UK permanently—are more expensive. From April 2025, the fee is £3,029. (Smith Stone Walters)
e) British Citizenship / Naturalisation
If you wish to become a British citizen, the naturalisation cost is £1,605 as of April 2025. (Smith Stone Walters)
f) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
For applicants staying longer than six months, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to your visa fee. For most adults, the rate is £1,035 per year; for students and those under 18, the reduced rate is £776 per year. (DavidsonMorris | Solicitors)
You pay the surcharge upfront for the entire span of the visa when applying. (DavidsonMorris | Solicitors)
4. How to Estimate What You’ll Pay
- Find your visa route: Visitor, Student, Work, Settlement, etc.
- Check the current application fee (post-April 2025) for that route.
- Compute duration (how many years or months) to work out any health surcharge or extended visa costs.
- Add optional premium services (if you choose priority or super-priority processing). (GOV.UK)
- Apply in your country: Some local visa application centres may also add service charges.
5. Important Tips & Warnings
- Always refer to the official UK government site (gov.uk) to verify the correct visa fee for your country. (GOV.UK)
- Be cautious of “service centres” or agents who may quote you additional hidden charges beyond the official UK visa fees.
- Once paid, visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected.
- Use the visa fee calculator / tool on the Home Office’s site to get precise amounts for your country. (GOV.UK)
- Keep an eye on future increases; the government tends to adjust fees annually (often in April). (KPMG)
Conclusion
Understanding UK visa fees is key to budgeting properly and avoiding surprises. With the recent April 2025 increases, make sure to check the latest official figures before applying. If you’d like, I can help you find the visa fee for your specific country (Pakistan, or another) and visa route—just tell me which one.
Here’s an FAQ section you can add at the end of your article on UK visa fees — written in a clear, natural, and SEO-friendly style:
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About UK Visa Fees
1. What are the current UK visa fees for 2025?
As of April 2025, UK visa fees were increased across most categories. For example:
- Visitor visa (6 months) – £127
- Student visa (outside the UK) – £524
- Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years) – £769
- Settlement (ILR) – £3,029
- British Citizenship (Naturalisation) – £1,605
These are the official Home Office rates and may change annually.
2. Has the UK increased visa fees in 2025?
Yes. On 9 April 2025, the UK government raised most visa fees to cover administrative and immigration system costs. The increase ranges from 5% to 10% depending on the visa type.
3. Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Yes, if your stay in the UK exceeds six months. The IHS fee is currently:
- £1,035 per year for most adult applicants
- £776 per year for students and under-18 dependants
This allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
4. Are UK visa fees refundable if my visa is refused?
No. UK visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. Always double-check your eligibility before applying.
5. How can I pay the UK visa fee?
Payments can be made online during your application via credit/debit card, or through approved local payment methods at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
6. What is the fee for a UK visitor visa from India or Pakistan?
As of April 2025, the Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months) costs £127, which is around PKR 45,000 or INR 13,500 (subject to exchange rate changes).
7. What happens if I apply for a priority or super-priority service?
If you want a faster decision, you can choose:
- Priority visa service – extra £250 (5 working days)
- Super-priority visa service – extra £1,000 (next working day)
These are optional and charged in addition to your base visa fee.
8. How can I check the exact UK visa fee for my country?
You can use the official UK Government Visa Fees Tool on the GOV.UK website. It shows updated fees based on your visa type and application location.
9. Do family or dependent visas have separate fees?
Yes. Each applicant (including spouse or children) must pay a separate visa fee, even when applying under the same category or application.
10. When will the next UK visa fee change happen?
The UK government typically reviews visa fees every April. It’s best to check the Home Office website before submitting your application to confirm the latest prices.
