UK Visa Fees For Indians in 2024: Visa Charges Explained!

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The United Kingdom is a popular destination for travellers. Whether they are visiting to pursue higher studies, visit family and friends, or explore the beautiful cities of England and the countryside of Wales and Scotland, the UK is a favourite destination for Indians.

People from countries outside the United Kingdom, including India, must acquire a permit to visit the country. There are different types of visas that have different validity duration. Individuals need to identify the right type of visa that suits their needs before applying.

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The UK Visa Fees For Indian citizens depend on various aspects, such as the types of UK visas, the duration of the visa, the number of entries, biometric charges, express processing fees, and any additional service charges.

Non-UK citizens who wish to visit or stay in the United Kingdom for studies, tourism, business, employment, work, or joining a friend or a family member must apply for a UK visa. The applicant must fill out a visa application form and submit all the necessary supporting documents.

They also need to pay the visa application fee online and book an appointment with the immigration authorities of the UK for biometric details and submission of documents.

The UK visa fees for Indians, the documentation required, and the interview questions vary based on the type of UK visa one is applying for. This article will look at the UK Visa fees in Indian Rupees in 2022 for various categories.

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa In UK: Check Details, Eligibility & Process

UK Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

There are various types of UK visas for Indians to visit the United Kingdom, such as study visas, business visas, etc. The major types of visas are classified into the following types based on the reason for the visit of the individuals –

UK Tourist or Visitor Visa

The UK tourist visa or visit visa allows individuals to visit the country for a shorter time. Generally, the visitor visa is issued for 6 months. However, in cases where the applicant is required to travel to the country multiple times for a few years, the visa may be issued for 2,5 or even 10 years. Based on the type of visit issued, these can further be classified into the following categories –

  • Standard Visitor Visa – This visa is issued to visitors travelling for business, tourism, medical treatment, and other short-term purposes.
  • Marriage Visitor Visa – This visa type is issued to individuals visiting the country to get into a civil partnership in the UK or to get married.

The UK visa fees for Indian tourists are as follows –

– Standard visitor visa (short term) – Rs. 12,655

-Marriage visitor visa – Rs. 12,655

– Permitted paid engagement visa – Rs. 12,655

  • UK Transit Visa—This visa type is required only if the individual is travelling through the UK in transit to visit another country.

The UK visa fees for Indian applicants for Transit Category in INR are as given below –

  • Direct Airside Transit (DATV) – Rs 3851
  • Visitor in transit visa – Rs 7043
  • Visit to join a ship or aircraft as a crew member – Rs 7043
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UK Student Visa

The study visa or permit is issued to individuals who want to pursue education or a course in the UK. It is generally based on the Point Based System (PBS). The various types of student visa fees for UK from India are as follows:

  • Short-term study – The visa is issued for students who opt for research or short-term courses for 6 or 11 months.
  • General Student—This visa type is issued only when the individual has been offered a place in a program or course. The visa is then issued according to the duration of the course.
  • Child Student – The visa is issued to children between the ages of 4 and 17 visiting the United Kingdom to take part in studies in an independent school.

The UK visa fees for Indian students are as follows –

  • Visiting academic (Above 6 months to 12 months) – Rs 22,008
  • Short-term study visa (Above 6 months to 11 months) – Rs 22,008
  • Child student visa – Rs 52,050
  • Student visa -Rs 52,050

Also Read: UK Visa Guide For Students

Work Visa

The work permit visa is issued to individuals visiting the UK to participate in professional activities or related employment in any form. The various types of work visas are as follows –

  • Tier 2 Visa – The visa is issued to individuals moving to the UK to participate in long-term work activity. They need to have a licensed sponsor for this work visa type.
  • Tier 5 Visa—The 5th tier work permit is issued for short-term work activities, such as religious, unpaid, voluntary, sports-related, etc.
  • Tier 1 Visa – This visa is for individuals planning to set up or perform long-term business activities in the country. The visa can be issued to startups, entrepreneurs, etc., based on their eligibility.

Work Visa Fee for Applications Made Outside the UK

  • Skilled worker (3 years or less) – main applicant and dependents – Rs 76,332
  • Intracompany transfer (3 years or less than that) for main applicants and the dependents – Rs 76,332
  • Skilled worker, in cases where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 36 months – main applicant and dependents – Rs 79,119
  • International sportsman, in the cases where a sponsorship certificate has been issued for up to 12 months for the main applicant and their dependents – Rs. 32,792
  • Skilled worker for shortage occupation (3 years or less) for main applicant and dependents – Rs 60,632
  • Health Care visa – (over 3 years) – main applicant and their dependents – Rs 60,632
  • Skilled worker for shortage occupation – Health and Care Visa – where the sponsorship certificate has been issued for 3 years or less for the main applicant and dependents – Rs. 31,251
  • Intracompany Transfer – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependents – Rs 32,792

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa In UK: Check Details, Eligibility & Process

Family Visa

Individuals can apply for a family visa if they are visiting the UK to live with their child, spouse, civil partner, parents, or a relative who will provide for them for the long term. The visa has been issued for more than 6 months.

Family UK Visa fees for Indian Applicants

  • Family visa for joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child – Rs 1,95,980
  • Route to Settlement – other dependent relatives – Rs 3,06,285
  • Route to Settlement – refugee dependent relative – Rs 44,456
  • Dependent children under the age of 21 who have applied for a visa under ‘Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay’ of the immigration rules – No Fees

UK Visa Fees For Indian Citizens

The Visa and Immigration authorities of the United Kingdom charge Indian passport holders a certain fee in Pounds Sterling (GBP) to cover the administration costs associated with handling the visa application.

The fees can also be paid in the applicants’ local currency according to the home office exchange rates. In addition to the UK visa fees, one can also opt for travel insurance according to the exchange rate, starting from INR 400.

Also Read: UK Visa Interview 2024: Everything you need to know

Standard Visitor Visa for UK, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Guernsey

The various Standard UK visitor visa fees for Indian applicants in Indian Rupees are as follows:

  • Short-term visa (single or multiple entries for up to 6 months) – Rs. 12,655
  • Long-term visa (valid for up to 2 years) – Rs 47,537
  • Long-term visa(valid for up to 5 years) – Rs 84,841
  • Longer-term visa (valid for up to 10 years) – Rs 1,05,969
  • Private medical treatment (above 6 months to 11 months) – Rs 21,250
  • Parents of a student child (For up to 12 months) – Rs 67,679

Child Visitor Fees

  • Short-term visa (single or multiple entries for up to 6 months) – Rs 12,655
  • Long-term visa (valid for up to 2 years) – Rs 47,537
  • Long-term visa (valid for up to 5 years) – Rs 84,841
  • Longer-term visa (valid for up to 10 years) – Rs 1,05,969

Points-Based System (PBS) – Tier 1 (also applicable to the Isle of Man)

  • Tier 1 investor – main applicant and dependents – Rs 2,07,316
  • Tier 1 entrepreneur – main applicant and dependents – Rs 1,31,058
  • Tier 1 exceptional talent – dependents only – Rs78,789

Other Work Category Visa

  • UK ancestry – Rs 70,096
  • Innovator – main applicant and dependents – Rs 1,31,058
  • Overseas domestic workers employed in a private household – Rs 70,096
  • Offshore worker – Rs 70,096
  • Representative of foreign business and dependents- Rs 79,119
  • Sheep shearer – Rs 70,096
  • Employees of an overseas newspaper/ news agency or broadcasting organisation – Rs 79,119
  • Scaleup – main applicant and dependents – Rs 90,453
  • Global Talent – Stage 2 – entry clearance application – the main applicant – Rs 21,128
  • Global Talent – Stage 1 – endorsement application – the main applicant – Rs 57,661
  • Global Talent – subsequent applications – Rs 78,789
  • Global Talent – dependents – Rs 78,789

Armed Forces & Dependents

  • HM Forces staff or member of foreign armed force – Free of charge
  • Dependents of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces – Rs 89,537

Conclusion

Standard UK Visitor visa can be divided into multiple broad categories – family visitor visa, general visitor visa, sports visa, child visitor visa, business visitor visa, medical treatment visa, etc. A standard UK tourist visa for Indians generally takes up to 2 weeks to process.

The UK visa fees for Indian applicants can range from Rs. 12,655 for a short term visa to Rs. 1,05,969 for a longer-term visa of about 10 years.

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for students to study abroad due to its reputed institutes and world-class educational facilities. If a student has to apply for a student visa from India, they have to pay a fee of £348, whereas if they have to extend or switch to a student visa while staying in the UK, they have to pay £475.

All UK universities accept IELTS and TOEFL English language proficiency scores for the admissions of international students. Indian students can also opt for top UK scholarships to cut their finances.

If you wish to study in the UK, LeapScholar can help you identify top study programs and top universities in the UK and guide you throughout the admission process.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is the UK Visa application process?

A. Applying for a UK Visa online for Indians involves the following steps:

-Create an account on Visa4UK or the Visa immigration service portal.
-Complete the online visa application form.
-Pay the visa fees online.
-Book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) for biometrics submission.
-Print the online confirmation email.
-Attend the appointment with all necessary documents to complete your application.

Ensure all details are accurate, provide all required documents, and adhere to guidelines to avoid visa rejection.

Q. What are the documents required for a UK Visa?

A. For a UK Visa, the required documents generally include:

-Completed online visa application form
-Two recent passport-sized photos
-A passport valid for at least 6 months with 2-3 blank pages
-Proof of financial means
-Travel itinerary
-Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if needed
-Visa fee receipt
-Proof of occupation
-Proof of accommodation

Specific requirements may vary based on the visa type, so always check the guidelines for your particular visa category to ensure all necessary documents are provided.

Q. How much does UK visa cost from India?

A. The cost of a UK visa from India varies by type and duration. A short-term visitor visa (up to 6 months) costs ₹12,665. A 2-year visa costs ₹47,903, a 5-year visa costs ₹84,141, and a 10-year long-term visitor visa costs ₹1,05,969. Prices for other visa types and durations fall within this range. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or special services.

Q. Is UK visa easy for Indians?

A. Getting a UK visa for Indians is doable if you follow the steps. You need to fill out a form online, pay the fee, and attend an appointment for fingerprints. Ensure you have all your documents, like proof of money and travel plan. It’s not too hard, but being organized and honest is important. With everything set, you have a good chance of getting approved.

Q. What is the minimum bank balance for a UK tourist visa?

A. There is no such defined framework to maintain a minimum amount for the UK tourist fee. But yes, bank balance is a major factor that may lead to the selection/rejection of the visa application. Hence, you should keep a minimum of INR 3-5 Lakhs to get your visa approved.

Q. Can I apply for a 10-year UK visa?

A. You can apply for a 10-year UK visa if you meet the requirements. The fee for a 10-year long-term visitor visa is ₹1,05,969 for Indians. Just ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria. If everything is in order, you have a good chance of getting approved for a long-term visa.

Q. Why is UK visitor visa so expensive?

A. The UK visitor visa fee might seem pricey, but it’s important for several reasons. First, it helps cover the costs of running the UK’s immigration system, like staff and tech. Second, it eases the financial load on UK taxpayers by bringing in extra money. So, while it might seem like a lot, it’s a fair way to keep things running smoothly and fairly.

Q. Can I show FD as proof of funds for UK visa?

A. You can use Fixed Deposits (FDs) as proof of funds for a UK visa, but there are some things to remember. The FD should be in your or your parent’s name if they’re sponsoring you. It must be held for at least 28 days before applying, and make sure it won’t mature before your visa decision is made. This way, you can show you have enough money for your stay without issues.

Q. What is the age limit for a visa in the UK?

A. There’s no set age limit for a UK visa overall, but certain visa types might have age restrictions. Visitor visas usually don’t have age limits, but for student visas, you need to be at least 16. Just make sure to double-check the UK government website for the visa you’re applying for to see if there are any age rules you need to meet. This way, you’ll be all set to apply!

Q. How to stay in the UK permanently?

Becoming a permanent resident (PR) in the UK takes time and the right visa. You usually need to legally live in the UK for around 5 years, often with work or study visas that include work opportunities. Some investment visas can also lead to PR. Check out the UK government website to understand which visas work best for you and their requirements. It’s your go-to resource for all the info you need on this journey.

Q. What is the 28-day rule for a UK visa?

The 28-day rule is essential for UK visa applications, particularly for student visas. It mandates that you or your sponsor must demonstrate sufficient funds by maintaining a specific balance in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. It’s crucial that the balance doesn’t fall below the required amount during this period. This rule ensures that you possess the financial means to support yourself throughout your stay in the UK.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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