How much will the visa process cost me in UK?

Your total UK visa cost depends heavily on which visa you are applying for, how long you plan to stay, and whether you owe the Immigration Health Surcharge on top of the application fee. You should budget for both the fee and the surcharge together, since most students and workers pay both. Knowing these numbers upfront helps you plan your finances before you apply.

UK Visa Fees by Type

The Immigration Health Surcharge and Other Costs

If you are staying more than six months on a student, work, or family visa, you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront to access the NHS. The standard rate is £1,035 per year of your visa, while the student or under-18 rate is £776 per year. Visitor visas do not need this surcharge.

• Priority processing: an extra £500 for a 5-working-day decision, or £1,000 for a 2-working-day super priority decision
• Biometric enrollment: usually around £19
• Supporting tests: a TB test can run £50 to £100, and an approved English test £150 to £250

My Advice

Work out your visa fee plus your full Immigration Health Surcharge before you start your application, since the surcharge is often the bigger cost and must be paid in one lump sum. If you are applying for a student visa, add the priority processing fee to your budget only if your timeline is tight, and keep your TB test and English test receipts ready since visa officers often ask for them during document checks.