UK Visa Application Fees Explained for 2024
As an aspiring traveler, student, or worker looking to visit or move to the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to be aware of the latest UK visa application fees for 2024. These fees cover the cost of processing your visa application by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the government department responsible for operating the UK’s visa system.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various categories of UK visas, their corresponding fees, and any changes or updates to the fee structure in 2024. We’ll also provide helpful tips and resources to ensure you have a smooth visa application process.
Overview of UK Visa Application Fees
UK visa application fees are mandatory charges that applicants must pay when submitting their applications for a UK visa. These fees are subject to change, and it’s essential to check the Home Office website for the most up-to-date information.
The UK visa fees 2024 vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, whether you’re applying from outside the UK or within the UK, and whether you require any additional services such as priority processing or biometric enrollment.
UK Visa Fees by Category
Let’s take a closer look at the UK visa application fees for various categories as of January 2024:
Visit Visas
- Visit visa — short up to 6 months: £115
- Visit visa — long up to 2 years: £400
- Visit visa — long up to 5 years: £771
- Visit visa — long up to 10 years: £963
- Visiting academic — more than 6 months but no more than 12 months: £200
- Private medical treatment visa — more than 6 months but not more than 11 months: £200
Study Visas
- Student — main applicant and dependants (outside UK): £490
- Student — main applicant and dependants (inside UK): £490
- Child Student (outside UK): £490
- Child Student (inside UK): £490
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker — main applicant (outside UK): £1,428
- Skilled Worker — main applicant (inside UK): £1,428
- Skilled Worker — dependants (outside UK): £608
- Skilled Worker — dependants (inside UK): £608
- Global Business Mobility — Senior or Specialist Worker (outside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — Senior or Specialist Worker (inside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — Graduate Trainee (outside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — Graduate Trainee (inside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — UK Expansion Worker (outside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — UK Expansion Worker (inside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — Service Supplier (outside UK): £1,428
- Global Business Mobility — Service Supplier (inside UK): £1,428
- High Potential Individual — main applicant (outside UK): £715
- High Potential Individual — main applicant (inside UK): £715
- Scale-up — main applicant (outside UK): £1,428
- Scale-up — main applicant (inside UK): £1,428
- Scale-up — dependants (outside UK): £608
- Scale-up — dependants (inside UK): £608
- Innovator — main applicant (outside UK): £1,277
- Innovator — main applicant (inside UK): £1,277
- Innovator — dependants (outside UK): £608
- Innovator — dependants (inside UK): £608
- Start-up — main applicant (outside UK): £363
- Start-up — main applicant (inside UK): £363
- Start-up — dependants (outside UK): £608
- Start-up — dependants (inside UK): £608
Settlement Visas
- Settlement — main applicant and dependants (outside UK): £2,993
- Settlement — main applicant and dependants (inside UK): £2,993
- Settlement — other dependant relative (outside UK): £3,250
- Settlement — refugee dependant relative (outside UK): £404
- Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of a member of the armed forces under Appendix Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules: £2,885
- Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces under paragraph 13 of Appendix Armed Forces to the immigration rules: £2,885
- Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules: £2,885
Other Visas and Services
- Transit visa (direct airside transit): £35
- Transit visit visa (landside transit): £64
- Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft: £64
- Electronic Visa Waiver: £30
- Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): £154
- Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (outside the UK): £388
- Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas: £154
- Other visa: £637
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months — main applicant and dependants (outside UK): £180
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months — main applicant and dependants (inside UK): £180
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years — main applicant and dependants (outside UK): £250
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years — main applicant and dependants (inside UK): £250
- Visitor Extension — main applicant and dependants: £1,000
- Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention: £1,048
- Leave to remain — Other: £1,048
- Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid: £25
- Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed: £19
- Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed: £19
- Travel Document — Certificate of travel — adult: £280
- Travel Document — Certificate of travel — child: £141
- Travel Document — Convention travel document — adult: £82
- Travel Document — Convention travel document — child: £53
- Administrative Review: £80
- Life in the UK test: £50
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) represents a notable expense tied to UK visa applications fees. Non-EEA nationals looking to reside and work in the UK are required to pay this surcharge. In the first half of 2024, the IHS is set to rise, with the standard rate climbing from £624 to £1,035 annually, and the discounted rate increasing from £470 to £776 annually.
Explore the most recent UK Visa Application Fees effortlessly using the V&I UK Visa Application Fees Calculator, available at no cost.
Tips for a Smooth UK Visa Application Process
To ensure a smooth UK visa application process, consider the following tips:
- Start your application early: Allow sufficient time for processing, as visa applications can take several weeks or months to be processed, depending on the category and the country of application.
- Gather all required documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, photographs, and supporting evidence, before submitting your application.
- Pay the correct fee: Double-check the fee for your specific visa category and ensure that you pay the correct amount to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
- Consider priority or premium services: If you need your visa processed more quickly, consider applying for priority or premium services, which may come with an additional fee.
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Conclusion
Understanding the latest UK visa application fees for 2024 is crucial for anyone planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the United Kingdom. By familiarizing yourself with the fees and any changes or updates reported in UK Immigration News, you can better prepare for your visa application and ensure a smooth process. Staying informed about these updates will help you navigate the visa application process with greater confidence and accuracy.
FAQs on UK Visa Application Fees
1. What are the current UK visa application fees for 2024?
The UK visa application fees vary depending on the type of visa. For example, a short visit visa (up to 6 months) costs £115, while a Skilled Worker visa costs £1,428. For a complete list of fees, visit the official UK government website.
2. Are UK visa fees refundable if my application is denied?
No, UK visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused. It is essential to ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements before submission.
3. How do I pay the UK visa application fee?
You can pay the visa application fee online through the UK government website when you complete your application. Payment methods typically include credit and debit cards.
4. Do I have to pay additional fees for biometric information?
Yes, in addition to the visa application fee, you may need to pay a fee for biometric enrollment, which is typically around £19.20 when applying from outside the UK.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits
5. Are there any priority processing options available for UK visa applications?
Yes, for certain visa types, you can opt for priority processing for an additional fee, which expedites the decision-making process. The availability and cost of this service can vary by visa type.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement
6. What should I do if I can’t afford the visa application fee?
If you are unable to afford the visa application fee, you may want to explore options such as scholarships, sponsorships, or financial assistance programs available for students or workers.
Source: https://jcwi.org.uk/resource/what-to-do-if-you-cant-afford-to-apply-for-your-first-visa/
7. Will the UK visa fees change in the future?
Visa fees are subject to periodic review and can change. It is advisable to regularly check the UK government website for the latest updates regarding visa fees and regulations.
