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UK Visa Fees Calculator 2026

Estimate the true cost of a UK visa: Home Office application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, priority services, biometrics and dependants — updated for 2026.

Wesbridge Associates is an IAA-regulated UK immigration law firm. Our advisers support individuals, families and UK sponsors with skilled worker visas, sponsor licences, family routes, settlement (ILR), British citizenship, appeals and compliance — combining experienced legal advice with AI-powered self-service tools.

The Wesbridge Associates UK visa fees calculator estimates the full out-of-pocket cost of a UK visa application — not just the Home Office application fee. It adds the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), any Priority or Super Priority service fees, biometric enrolment charges, English test and TB test costs where required, and dependants, so you see the true total before you start.

What fees are included

For each application the calculator combines: the Home Office application fee (varies by route, length and whether applying from inside or outside the UK — for example, Skilled Worker fees range from around £769 to £1,751 depending on route length and Immigration Salary List status), the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for most adults; £776 per year for students, dependants under 18 and Youth Mobility applicants; Health and Care Worker applicants are exempt), Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1,000) service fees if selected, and the biometric enrolment fee where applicable.

How it works

Choose the visa route, whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, the length of leave requested, the number of dependants and their ages, and whether you need Priority or Super Priority processing. The tool multiplies IHS by the number of years of leave and by each family member, adds route-specific fees, and shows a single total plus a line-by-line breakdown you can save or share with your employer for reimbursement discussions.

Fees the calculator excludes

It does not include third-party costs that vary widely: the Secure English Language Test (typically £150-£200), the tuberculosis test for applicants from listed countries (around £65-£100), courier or document scanning services at UKVCAS, translation of foreign-language documents, or professional fees for immigration advice. It also excludes the sponsor's own costs (CoS fee, Immigration Skills Charge) which by law cannot be passed to the applicant.

Planning for the total cost

For a typical Skilled Worker family of four applying for a five-year visa, total Home Office costs can exceed £15,000 once IHS for all four is included. Budget the full amount upfront — the Home Office requires payment at the point of submission and, aside from limited fee waivers on human rights routes, refunds are only issued if the application is withdrawn before biometric enrolment or a decision is made.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Immigration Health Surcharge refundable?

The IHS is refunded proportionally if the visa is refused, withdrawn before a decision, or shortened. If the visa is granted for less time than you paid for, the Home Office automatically refunds the difference. Keep the IHS reference number safe.

Who is exempt from the IHS?

Health and Care Worker visa applicants and their dependants are exempt. Certain other categories — including some short visitor routes, diplomats, and those with indefinite leave — do not pay IHS. The calculator applies the exemption when you pick the Health and Care Worker route.

Is Priority service worth paying for?

It depends on your timeline. Priority (5 working days for most in-country routes) and Super Priority (next working day) are useful when you have a start date, travel plans or an expiring visa. Slots are limited and can be sold out at busy times, so book early or plan around standard timelines (typically 3 weeks entry clearance, 8 weeks in-country).

Can my employer pay these fees for me?

Yes — employers can pay any of the applicant's fees. Some employment contracts include a claw-back clause requiring repayment if you leave within a defined period. Sponsors cannot legally pass their own costs (sponsor licence fee, CoS, Immigration Skills Charge) to you, but they can voluntarily cover yours.

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Book a paid immigration consultation or contact our team for tailored advice.