Spouse Visa Application Fees and Costs
Navigating the financial aspect of a UK Spouse Visa application is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful process. The fees for applying for a spouse visa can vary depending on several factors. Below, we break down the core costs you need to understand.
Visa Application Fee
The visa application fee is the primary cost of applying for a UK Spouse Visa. As of 2024, the standard application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is:
- £1,538 for applications made from outside the UK
- £1,048 for applications made from within the UK (for extending or switching to a Spouse Visa)
These fees apply if you are applying for a 30-month (2.5-year) visa or extending or switching your visa while already in the UK. If you apply for the 5-year visa (which is valid for 5 years and reduces the need for extensions), the application fee will be £1,875 for applications from outside the UK and £1,408 from within the UK.
The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.
- The current cost of the IHS is £624 per year for each applicant.
If applying for a 30-month visa, the total IHS fee will be £1,560. - For a 5-year visa, the total IHS fee will be £3,120.
The IHS fee must be paid as part of your visa application, and the payment is also non-refundable.
Biometric Fee
You must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process. The biometric fee is currently:
- £19.20 for both applicants, paid during the application process.
Additional Costs: Document Translation & Legal Assistance
While not mandatory, there are other potential costs associated with your Spouse Visa application that you should be aware of:
- Document Translation: If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must have them officially translated. Translation fees vary depending on the language and the service provider but typically range from £50-£150 per document.
- Legal and Professional Assistance: If you choose to seek professional help with your application, the fees for immigration lawyers or visa consultants can vary. On average, legal assistance for a Spouse Visa application can range from £500 to £3,000, depending on the level of service and expertise required.
Financial Evidence
One of the key elements of a UK Spouse Visa application is proving that you and your partner meet the financial requirements. You must provide clear evidence that you can support yourselves without recourse to public funds. This typically involves meeting a minimum income threshold of £18,600 per year, but the exact amount can vary depending on your circumstances (e.g., children, savings).
Gathering and verifying the required documents, which could include bank statements, payslips, or other financial evidence, might incur additional costs.
Other Considerations
- Priority and Super-Priority Services: If you want to speed up the processing of your Spouse’s Visa application, you can opt for priority or super-priority services. The additional fees are:
- Priority Service: Around £500 (processing within 5-10 working days)
- Super Priority Service: Around £800 (processing within 24 hours)
- Appeals or Reapplications: If your application is refused and you need to appeal or submit a new application, this can lead to additional costs.
Fee TypeCost (Outside the UK)Cost (Inside the UK)
Planning Ahead
Understanding the costs of your Spouse Visa application ensures you can plan and budget effectively. It’s important to factor in all potential fees, including the mandatory visa fee, IHS surcharge, biometric fee, and additional document translation or legal assistance costs. If you need help calculating the total cost or want expert advice on navigating the application process, our team is here to guide you.
For a tailored consultation or assistance with your Spouse Visa application, contact us today to get expert help from start to finish.
