Applying for a UK Spouse Visa involves several fees and costs. Understanding these expenses is crucial for financial planning and ensuring a smooth application process. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the current Spouse Visa uk fees, optional services, and additional costs as of 2025.
1. Spouse Visa Application Fees
The UK Home Office charges different fees depending on whether you apply from within or outside the UK:
- Applying from Outside the UK: £1,846 per applicant.
- Applying from Within the UK: £1,258 per applicant.
This fee is required at the time of application submission and is non-refundable if the application is refused.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory for all visa applicants staying in the UK for more than six months. It grants access to NHS healthcare.
- Adults (18+ years): £1,035 per year.
- Children or students: £776 per year.
For a typical 2.5-year (30 months) Spouse Visa uk fee, the IHS fee is £2,587.50 for adults.
3. Biometric Enrollment Fee
Applicants must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of their application process.
- Biometric fee: £19.20 (if applying from within the UK)
If applying from outside the UK, the biometric fee may vary depending on the visa application center.
4. Optional Priority Services
To speed up the processing of your application, the UK Home Office offers priority services:
- Priority Visa Service: £500 (decision within 5 working days)
- Super Priority Visa Service: £1,000 (decision within 24 hours)
These services are optional but can be helpful for urgent applications.
5. Additional Potential Costs
English Language Test
Applicants must prove their English proficiency by taking an approved test.
- Average cost: £150
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Applicants from certain countries need to take a TB test before applying.
- Average cost: £65 to £110
Document Translation
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide certified translations.
- Cost range: £50 to £300+ (depends on document type and language)
Legal Assistance
Hiring an immigration lawyer can improve your chances of success but adds to the cost.
- Typical legal fees: £450 to £3,000+ depending on the complexity of the case.
6. Fee Waivers and Refunds
In some cases, applicants may qualify for a fee waiver due to financial hardship. However, fee waivers are only available for applications made from within the UK. The application fee and IHS surcharge are non-refundable if your visa is refused.
7. Total Estimated Cost
For a standard UK Spouse Visa application, the estimated total cost is:
Expense | Applying Outside the UK (£) | Applying Inside the UK (£) |
Spouse Visa Application Fee | 1,846 | 1,258 |
Immigration Health Surcharge | 2,587.50 | 2,587.50 |
Biometric Fee | Varies | 19.20 |
English Language Test | ~150 | ~150 |
TB Test (if required) | ~110 | ~110 |
Document Translation (if required) | ~200 | ~200 |
Priority Processing (Optional) | 500 – 1,000 | 500 – 1,000 |
Conclusion
The UK Spouse Visa application involves multiple costs, including mandatory fees and optional expenses. Proper financial planning is essential to avoid delays or unexpected issues. Always refer to the official UK government website for the latest updates on fees and regulations. If necessary, consult an immigration lawyer to increase your chances of approval.