UK Family Visa Fees: Complete Cost Breakdown Guide 2025

Application Fee Structure: Beyond the Headline Numbers

Base Application Fees by Category (2025)

Spouse/Partner Visas:

• Outside UK application: £1,846
• Inside UK application (switching/extending): £1,048
• Settlement (ILR) after 5 years: £2,885

Child Visas:

• Dependent child outside UK: £1,846
• Dependent child inside UK: £1,048
• Child settlement application: £2,885

Parent/Adult Dependent Visas:

• Outside UK application: £3,250
• Inside UK application: £1,048

Inside vs Outside UK: The Critical Difference

What this means for you: Where you apply dramatically affects your costs. Outside UK applications are consistently £800+ more expensive, but switching inside the UK requires valid immigration status and meeting specific timing requirements.

If you’re applying from a high-refusal-rate country (Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ghana): Factor in potential reapplication costs. A refused application means losing the entire fee and starting over. We’ve seen families spend £4,000+ on multiple attempts because they didn’t get the application right the first time.

Priority Service Fees

Priority Service (Outside UK):

• Settlement priority: £500
• Other family visas: Not available outside UK

Super Priority Service (Inside UK Only):

• Same-day decision: £800
• Next working day decision: £500

Real mistake we’ve seen: Paying for priority service when your supporting documents aren’t ready. Priority processing doesn’t speed up missing or inadequate documentation—it just gets you a faster refusal.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Only use priority services when your application is genuinely urgent AND completely prepared. A standard processing timeline is 3-12 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK.

Immigration Health Surcharge: The Hidden Major Cost

The IHS is often the largest single cost in your application, yet it’s poorly understood by most applicants.

How IHS Calculation Actually Works

The formula: £1,035 per year × visa duration × number of applicants

Family visa IHS examples:

• 2.5-year spouse visa: £2,588 per person
• 5-year settlement visa: £5,175 per person
• Family of four (2 adults, 2 children): £10,350 total for 2.5 years

What this means for you: The IHS must be paid upfront for the entire visa duration, even though you’re applying for a shorter initial period. A spouse visa leads to settlement, so you’re paying for the full journey from day one.

Payment Timeline Requirements

Critical timing: IHS payment must be completed BEFORE submitting your visa application. The system generates an IHS reference number that’s required for your application form.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants completing their application form first, then realizing they need the IHS reference number. You can’t go back and edit submitted applications, meaning you start the entire process over.

IHS Exemptions and Reductions

Full exemptions (rare for family visas):

• Diplomatic visa holders
• Military personnel under specific agreements
• Certain healthcare workers (very specific criteria)

Student discount: 25% reduction for student visas (not applicable to family visas)

If you’re applying from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements: Check if your country has specific arrangements, but these rarely apply to long-term family visas.

Additional Costs: The Expenses That Add Up

Biometric Enrollment Fees

UK Application Support Centres: £19.20 per person VACs in some countries: May include biometric fees in service charges

What this means for you: This is unavoidable and non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

English Language Requirements

Approved test costs:

• IELTS for UKVI: £180-£215
• Trinity College London GESE: £150-£180
• PTE Academic UKVI: £180

If you’re applying from countries where English isn’t the primary language: Budget for potential retakes. We’ve seen applicants need 2-3 attempts to achieve the required scores, particularly for speaking components.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Take a practice test before booking your official exam. The UKVI-approved tests have specific formats that differ from general English exams.

Document Translation and Certification

Certified translation costs:

• Per page: £15-£40
• Complex documents (academic transcripts): £50-£100
• Apostille certification: £30-£75 per document

Real mistake we’ve seen: Using non-approved translators. Only translations by certified translators are accepted, and rejected translations mean resubmitting documents and potentially missing deadlines.

Legal and Professional Support

DIY vs Professional Guidance costs:

• Self-preparation: £0-£200 (document costs only)
• Immigration lawyer consultation: £200-£500 per hour
• Full application support: £1,500-£5,000

What this means for you: The decision between self-service and professional support often comes down to your confidence level and the complexity of your situation. Simple, straightforward applications can be self-managed with proper guidance. Complex cases (previous refusals, unusual circumstances, employment complications) benefit significantly from expert support.

Fee Payment Methods: What Actually Works

Accepted Payment Options

Online applications:

• Debit cards (UK and international)
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Bank transfers (limited circumstances)

Paper applications (rare):

• Bank drafts
• Postal orders
• Certified checks

Currency Considerations

Payment currency: All fees must be paid in GBP, regardless of where you’re applying from.

Exchange rate impact: Rates are converted at the time of payment, not application submission. For applicants from countries with volatile currencies, this can add unexpected costs.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Assuming the fee amount in your local currency based on old exchange rates. Check the current conversion before making payment to avoid declined transactions.

Refund Policies

Non-refundable fees:

• Application fees (even if refused)
• IHS (partial refunds possible if visa period is shorter than paid)
• Biometric enrollment fees
• Priority service fees

Partial IHS refunds: If your actual visa period is shorter than what you paid for, you can claim a refund for unused years. This requires a separate application process after receiving your visa.

Cost Planning Strategies: Getting Your Budget Right

Budget Preparation Timeline

6 months before application:

• Start saving for total estimated costs
• Research current fee rates
• Factor in potential fee increases (typically April each year)

3 months before:

• Confirm exact fee amounts
• Set aside currency conversion buffer (5-10%)
• Prepare payment methods

1 month before:

• Make IHS payment
• Confirm all fees are current
• Have backup payment method ready

Fee Increase Preparation

Historical pattern: UK visa fees increase annually, typically in April. Family visa fees have increased by 15-25% year-over-year since 2022.

What this means for you: If you’re planning to apply in early 2026, budget for fees that are likely 15-20% higher than current rates.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Submit applications before April fee increase dates when possible. The savings can be substantial for family applications.

Financial Planning Tips

Payment strategy options:

1. Lump sum approach: Save the full amount before starting
2. Staged payments: IHS payment separate from application fees
3. Family coordination: Coordinate multiple family member applications to maximize efficiency

If you’re supporting multiple family members: Consider staggered applications if budget is tight. Primary applicant first, then dependents once settled. However, this extends separation time and may complicate future applications.

Fee Calculator: Know Your Total Investment

Basic Family Visa Cost Calculator

Spouse/Partner Visa (Outside UK):

• Application fee: £1,846
• IHS (2.5 years): £2,588
• Biometrics: £19.20
• English test: £180
• Documents/translations: £200-£500
• Total: £4,833-£5,133

Family of Three (2 adults, 1 child):

• Application fees: £5,538 (£1,846 × 3)
• IHS: £7,764 (£2,588 × 3)
• Biometrics: £57.60
• Tests/documents: £400-£800
• Total: £13,760-£14,160

Settlement Applications (after 5 years):

• Application fee per person: £2,885
• IHS: £0 (not required for settlement)
• Documents: £300-£600
• Total per person: £3,185-£3,485

Budget Planning Worksheet

Step 1: Basic Costs

• Application fees: £_____
• IHS fees: £_____
• Biometric fees: £_____

Step 2: Preparation Costs

• English language test: £_____
• Document translations: £_____
• Professional photos: £_____

Step 3: Optional Services

• Priority processing: £_____
• Professional guidance: £_____
• Travel for biometrics: £_____

Step 4: Buffer Fund (10-15%)

• Contingency amount: £_____

TOTAL BUDGET: £_____

Country-Specific Considerations

High-Refusal-Rate Countries

If you’re applying from Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, or other countries with higher refusal rates: Factor in the real possibility of reapplication. This isn’t fear-mongering—it’s financial planning based on UKVI statistics.

Additional considerations:

• Stronger evidence requirements often mean higher documentation costs
• More complex applications may benefit from professional guidance
• Consider priority processing to reduce anxiety about processing times

Countries with Service Limitations

Limited biometric centers: Some countries have few Application Support Centres, meaning travel costs for biometric enrollment.

Banking restrictions: Some countries have limitations on international payments, requiring alternative payment arrangements.

Real Red Flags: What Causes Expensive Delays

Application Errors That Cost Money

Incomplete financial evidence: The most common cause of refusals that we see. Missing bank statements, inadequate income proof, or unclear financial relationships between sponsor and applicant.

Document authenticity issues: Using non-certified translations or providing documents that appear altered or incomplete.

Timing mistakes: Applying too early (before meeting relationship requirements) or too late (after visa expires for inside-UK applications).

What This Means for Your Budget

Each mistake potentially costs:

• Full application fee again: £1,046-£3,250
• New IHS payment: £2,588+
• Additional document costs: £200-£500
• Delayed reunion with family: Priceless, but emotionally and financially draining

Real mistake we’ve seen: Couples applying after living together for 18 months instead of waiting for the full 2 years required for unmarried partners. The 6-month difference cost them £4,400 in refused application fees plus another 6-month separation.

Resources from AVID

📎 Free Resources Available

Downloadable Tools:

• Complete UK family visa cost calculator (Excel format)
• Fee planning timeline checklist
• Payment method comparison guide
• Currency conversion tracker

📝 Sample Documents:

• Budget planning worksheet
• Fee payment confirmation checklist
• Document preparation cost estimator

📄 Application Guides:

• Step-by-step payment process guide
• IHS payment walkthrough
• Common payment error fixes

🧠 Common Applicant FAQs:

• “Can I pay fees in installments?” (No, full payment required)
• “What happens if exchange rates change after payment?” (Rates locked at payment time)
• “Are there any hidden fees?” (Our complete list above covers everything)
• “Can someone else pay my fees?” (Yes, but must be clearly documented)