UK Work Visa Application Fees

The primary expense for most professionals is the standard visa application fee. This specific charge varies significantly based on whether you apply from inside or outside the United Kingdom. You must pay this amount upfront using a valid credit card. Work visa fees are non-refundable even if the Home Office refuses your initial request.

Another substantial cost involves the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge for medical access. This fee has increased to £1,035 per year for every adult applicant named on the form. Our comprehensive UK CoS explanation outlines how these cumulative costs impact your total relocation budget. Payment of this surcharge is a prerequisite for submitting your application.

Many applicants forget to account for the biometric enrolment appointment charges. Centres often charge premium fees for appointments outside standard working hours or at convenient locations. These additional service fees can add hundreds of pounds to your total. Always check the commercial partner website for the most accurate and current appointment pricing structures.

Employers also bear significant financial responsibilities during the sponsorship licensing process phases. They must pay the Immigration Skills Charge which costs £1,320 per year for medium or large organisations. Small businesses and charities benefit from a reduced rate of £480 per year for each worker. This charge cannot legally be passed down to the sponsored employee.

The Certificate of Sponsorship requires a separate fee of £525 per worker. This electronic document is essential for linking you to your sponsor. Companies must assign this certificate before you can begin your personal visa application form online. Some employers may offer to cover your application fees as part of a relocation package. Always clarify which costs your employer covers before starting the application.

Currency exchange rates can significantly affect the final amount you pay. Banks often apply transaction fees for international payments to the Home Office. Using a card with low foreign transaction fees saves considerable money. Ensure your daily transaction limit accommodates the total visa fee amount.

Bringing family members increases the financial requirement for your application substantially. Each dependant must pay their own separate application fee and surcharge. A detailed UK relocation guide suggests saving at least £5,000 for a family of three. The Immigration Health Surcharge applies to every family member including children. Reduced rates are available for children under the age of eighteen.

You must also prove you have sufficient savings to support your family upon arrival in the UK. The main applicant needs £1,270 in their bank account for twenty-eight consecutive days before applying. Financial maintenance requirements increase for each additional family member you bring. Your employer can certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship instead.

Priority services allow for faster decision times but come with significantly higher government service fees. The priority service currently costs an additional £500 for a decision within five working days. Super priority service offers a decision by the next working day. Expedited processing is optional and does not guarantee a successful visa outcome.

Refunds are generally not available if you withdraw your application after providing your biometric information. The Immigration Health Surcharge is refunded automatically if your visa application is refused by the caseworker. This refund process can take up to six weeks to complete. Ensure the card used for payment remains valid to receive any potential refunds from the government.

Payment failures are a common cause of delays in visa processing. Banks often flag large international transactions as potential fraud or security risks. Notify your bank before attempting to pay the large visa fees. Our visa application guide explains how to troubleshoot common payment errors. Keep a secondary payment method available in case the first fails.

Retain all transaction receipts and payment confirmation emails until your visa is physically in your possession. These documents serve as proof of payment during any system disputes. The Home Office does not accept cash or personal cheques for fees. Corporate credit cards can be used if your employer is paying the fees on your behalf. Ensure the cardholder name matches the billing information entered on the portal.

The Health and Care Worker visa offers significantly lower application fees compared to the standard route. Applicants for this specific visa are also exempt from paying the annual Immigration Health Surcharge. This exemption applies to eligible dependants accompanying the main visa applicant. Healthcare professionals save thousands of pounds through these specific government concessions. Verify your job code eligibility before applying for this specific route.

English language testing represents another separate cost that applicants must settle directly with the provider. The test must be taken with a secure English language test provider approved by the government. Fees for these tests typically range around £150 to £200 per attempt. Ecctis services are required for verifying overseas academic qualifications for the visa. This verification service charges its own separate fees for confirming your degree meets UK standards.

Accurate financial planning prevents unnecessary stress during your complex immigration journey. Always calculate the total cost including surcharges before starting the form. The total financial commitment for a three-year visa often exceeds £5,000 for a single applicant. Prices are subject to change with little notice from the government. Consulting the latest fee tables ensures you pay the correct amount for your specific visa category.

Start saving for these expenses well in advance of your application. Many professionals find success through UK sponsor companies that offer generous relocation assistance packages to new hires. Securing a role with a supportive employer can significantly reduce your personal financial burden during the move. Review your employment contract to understand exactly which costs your sponsor agrees to cover for you.