Understanding the UK Spouse Visa Fee Breakdown

While the aim of the UK Spouse visa is to facilitate family unity and stability, it does come at a significant expense to the applicant. From application fees to additional charges such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, the financial implications of obtaining a UK Spouse visa can be substantial.

The costs can also vary based on several factors, and being informed about these expenses can help with planning and avoiding unexpected outlays.

In this article, we provide a breakdown of the UK Spouse visa fee for applicants, with tips for managing your budget effectively.

 

Section A: What is the UK Spouse Visa?

 

The UK Spouse visa, while commonly referred to in this way, is officially part of the Family visa category. It allows non-UK nationals to join their spouse or civil partner, who is either a British citizen or settled in the UK, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.

Before considering the visa application fees, it’s important for applicants to determine that they qualify under the route.

If you don’t meet all of the eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa, your application will be refused, and your application fee will not be refunded.

 

1. Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria

 

To qualify for the UK Spouse visa, applicants must meet several key eligibility criteria:

 

Table: Eligibility Criteria for UK Spouse Visa

Eligibility Criteria	Requirements
Relationship Status	Must be legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled individual.
Duration of Relationship	Must provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, typically having lived together for at least two years before applying (if applying as a partner).
Financial Requirement	The couple must demonstrate a minimum income of £18,600 per year or an alternative combination of income and savings.
English Language Proficiency	The applicant must prove their English language ability through an approved test or an academic qualification taught in English.
Age Requirement	Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Accommodation	Must have adequate accommodation that meets UK housing standards and is not overcrowded.
Good Character	Applicants may need to disclose any criminal history or previous immigration violations.

 

a. Relationship Status

The applicant must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting.

 

b. Duration of Relationship

Applicants must provide evidence that they have been in a relationship for at least two years before applying if they are applying as a partner (not spouse) under the Family visa route.

 

c. Financial Requirements

The couple must demonstrate that they meet a minimum income threshold, currently set at £29,000 per year, or an alternative combination of savings and income.

 

d. English Language Proficiency

The applicant must prove their ability to communicate in English. This can be done by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification taught in English.

 

e. Age Requirements

Both the applicant and the British citizen or settled partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

 

f. Accommodation

The couple must have adequate accommodation for themselves and any dependents, which must not be overcrowded according to UK housing standards.

 

g. Good Character

Applicants may be required to disclose any criminal history or previous immigration violations, as good character is a consideration for visa approval.

 

Section B: Overview of UK Spouse Visa Fees

 

Applying for a UK Spouse visa involves various fees that can accumulate significantly throughout the application process.

 

Table: Summary of UK Spouse Visa Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Description
Application Fee (Outside UK)	£1,846	Standard fee for applying from outside the UK.
Application Fee (Inside UK)	£1,258	Standard fee for switching to a Spouse Visa from within the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge	£1,035 per year	Mandatory fee for accessing NHS services; calculated based on the length of the visa.
Biometric Fee	£19.20	Fee for providing biometric information during the application process.
Translation Fees	£50 – £200	Cost for translating documents not in English; varies by document and service provider.
Legal Fees (if applicable)	£500 – £2,500	Costs associated with hiring immigration lawyers or advisors for assistance with the application.
Miscellaneous Costs	Variable	Other expenses such as obtaining official documents or travel for appointments.

 

1. Spouse Visa Application Fee

 

The primary expense for a UK Spouse Visa application is the application fee itself.

The standard application fee for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,846 if applying from outside the UK or £1,258 if applying from within the UK, for example, if you are switching from a different visa category.

 

Category	Apply Outside the UK	Apply in the UK
Cost if joining your partner, parent, or child	£1,846	£1,258
Cost for each dependant added to your application	£1,846 per person	£1,258 per person

 

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should always check the official UK government website for the most current rates.

 

2. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

 

In addition to the application fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to cover their period of leave. This fee grants the visa holder access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.

The IHS is charged at £1,035 per year for each year of the visa, which typically lasts for 2.5 years.

For example, if the visa is granted for 2.5 years, the total IHS fee would be £2,587.50.

 

Table: IHS Fee

Category	Cost per Year	Example (for a 2.5-year visa)
Students, dependants, and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants	£776	£1,940 (£776 x 2.5 years)
Applicants under the age of 18	£776	£1,940 (£776 x 2.5 years)
All other visa and immigration applications	£1,035	£2,587.50 (£1,035 x 2.5 years)

 

Applicants may also be eligible for a discounted rate if they fall into certain categories, such as students or youth.

 

3. Biometric Fees

 

Applicants may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process. This usually incurs a fee of approximately £19.20, which is paid at the time of scheduling the biometric appointment.

 

4. Priority Processing

 

If eligible, applicants can opt for the priority service when applying for a UK visa. This service costs an additional £500 on top of the standard application fee and typically results in a decision within 5 working days. For family visas (such as those for a spouse, partner, parent, child, or an adult dependent), applying from outside the UK may take up to 30 working days. The processing time begins either on the day of your in-person appointment or the next working day after uploading documents via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. However, the process might take longer if further information is required by the Home Office.

Alternatively, the super priority service is available for those who need a faster response, costing an extra £1,000. Decisions are usually made by the end of the next working day after your identity is confirmed, or within 2 working days if the confirmation happens over a weekend or bank holiday.

For applicants using the ID Check app, the decision timeframe remains the same based on when documents are submitted. However, delays may occur if the Home Office needs additional details or checks with other government departments.

 

5. Document Translation Costs

 

If any documents submitted with the application are not in English, they must be translated. The costs for translation can vary widely depending on the document and the service provider, but applicants should budget around £50 to £200 for translation services.

 

6. Legal Fees (Optional)

 

While not mandatory, some applicants choose to hire immigration lawyers to assist with their application. Legal fees can vary based on the complexity of the case and the professional’s experience.

 

7. Other Miscellaneous Costs

 

Additional expenses may include obtaining official documents such as marriage or police certificates, and travel costs to attend appointments.

Considering the above fees, the total estimated costs for obtaining a UK Spouse visa can vary widely based on individual circumstances. For a straightforward application using standard processing, the total costs can be summarised as follows:

 

Table: Breakdown of Costs and Estimated Total for UK Spouse Visa

Expense Type	Cost	Example/Description
Application Fee	£1,846 (outside UK) / £1,258 (inside UK)	Cost varies based on application location
Immigration Health Surcharge	£2,587.50 for 2.5 years (=£1,560 x 2.5)	Grants access to NHS during stay
Biometric Fee	£19.20	Fee for biometric information submission
Document Translation	£50 to £200 (average)	For translating non-English documents
Legal Fees (if applicable)	£500 to £2,500 (average)	Optional; depends on case complexity
Miscellaneous Costs	Variable	Includes travel, postage, and other fees
Estimated Total (without legal fees)	£3,167 to £3,317	Based on standard fees and minimal extras
Estimated Total (with legal fees)	£3,667 to £5,817	Includes potential legal assistance costs

 

Section C: Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

 

The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that visa applicants must pay when applying to live in the UK for more than six months.

For those applying for a UK Spouse Visa, payment of the IHS is required at the time of submitting the visa application.

Having paid the IHS, visa holders gain access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of the visa, allowing them to receive healthcare services during their stay without incurring additional costs, similar to UK residents.

 

1. How Much is IHS for Spouse Visa Holders?

 

All applicants for a UK Spouse Visa, as well as their dependants, are required to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. This fee is paid upfront along with the application fee and covers the duration of the visa. The surcharge applies to both initial visa applications and visa extensions.

The IHS is calculated based on the length of the visa. For most spouse visa applicants, the visa is granted for 2.5 years (30 months). The current rate is £1,035 per year, meaning a spouse visa applicant will pay £2587.50 upfront for the initial visa (2.5 years x £1,035).

If the applicant extends their spouse visa for an additional 2.5 years, another payment of £2,587.50 will be required (assuming the £1,035 is the same at the time of the extension application), bringing the total cost for the IHS over five years of the Spouse visa to £5,175.

 

2. Rules for Calculating the IHS

 

The IHS is calculated based on full years plus half of the yearly rate for any remaining months over a full year. For instance:

 

a. If your visa is valid for less than 6 months, you do not need to pay the surcharge if applying from outside the UK.

b. For visas that are more than 6 months but less than a year, the full yearly fee must be paid.

c. For visas that extend beyond full years (e.g., 2.5 years), you will pay for the full years plus half the yearly rate for the additional six months.

 

For example, a Spouse visa applicant who receives an initial visa for 2.5 years will pay £2,587.50 (£1,035 x 2 + £517.50). Upon extending their visa for another 2.5 years, they will pay another £2,587.50, totalling £5,175 for their stay leading up to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

 

Visa Stage	Calculation	Total Cost
Initial Spouse Visa (2.5 years)	£1,035 x 2 (years) + £517.50 (half year)	£2,587.50
Spouse Visa Extension (2.5 years)	£1,035 x 2 (years) + £517.50 (half year)	£2,587.50
Total Cost for 5 years	£2,587.50 (initial) + £2,587.50 (extension)	£5,175

 

Section D: Paying the Spouse Visa Application Fee

 

When applying for a UK Spouse visa, applicants should check if they can pay using one of the various payment methods available for settling their visa fees.

 

1. Accepted Payment Methods

 

The following are accepted by the Home Office:

 

a. Credit and Debit Cards

The most common method for paying visa fees is through credit or debit cards. Most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are accepted. This method is convenient and allows for immediate payment confirmation.

 

b. Online Payment

Payments are typically made online at the time of submitting the visa application. Applicants are directed to the payment page after completing their application form, where they can enter their card details securely.

 

c. Bank Transfers

While bank transfers are less commonly used for visa applications, they may be accepted in specific circumstances, particularly for applicants paying from abroad. However, applicants should check the specific guidance for their situation, as the process can be less straightforward and may take longer to process.

 

d. Payment via Third-Party Services

Some applicants may choose to use third-party payment services. If this option is available, it is essential to verify that these services are legitimate and secure to avoid any potential scams.

 

2. How to Plan for Fees

 

Before starting the application process, outline all potential costs, including application fees, IHS, translation services, and any other expenses. Creating a detailed budget will help you keep track of your spending and prevent any unexpected financial strain.

It’s wise to set aside extra funds to cover any unforeseen costs that may arise during the application process. Having a financial cushion can alleviate stress and ensure you are prepared for any surprises.

Some applicants may qualify for financial assistance or payment plans, depending on their circumstances. Research available options, especially if you are applying under challenging financial conditions.

Be strategic about when you make payments. For example, ensure that you apply during a period when you can afford all associated costs without impacting your other financial obligations.

 

Section E: Spouse Visa Refund Rules

 

The UK Home Office has clear guidelines on when refunds are issued, and it’s important to be aware of these before making payments.

The refund process can take several weeks, and any funds due will be returned to the original payment method used.

 

1. When Can You Get a Visa Fee Refund?

In certain situations, a refund may be granted for the visa application fee or Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

A full refund of the visa application fee is possible if you withdraw your application before it has been processed, provided that the Home Office has not yet started working on it.

However, if processing has already begun, you are unlikely to receive a refund of the application fee.

 

2. Can You Get a Refund if the Visa Application is Refused?

If your visa application is refused, the application fee is non-refundable. This applies even if the refusal is based on a technicality or missing documentation.

The UK Home Office retains the fee to cover the costs associated with processing your application, regardless of the outcome.

 

3. Can You Withdraw a Spouse Visa Application and Get a Refund?

You can withdraw your Spouse visa application at any time. If the application has not yet been processed, you may receive a full refund of the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

To withdraw your application, you must submit an official request to the Home Office.

However, if the processing of your application has already begun, the visa fee is usually non-refundable, although you may still get a refund of the IHS.

 

4. IHS Refund Rules

The IHS is generally refundable if your visa application is refused or withdrawn before approval. If your visa is granted but you decide to leave the UK early, partial refunds for the IHS are not typically provided, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as a visa being curtailed by the Home Office.

However, you may still be eligible for a partial refund of the IHS in some cases, particularly if the refusal occurs before your intended entry date into the UK. The amount refunded will be calculated based on the unused portion of the IHS.

 

Section F: Summary

 

The UK Spouse visa fee is a significant consideration for those planning to join their partner in the United Kingdom. For applications made from outside the UK, the standard fee is currently £1,846, while those applying from within the UK will pay £1,258. These fees are used to cover the processing and administrative costs associated with reviewing the application.

In addition to the application fee, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the NHS during their stay.

Further costs may include document sourcing, document translation and legal assistance.

It is important to factor in these expenses when budgeting for the visa application.

 

Section G: Need Assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For expert guidance on any aspect of a UK spouse visa application, contact us.

 

Section H: FAQs

 

What is the current fee for a UK Spouse Visa?
The fee for applying from outside the UK is £1,846, while applying from within the UK costs £1,258. These fees cover the processing of your visa application.

 

Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for a Spouse Visa?
Yes, all applicants must pay the IHS, which allows access to the NHS during their stay. The cost is typically £1,035 per year of leave.

 

Are visa application fees refundable if the application is refused?
Both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is denied or if you decide to withdraw your application.

 

How much do biometric appointments cost?
The biometric fee is £19.20. This fee covers the cost of providing fingerprints and a photograph as part of your application.

 

Do I need to pay for document translation?
If any of your documents are not in English, they will need to be translated by a certified translator. Costs can range from £50 to £200, depending on the length and complexity of the document.

 

Section I: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
UK Spouse Visa	A visa allowing non-UK nationals to join their spouse or partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Application Fee	The fee charged for processing a visa application, varying based on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee that grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.
Biometric Information	Personal data, including fingerprints and a photograph, required as part of the visa application process.
Document Translation	The process of converting documents not in English into English, usually required for visa applications.
Certified Translation	An official translation accompanied by a signed statement affirming its accuracy, as required by the UK Home Office.
Legal Fees	Costs incurred if hiring an immigration lawyer or advisor for assistance with the visa application process.
Genuine Relationship	Proof that the relationship between the applicant and sponsor is real and ongoing, not solely for immigration purposes.
Sponsor	The British citizen or settled person supporting the visa application of their spouse or partner.
Financial Requirement	The minimum income threshold (£18,600) that applicants must meet to demonstrate financial stability.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	A card issued to non-UK nationals as evidence of their visa status, including the right to work or study.
Visa Refusal	The rejection of a visa application due to non-compliance with immigration rules or failure to meet requirements.
Appeal	A formal process where applicants challenge a visa refusal decision by the UK Home Office.
Super Priority Service	An expedited visa processing service for an additional fee, offering a decision within 1-2 working days.
Premium Service Centre	Centres where applicants can book appointments for faster in-person visa processing and support.

 

Section J: Additional Resources

 

UK Government – Family Visas
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
Comprehensive guide on applying for family visas, including spouse and partner visas, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements.

 

UK Visa and Immigration – Visa Fees
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
A detailed breakdown of current visa fees, including the cost of spouse visas and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

Immigration Health Surcharge Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
Official guidance on the IHS, including how fees are calculated, who needs to pay, and refund policies.

 

Citizens Advice – Immigration
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/
Helpful resource for understanding your rights as an immigrant, visa options, and where to get legal advice.

 

Home Office – Right to Work Checks
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/right-to-work-checks
Information for employers on verifying an employee’s right to work in the UK, including guidance on compliance and penalties.

 

The Law Society – Find a Solicitor
https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/
Use this tool to find accredited immigration solicitors who can provide professional advice on visa applications and extensions.