Spouse Visa UK Fees
UK spouse visa fees in 2026 depend on where the application is made. The main application fee is £1,938 for applications outside the UK and £1,321 for applications made inside the UK, with a mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge payable separately. Kash Legal Services sheffield based immigration lawyer helps clients understand spouse visa UK fees clearly and budget accurately using official Home Office guidance.
UK Spouse Visa Fee Components
Main fee covers processing; IHS funds healthcare separately.
- Application Fee: £1,938 (entry clearance outside UK) funds adjudication and decision-making.
- IHS: £2,587.50 (30 months) mandatory for all over 18; exemptions rare (e.g., diplomats).
- Priority/Super: Optional acceleration; super priority limited to UK extensions.
| Cost Category | Fee / Rate | Where / When Applied | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse Visa Application Fee | £1,938 | Outside the UK | Entry clearance application; Home Office processing |
| Spouse Visa Application Fee | £1,321 | Inside the UK | Extension or switching (FLR(M)) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (Adult) | £1,035 per year | Paid at online submission | Mandatory; paid upfront for 30 months |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (Child) | £776 per year | Paid at online submission | Applies to dependants under 18 |
| Priority Service (Optional) | Additional fee | UK & Overseas | Faster processing where available |
| Super Priority Service (Optional) | Additional fee | UK only | Limited availability; next working day decision |
| Biometrics Fee | Additional cost | Visa centres (VFS Global) | Charged at appointment booking |
How do you pay for a UK spouse visa?
To submit a UK Spouse Visa application, all fees must be paid online before submission. The payment process follows these steps:
Create a UKVI account and complete the online spouse visa application form.
Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the payment stage through the official UKVI system.
Receive a payment receipt by email, which includes the reference number.
Use the reference number to book the biometric appointment.
Payments can be made in GBP or local currency, and debit or credit cards are accepted.
What are updates for spouse visa fees in 2026 ?
As of 2026, UK Spouse Visa fees remain unchanged following the increases in late 2025. No further fee rises have been announced by the Home Office as of January 2026, but applicants should continue to monitor official updates.
Biometric enrolment is handled by VFS Global, and additional service charges may apply depending on location and services selected.
For child applicants under 18, standard visa fees apply and proof of relationship is required.
When considering the overall cost of a UK spouse visa, it is also useful to understand the work and study rights on a UK spouse visa, as these rights apply once the visa has been granted.
UK Spouse Visa Fee Waivers and Refund Rules
UK Spouse Visa fee waivers are exceptional, and refunds are strictly limited under Home Office rules.
A fee waiver may be requested by submitting Form FW01 with evidence of destitution or risk of destitution. The waiver decision must be made before a visa application is submitted.
Refunds are available only in limited situations. The application fee may be refunded only if the application has not been submitted, and the Immigration Health Surcharge may be refunded only if biometrics have not been completed. Visa refusals or appeals do not result in refunds.
Kash Legal Services provides personalised fee guidance and payment planning to help families avoid unnecessary costs. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
.
How Applicants Can Manage UK Spouse Visa Costs?
Plan costs in line with UK Home Office and UKVI rules to avoid refusals and unnecessary reapplication fees.
Use the standard UKVI processing service where possible, as applications made outside the UK usually take up to 12 weeks, helping avoid optional priority fees.
Meet the financial requirement using permitted employment income or acceptable savings, as defined in the Immigration Rules, rather than relying on short-term loans.
Submit family applications together where eligible to manage overall costs more efficiently.
Seek professional advice before applying, as early legal guidance helps ensure compliance and increases the chance of first-time approval.
Kash Legal Services, a Sheffield-based immigration law practice, provides experienced guidance based on official Home Office requirements to help families control UK Spouse Visa costs.
How Kash Legal Services Can Help with UK Spouse Visa Fees
Provide clear and accurate guidance on UK Spouse Visa fees in line with UK Home Office and UKVI requirements.
Help clients understand all mandatory and optional charges before submitting an application.
Offer personalised fee assessments so families can plan and budget confidently.
Advise on payment stages, including application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and biometrics.
Support clients in preparing complete and compliant applications, reducing the risk of refusal and costly reapplications.
Assist with fee waiver assessments, where eligible, in accordance with official Home Office guidance.
Kash Legal Services, based in Sheffield, provides professional UK immigration advice focused on achieving first-time approval and smooth family reunification.