Authoritative Reference Guide
UK Visa Processing Times & Home Office Fees Guide
A comprehensive practitioner-compiled reference to official Home Office statutory visa application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge rates, priority fast-track costs, and average decision wait times.
Current Home Office Application Fees & Standard Timelines
| Visa Category | Application Location | Home Office Fee | Standard Service Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner Visa | Outside the UK (Entry Clearance) | £1,846 | Approximately 12 to 24 weeks (3 to 6 months) |
| Spouse / Partner Extension (FLR M) | Inside the UK | £1,048 | Approximately 8 weeks |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 Years) | Outside the UK | £719 | Approximately 3 weeks |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Over 3 Years) | Outside the UK | £1,420 | Approximately 3 weeks |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | Inside or Outside UK | £284 (up to 3 yrs) / £551 (>3 yrs) | Approximately 3 weeks (fast-tracked) |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Inside the UK (SET M / SET LR / SET O) | £2,885 | Up to 6 months |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) | Inside the UK (Form AN) | £1,580 (+ £80 ceremony fee) | Approximately 3 to 6 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 Months) | Outside the UK | £115 | Approximately 3 weeks |
| Student Visa | Outside the UK / Inside the UK | £490 | 3 weeks (outside) / 8 weeks (inside) |
| Sponsor Licence (Small / Charitable) | UK Business Application | £536 | Approximately 8 weeks |
| Sponsor Licence (Medium / Large) | UK Business Application | £1,476 | Approximately 8 weeks |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Rates
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives visa holders access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). It is paid in full for the total duration of the visa at the time of submission:
- Standard Adult Rate: £1,035 per year of permission granted (e.g. £3,105 for a 33-month initial Spouse Visa).
- Student, Youth Mobility & Minor Rate: £776 per year for applicants under 18 or those on Student / Youth Mobility routes.
- Exemptions: Health and Care Worker visa holders, their dependants, and applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) are exempt from the IHS.
Home Office Fast-Track Priority Services
Where available through UKVI and commercial partners (TLScontact / VFS Global):
- Priority Service (Outside UK): £500 additional fee for a decision within 5 working days (or 30 working days for family settlement).
- Priority Service (Inside UK): £500 additional fee for a decision within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service (Inside UK): £1,000 additional fee for a decision by the end of the next working day after biometric appointment.
Visa Timeline Assessment
Calculate exact statutory fees and plan your application timeline.