lightbulb How to Reduce Your Costs
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Apply for the full 5-year visa if you qualify (settled status holder sponsor) to pay IHS once instead of twice.
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The IHS must be paid upfront in full. Budget for this before submitting your application.
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Only pay for priority service if you genuinely need fast processing — standard is free.
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If your visa is refused, the IHS is refunded but the application fee is not.
How much does a UK spouse visa cost in 2026?
The visa application fee is £1,938 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,321 if switching inside the UK. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year per adult, £776/year per child) plus biometrics (~£19.20 per person). Total costs for a single applicant on a 2.5-year visa from abroad start at around £4,545.
What is the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)?
The IHS gives you access to the NHS during your stay. It costs £1,035 per year per adult and £776 per year per child. For a 2.5-year visa, that's £2,587.50 per adult. It must be paid upfront in full when you submit your application.
Is priority service worth it for a UK spouse visa?
Priority service (£500 per applicant) aims to process your application within 5 working days. Super priority (£800) targets the next working day. Standard processing can take up to 24 weeks. Priority is worth it only if you have urgent travel needs.
Can I include children in my spouse visa application?
Yes, dependent children can be included. Each child pays their own application fee (£1,938 outside UK / £1,321 inside UK) and a reduced IHS rate of £776 per year.
Are UK spouse visa fees refundable if refused?
The application fee is non-refundable if your visa is refused. However, the IHS surcharge is fully refunded if your application is unsuccessful.