Why Understanding UK Visa Fees Matters
One of the biggest surprises for first-time applicants is discovering that the UK visa fee is just one part of the total cost. Between the Immigration Health Surcharge, TB tests, biometric fees, and optional priority services, your true budget can be significantly higher than the headline application fee.
This guide breaks down every cost you need to plan for, by visa type, so there are no surprises.
UK Visa Application Fees by Type (2025)
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £115 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (2 years) | £400 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (5 years) | £670 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (10 years) | £963 |
| Student Visa | £490 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £719 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years) | £1,420 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | £304 |
| Family/Spouse Visa | £1,846 |
| Graduate Route Visa | £822 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | £1,191 |
Note: All fees are set by the UK Home Office and can change. Always confirm current fees at gov.uk before applying.
SEE ALSO: UK Visa Rejection Reasons for Nigerians — and How to Avoid Them – Oak GT
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Anyone applying for a visa longer than 6 months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge — this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your stay.
| Category | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Standard adult rate | £1,035 |
| Student / Youth Mobility discount rate | £776 |
| Child under 18 | £776 |
Important: The IHS is paid upfront for your entire visa duration. So if you’re applying for a 5-year Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll pay £1,035 × 5 = £5,175 in health surcharge alone, on top of your application fee.
Additional Mandatory Costs
TB Test Certificate
Required for visas longer than 6 months. Costs vary by clinic but typically range from ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 in Nigeria.
Biometric Enrolment Fee
Usually included in your application, but some Visa Application Centres charge a separate service fee — typically £20–£50 equivalent in Naira.
Courier/Passport Return Service
If you want your passport couriered back to you rather than collecting in person, this typically costs an additional ₦10,000–₦20,000.
Optional Priority Services
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Service | £250 – £500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | £500 – £1,000 | Next working day |
These are optional but can be worth it if you’re working against a tight deadline. Note that priority services only speed up the decision, not the outcome — you can still be refused faster.
Full Cost Example: Skilled Worker Visa (5 Years)
Let’s break down a realistic total cost for a 5-year Skilled Worker Visa application:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £1,420 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (5 years) | £5,175 |
| TB test | ~£30 (₦50,000) |
| English test (if required) | ~£150 |
| Total | ~£6,775 |
This is why it’s so important for Nigerians to clarify with prospective UK employers before accepting a job offer whether they will cover some or all of these costs as part of a relocation package.
Full Cost Example: Student Visa
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £490 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £776 |
| TB test | ~£30 (₦50,000) |
| IELTS test | ~£170 |
| Total (1 year) | ~£1,466 |
For a 3-year degree, the IHS alone adds up to £2,328, so total visa-related costs (excluding tuition) over 3 years can reach £3,000 – £3,500.
Full Cost Example: Standard Visit Visa (6 months, single trip)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £115 |
| TB test (not required for 6-month visit visas) | £0 |
| Total | £115 |
Visit visas are by far the most affordable UK visa category, which is part of why they’re the most commonly applied for by Nigerians.
How to Pay UK Visa Fees from Nigeria
All UK visa fees are paid online during your application using an international debit or credit card. Accepted payment methods typically include:
- Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards
- Some domiciliary accounts with international payment enabled
Tip: Ensure your card has sufficient international transaction limits before starting your application, as failed payments can cause delays or force you to restart the process.
Are UK Visa Fees Refundable?
No. UK visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or refused. This makes it even more important to submit a strong, complete application the first time.
Ways to Reduce Your UK Visa Costs
1. Negotiate with your employer
If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker Visa, many UK employers cover some or all visa costs, including the IHS, as part of their relocation package. Always ask before signing your contract.
2. Apply for the right visa length
Don’t apply for a 10-year multiple entry visit visa if you only plan to travel once. Match your visa validity to your actual travel plans to avoid overpaying.
3. Avoid unnecessary priority services
Only pay for priority or super priority processing if you have a genuine, unavoidable deadline. Standard processing is significantly cheaper.
4. Check for fee waivers
In specific circumstances (such as certain human rights-based applications), fee waivers may be available. This is rare for standard visit, student, and work visas but worth checking if it applies to your situation.
5. Budget in Naira early and monitor exchange rates
Since fees are charged in GBP, exchange rate fluctuations can significantly affect your Naira cost. Budget with a buffer of at least 10-15% to account for rate changes between planning and payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children pay the same visa fees as adults?
Children pay the same application fee as adults for most visa categories, but often qualify for the discounted Immigration Health Surcharge rate.
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge a one-time payment?
No, it’s calculated based on your visa’s total duration and paid upfront as a single payment covering that whole period.
Can I pay UK visa fees in Naira?
No, fees are charged in GBP. Your Nigerian bank will convert the amount from your card using their current exchange rate.
What happens if my payment fails during application?
You’ll need to retry the payment. If it continues failing, contact your bank to confirm your card is enabled for international transactions.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
The main “hidden” costs applicants often forget to budget for are the TB test, English test fees, and passport courier service — always factor these into your total budget.