Applying for a UK spouse visa involves several costs and varying processing times, depending on the type of application and the services you choose. Understanding these fees and timelines is crucial to planning your application effectively and avoiding unexpected delays.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the fees and processing times for a UK spouse visa, along with tips to make the process smoother and more predictable.
Overview of UK Spouse Visa Fees
When applying for a UK spouse visa, you’ll need to budget for several fees, including the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and optional priority services.
Application Fee
The application fee depends on where you’re applying from:
- Outside the UK: £1,538
- Inside the UK: £1,048
This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is an additional fee that grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
- Cost: £624 per year
- Spouse visas are typically valid for 2.5 years, so the total IHS fee is £1,560.
Example: If you’re applying from outside the UK, your total cost would be £3,098 (£1,538 application fee + £1,560 IHS).
Priority Services (Optional)
To expedite the processing of your application, you can opt for priority services:
- Priority Visa Service: £573 (decision within 5 working days).
- Super Priority Visa Service: £956 (decision within 24 hours).
These fees are in addition to the standard application fee.
Other Costs to Consider
- English Language Test: Approximately £150 for an approved test like IELTS for UKVI.
- Document Translations: £50–£100 per document if your documents are not in English.
- Biometric Appointment: Generally included in the application fee, but additional fees may apply for premium services.
Breakdown of Processing Times
Standard Processing Times
The time it takes to process a UK spouse visa application depends on where you’re applying from:
- Outside the UK: Up to 12 weeks (3 months) from the date of your biometrics appointment.
- Inside the UK: Up to 8 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment.
Priority Processing Times
If you opt for priority services, your application will be processed faster:
- Priority Visa Service: Decision within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Visa Service: Decision within 24 hours.
Note: Priority services are subject to availability and may not be offered in all locations or for all application types.
Factors That May Delay Processing
- Missing or incomplete documents.
- Failure to meet financial requirements.
- Requests for additional information or evidence from the Home Office.
- Complex cases, such as those involving previous visa refusals or immigration violations.
How to Avoid Delays
- Submit a Complete Application
Double-check that all required documents are included, properly formatted, and translated if necessary. - Meet Financial Requirements
Ensure you meet the minimum income threshold or have sufficient savings to avoid delays caused by additional checks. - Choose the Right Processing Option
If time is critical, invest in priority or super-priority services to expedite your application. - Respond Promptly to Home Office Requests
If the Home Office requests additional information, provide it immediately to prevent delays. - Plan Your Biometrics Appointment Early
Book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid bottlenecks.
FAQs
1. What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the fees are non-refundable. You can appeal the decision, reapply with corrected information, or seek legal advice for further steps.
2. Can I get a refund if I withdraw my application?
You may receive a partial refund if the Home Office has not started processing your application. However, the IHS fee is typically refunded in full if the visa is not granted.
3. Is the spouse visa fee the same for all applicants?
Yes, the fee structure is consistent for all applicants, but additional costs may vary depending on optional services and individual circumstances.
4. Can I pay the fees in installments?
No, all fees must be paid in full at the time of application.
5. Are priority services guaranteed to meet their timelines?
While priority services aim to process applications within the specified time, delays can occur in exceptional cases, such as high application volumes or complex cases.
Applying for a UK spouse visa requires careful financial planning and attention to processing timelines. Understanding the fees and processing times can help you budget appropriately and choose the best options for your circumstances. By submitting a complete application and considering priority services, you can increase your chances of a smoother and faster visa approval process.