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IHImmigration Help

Fees and costs

What you’ll pay, when you’ll pay it, how IHS works, priority options, UKVCAS, and realistic budgeting.

Last reviewed: 2025-10-02

You’ll usually pay an application fee and, on many temporary routes, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Some services add optional charges (priority, premium appointments). If you have dependants, each applicant pays their own fees. This chapter explains the categories so you can budget and avoid surprises. Exact amounts change—always verify on current official guidance.

What you pay (and when)

Before diving into line items, here’s how payments typically flow:

  • At submission: you pay the visa fee and, if your route requires it, the IHS for the whole period upfront.
  • After submission: you may pay for biometrics/UKVCAS appointment add-ons (some sites have free slots; others charge).
  • Optional services: Priority or Super Priority (if offered for your route/location) are paid during booking.
  • Third-party costs: tests (English/TB/Life in the UK), translations, ECCTIS, courier/postage, travel to appointments.

The big four (core cost categories)

A quick orientation to the fees you’ll see on most journeys:

1) Visa application fee

  • Varies by route, where you apply (inside/outside the UK), and length of permission.
  • Paid for each applicant (main + dependants).

2) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

  • Charged per year of leave, usually upfront for the full length granted.
  • Dependants usually pay IHS in their own right.
  • Not paid for ILR (settlement).
  • Refunds can exist in certain situations (e.g., overpayment or unsuccessful applications)—check the current policy before relying on this.

3) Priority / Super Priority (optional)

  • If available, these can speed up decisions.
  • Availability varies by route and country; not guaranteed.
  • Paying for speed does not relax evidence requirements.

4) Biometrics / UKVCAS appointment charges

  • Some centres offer free standard slots; many charge for premium times or in-person document scanning.
  • If you use the ID Check app (where eligible), you may avoid centre fees entirely.

Other common costs (don’t forget these)

  • English test (approved type for your route) or ECCTIS (if relying on a degree).
  • TB test (only if required for your nationality/location).
  • Life in the UK Test (for ILR/citizenship).
  • Translations (certified), plus notarisation if specifically requested.
  • Passport photos (if needed), courier/postage, and travel to appointments.
  • Legal advice if you choose to use an OISC-registered adviser or solicitor.

Dependants — how costs scale

Budget per person:

  • Each dependant pays the visa fee for their category and, where applicable, the IHS for the full length of their leave.
  • Evidence requirements and appointment fees can also apply per person.
  • Some routes allow different lengths for dependants; watch how that affects total IHS.

Inside vs outside the UK

  • Fees and available services can differ if you apply from outside the UK versus in-country (switching/extension).
  • UKVCAS is for many in-country applications; visa application centres (VACs) handle most out-of-country biometrics.
  • Priority options and appointment availability vary by location and time of year.

Refunds, waivers, and changes (high-level)

  • IHS/fee refunds: may apply in certain circumstances (e.g., duplicate payment or where an application is not granted). Policies change—check current rules.
  • Withdrawing: withdrawing after submission does not always mean a full refund. Verify before you act.
  • Fee waivers: limited and route-specific; check official guidance if you think you may qualify.
If timing or policy matters for your budget, read the current refund/waiver page and keep screenshots of terms at the time you pay.

Employer support & clawback clauses

Some employers help with costs; understand what’s covered and repayment terms:

  • What might be covered: visa fee, IHS, priority, relocation, temporary housing.
  • Clawback: repayment if you leave within a set period (e.g., 12–24 months).
  • Payroll vs reimbursement: clarify how and when you’re reimbursed, and save all receipts.

Practical budgeting tips

  • Model the total for the whole family: application fee + IHS × years + optional services + third-party costs.
  • Avoid non-refundable travel bookings until you have a decision.
  • Keep a folder with receipts/PDFs (payments, confirmations, test bookings) — helps with employer reimbursements and future ILR records.
  • If you’re close to a start date, consider whether Priority is available before you commit to timelines.

Checklists (copy/paste)

Budget planner

  • [ ] Main applicant: visa fee
  • [ ] Main applicant: IHS (per year × total years)
  • [ ] Each dependant: visa fee + IHS (per year × years)
  • [ ] Priority/Super Priority (if offered)
  • [ ] Biometrics/UKVCAS premium slot (if needed)
  • [ ] English test or ECCTIS (if applicable)
  • [ ] TB test (if applicable)
  • [ ] Life in the UK Test (if applicable)
  • [ ] Translations/certifications (if needed)
  • [ ] Courier/postage and travel to appointments
  • [ ] Legal advice (if using an OISC-registered adviser)

Receipts & records

  • [ ] Visa fee payment confirmation(s)
  • [ ] IHS payment confirmation(s)
  • [ ] Appointment bookings (biometrics/UKVCAS or ID app confirmation)
  • [ ] Priority payment receipt (if used)
  • [ ] Test/assessment receipts (English/TB/Life in the UK)
  • [ ] Translation invoices/certificates
  • [ ] Employer reimbursement evidence (if applicable)

FAQs

Do I pay IHS for ILR?

No. ILR (settlement) applications do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge, though the ILR application fee and any service upgrades still apply.

Is Priority guaranteed?

No. Priority/Super Priority are not always offered and can be withdrawn or limited by location/route. If available, you’ll see it during booking; paying for speed doesn’t change evidence requirements.

Can I get the IHS back if I withdraw or if my application is refused?

Refund rules depend on current policy and scenario (e.g., refusal, duplicate payment). Check the official refund guidance that applies at the time you pay and keep copies of terms.

Do employers have to pay my fees?

No. Some choose to contribute. If they do, confirm what’s covered and any clawback terms in writing.

Do children pay the same fees?

Children are separate applicants; fees and IHS are typically charged per person. Some routes use different amounts for children—verify the current figures.

Information only — not legal advice. Fee levels, IHS rates, refund policies, and service availability change. Always verify current amounts and terms on official guidance, and consider an OISC-registered adviser for case-specific budgeting.