How much does a UK spouse visa cost in 2026?
A full breakdown of UK spouse visa fees in 2026 — the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), priority options, and what couples typically budget in total.
Key takeaways
- 01The main gov.uk fee for a spouse/partner visa applied from outside the UK is published on gov.uk — check there before budgeting.
- 02The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a separate payment, calculated per year of leave granted.
- 03Priority and super-priority services are optional and cost extra on top of the standard fee.
- 04Biometrics, translations, and document certification are additional costs not included in the gov.uk fee.
- 05VisaEvo's software fee is separate from government charges — it helps you prepare documents, not pay UKVI.
What you actually pay for
A UK spouse or partner visa involves more than a single fee. Most couples budget for three categories:
- The UKVI application fee — paid when you submit your application on gov.uk
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — a separate payment for access to the NHS
- Optional extras — priority processing, biometrics, translations, and certified copies
The figures below are based on gov.uk guidance. Always confirm the current amounts on gov.uk before you pay — fees can change.
Application fee
The application fee depends on:
- Whether you apply from outside the UK (entry clearance) or from inside the UK (switching or extending)
- How long the visa is granted for (typically 33 months from outside, or 30 months from inside)
Check the exact fee for your situation at gov.uk/uk-family-visa/apply.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is charged per year of leave granted on your visa. For most adult applicants, the annual rate is published at gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application.
For a 33-month entry clearance visa applied from outside the UK, you typically pay IHS for 2.75 years (rounded up to the nearest half-year per gov.uk rules). Use the IHS calculator on gov.uk to get the exact figure for your application.
Priority and super-priority services
UKVI offers optional faster processing in some locations:
| Service | What it does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Normal processing times | Published on gov.uk |
| Priority | Faster decision where available | Extra fee; does not guarantee approval |
| Super priority | Fastest available in eligible locations | Extra fee; limited availability |
Priority does not change the evidence requirements or improve your chances of approval — it only affects how quickly UKVI processes a complete application.
Other costs to budget for
These are not included in the gov.uk fee but most applicants encounter them:
- Biometrics appointment — usually included in the application fee for overseas applications, but check gov.uk for your location
- English language test — if you are not exempt (see our English language guide)
- TB test — required for applicants from certain countries
- Translations — if any documents are not in English or Welsh
- Certified copies — if originals cannot be submitted
- Passport photos — for the application form
Example budget (illustrative only)
Important: These figures are illustrative. Confirm every amount on gov.uk before budgeting.
| Item | Illustrative range |
|---|---|
| UKVI application fee | Check gov.uk |
| IHS (2.75 years) | Check gov.uk IHS calculator |
| English test (if needed) | £150–£200 (provider-dependent) |
| TB test (if needed) | £50–£150 (clinic-dependent) |
| Translations | Variable |
| VisaEvo software (optional) | £0–£99 one-time |
How VisaEvo fits in
VisaEvo does not pay or submit your UKVI fee. It helps you prepare the application — building your document checklist, checking the £29,000 financial requirement, and organising evidence into an application-ready pack. See pricing for software plans.
For processing times after you apply, see our guide on how long a UK spouse visa takes.
Related guide
How long does a UK spouse visa take?Disclaimer: VisaEvo is self-service software, not a law firm or OISC-regulated adviser. This article is based on publicly available gov.uk guidance. Always confirm current rules on gov.uk before applying. See our editorial policy and source methodology.
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