The UK Fiancé Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the UK and marry or enter into a civil partnership with their British partner within six months. This visa is an important step for those wishing to settle in the UK with their partner, but it comes with several costs that applicants should be aware of. Here’s a complete breakdown of the UK Fiancé Visa costs, including the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, priority processing, and other expenses.
1. Fiancé Visa UK Application Fee
The primary cost associated with the UK Fiancé Visa is the visa application fee. This fee is paid when submitting the application and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
- Application Fee: £1,523 for applications made outside the UK.
This fee is paid per applicant, so if any dependent children are applying with you, their applications will require additional fees.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) grants visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. While Fiancé Visa holders do not pay the IHS initially (since the visa is valid for only six months), they must pay it when switching to a Spouse Visa after getting married.
- IHS for Spouse Visa (following Fiancé Visa): £624 per year. For a 2.5-year Spouse Visa, this comes to £1,560.
It’s essential to budget for the IHS cost when planning to transition from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa.
3. Priority and Super Priority Processing Fees
The standard processing time for the UK Fiancé Visa is generally 2–3 months. If you need faster processing, you can choose priority services at an additional cost.
- Priority Processing: £573. Reduces processing time to around 5 working days.
- Super Priority Processing: £956. Provides a decision within 24 hours.
Priority services are optional and not always available in every country or visa application center, so check availability when applying.
4. Additional Costs for the UK Fiancé Visa
Aside from the main application fee and optional priority processing, there are other expenses you may incur as part of the application process:
English Language Test
Most Fiancé Visa applicants need to prove English language proficiency, usually through an approved test such as IELTS.
- English Language Test Fee: Approximately £150–£200, depending on the test provider and location.
TB Test
Applicants from certain countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and several others, are required to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test before entering the UK.
- TB Test Fee: £65–£110, depending on the clinic and country.
Document Translation and Certification
If any documents (e.g., birth certificates, divorce papers) are not in English or Welsh, you will need to have them translated and certified.
- Translation Fees: Approximately £20–£100 per document, depending on complexity and provider.
Biometric Appointment
Most applicants will attend a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and a photo. The appointment fee is typically included, but there may be additional costs for premium services.
5. Financial Requirement for the Fiancé Visa
While not an application fee, the financial requirement is an important factor for the Fiancé Visa. The UK-based partner (sponsor) must meet a minimum income threshold to support the applicant:
- Minimum Income Requirement: £18,600 per year for the UK sponsor. This amount increases if there are dependent children, by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
The sponsor must provide documentation (e.g., payslips, bank statements) proving they meet this requirement.
6. Total Estimated Cost for UK Fiancé Visa Application
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the total costs associated with a UK Fiancé Visa:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiancé Visa Application Fee | £1,523 |
| Priority Processing (Optional) | £573 |
| Super Priority (Optional) | £956 |
| English Language Test | £150–£200 |
| TB Test (if required) | £65–£110 |
| Document Translation | £20–£100 per document |
| Total (Basic Costs) | £1,738+ |
Note: The total cost may vary depending on individual circumstances, additional services, and optional priority processing. If you plan to transition to a Spouse Visa after marriage, you should also budget for the Spouse Visa fee of £1,033 and IHS of £1,560 for the 2.5-year visa.
7. Tips to Manage the Fiancé Visa Costs
- Plan for Additional Fees: Remember to budget for optional costs, like priority processing and additional document certifications.
- Gather Documents Early: Collect required documents in advance to avoid delays and possible reapplications.
- Check Exchange Rates: The visa fee is paid in pounds (GBP), so exchange rates can affect the total cost if paying from abroad.
- Consider Future Visa Costs: Plan for the additional expenses associated with the Spouse Visa and potential ILR application fees down the road.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I pay the Fiancé Visa fee in installments?
No, the fee must be paid in full when submitting the application.
2. Do I have to pay the IHS for a Fiancé Visa?
No, the IHS is not required for the initial Fiancé Visa, but you’ll pay it when switching to a Spouse Visa.
3. Can I work in the UK on a Fiancé Visa?
No, Fiancé Visa holders are not allowed to work in the UK. You’ll need to apply for a Spouse Visa after marriage to obtain work rights.
4. Is priority processing available for Fiancé Visas?
Yes, priority and super priority services are available for Fiancé Visas in some locations.
5. How much does it cost to transition from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa?
The Spouse Visa fee is £1,033, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,560 for 2.5 years.
6. Are there additional costs for dependent children on a Fiancé Visa?
Each dependent child has a separate application fee, and the financial requirement for the sponsor increases based on the number of children.