1. UK Spouse Visa Cost
A UK spouse visa allows non-British spouses of British citizens or permanent residents to live in the UK. Here are the key costs:
- Application Fee (Outside the UK): £1,538
- Application Fee (Inside the UK): £1,048 for extension or switching applications
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year (multiplied by the visa duration, typically 2.5 years)
- Priority Processing (Optional): £573 for faster processing
- Biometric Appointment: Included, but may cost extra for premium services
Total Cost Estimate: £2,100–£2,800 (including IHS, excluding optional services)
2. USA Spouse Visa Cost
The USA offers spouse visas for American citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses:
- I-130 Petition (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident): $535
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing Fee: $325 for the immigrant visa application
- Affidavit of Support (I-864 Form): $120
- USCIS Medical Exam: Typically $200–$500 (varies by country)
- Biometrics Fee: Included in application fees, no extra charge
Total Cost Estimate: $1,200–$1,500
3. Canada Spouse Visa Cost
Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor spouses for permanent residency:
- Sponsorship Application Fee: CAD $75
- Processing Fee (Principal Applicant): CAD $475
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
- Medical Examination: CAD $200–$400
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (if required)
Total Cost Estimate: CAD $1,350–$1,500
4. Australia Partner Visa Cost
Australia’s partner visa allows spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to apply for residency:
- Partner Visa Application Fee (Subclass 820/801, onshore): AUD $8,850
- Partner Visa Application Fee (Subclass 309/100, offshore): AUD $8,850
- Medical Examination: AUD $200–$500
- Police Checks: Costs vary by country but generally around AUD $42 for Australian certificates
Total Cost Estimate: AUD $9,000–$10,000
5. Additional Costs and Considerations
Across all countries, additional expenses may include:
- Translations: For non-English documents
- Legal Representation: Fees vary widely based on case complexity
- Document Certification: Charges for notarizing or certifying documents
6. Frequently Asked Questions
- Are spouse visa fees refundable if denied?
No, visa fees are typically non-refundable even if the application is denied. - Can I work on a spouse visa?
Yes, in most countries, spouse visa holders can work once they have residency status. - Do visa fees vary by country?
Yes, spouse visa fees vary significantly across countries due to different processing costs and policies. - How long does a spouse visa process take?
Processing times vary but typically range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the country. - Are there options to expedite the spouse visa process?
Some countries offer premium processing for additional fees to expedite the application.
7. Conclusion
The costs associated with spouse visas vary by country and can be significant, especially for applications to countries like Australia and the UK. Additional fees for medical exams, biometrics, and translations can increase total expenses. Careful financial planning and understanding these costs can help applicants avoid unexpected expenses and navigate the process smoothly.