Applying for a Spouse Visa UK is a significant step towards reuniting with your partner in the United Kingdom. However, understanding the Spouse Visa Cost UK is crucial to ensure you’re financially prepared for the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the costs associated with a Spouse Visa UK, including application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and additional expenses.
What is the Spouse Visa Cost UK?
The Spouse Visa Cost UK refers to the total expenses involved in applying for a Spouse Visa, including the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and other potential costs such as legal fees and document preparation. Below, we’ll explore each of these costs in detail.
1. Spouse Visa UK Application Fee
The primary cost associated with a Spouse Visa UK is the application fee. As of 2023, the fees are as follows:
a. Applying from Outside the UK
- The standard application fee is £1,846.
b. Applying from Inside the UK
- The standard application fee is £1,048 if you’re applying to extend or switch to a Spouse Visa.
c. Priority and Super Priority Services
If you need a faster decision, you can opt for priority or super priority services:
- Priority Service: £500 (decision within 5 working days)
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 (decision by the next working day)
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS costs £1,035 per year and is payable upfront for the entire visa duration.
Example Calculation:
- For a 2.5-year Spouse Visa, the IHS would be £2,587.50 (£1,035 x 2.5 years).
3. Financial Requirement Costs
To meet the Spouse Visa UK financial requirement, you may need to account for additional costs, such as:
a. Savings
If you’re using savings to meet the financial requirement, you’ll need at least £62,500 held in your account for six months.
b. Income Evidence
If you’re using employment income, you may need to pay for:
- Certified translations of documents (if not in English)
- Bank statements or payslips
4. English Language Test Costs
Applicants must prove their knowledge of the English language by passing an approved English test. The cost of these tests varies but typically ranges from £150 to £200.
5. Document Preparation Costs
Preparing the necessary documents for your Spouse Visa UK application may involve additional expenses, such as:
a. Translation Costs
If your documents are not in English, you’ll need certified translations, which can cost £30 to £50 per document.
b. TB Test Costs
If you’re applying from a country where tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent, you’ll need to take a TB test, which typically costs £50 to £100.
c. Legal Fees
While not mandatory, many applicants choose to hire an immigration solicitor to assist with their application. Legal fees can range from £500 to £2,000, depending on the complexity of your case.
6. Additional Costs
There are several other potential costs to consider when applying for a Spouse Visa UK:
a. Biometric Appointment Fees
- If applying from outside the UK, biometric appointment fees are usually included in the application fee.
- If applying from within the UK, you may need to pay an additional fee of £19.20 for the biometric appointment.
b. Travel Costs
You may need to travel to a visa application center or attend an interview, which could involve travel expenses.
c. Postage and Courier Fees
If you’re submitting physical documents, you may need to pay for postage or courier services.
Total Spouse Visa Cost UK
To give you a clearer picture, here’s an example of the total Spouse Visa Cost UK for a standard application from outside the UK:
- Application Fee: £1,846
- Immigration Health Surcharge (2.5 years): £2,587.50
- English Language Test: £150
- TB Test: £100
- Document Translation: £100
- Biometric Appointment: Included
- Total: £4,783.50
Tips for Managing Spouse Visa Costs UK
- Plan Ahead: Start saving early to cover the Spouse Visa Cost UK and avoid financial stress.
- Compare Services: Shop around for affordable translation services and English language tests.
- Seek Professional Advice: While legal fees can be high, an immigration solicitor can help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Check for Discounts: Some visa application centers offer discounts or promotions for certain services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When budgeting for your Spouse Visa Cost UK, avoid these common mistakes:
- Underestimating the total cost, including hidden fees.
- Failing to account for the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Not preparing for additional expenses like translations or travel costs.