Visa Fees and Requirements to Migrate to the UK in 2026

Migrating to the United Kingdom in 2026 involves several key costs and strict eligibility requirements. If you are reading this article, it shows you have an interest in moving or migrating to the UK or another country. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to make your relocation easy and quick. However, do you know that migrating to the United Kingdom in 2026 involves several key costs and strict eligibility requirements? Whether you are applying for a work visa, a student visa, or permanent residency, it’s essential to understand what you will pay, what documentation is needed, and which immigration rules apply. This guide explains the updated visa fees for 2026, the immigration health surcharge, key visa categories, and the major requirements for each route.

1. Key Immigration and Visa Fees for 2026

As of 1 May 2025, the UK Home Office updated its list of visa fees. These changes affect most application categories.

Visitor Visas

Short-term visitor visa (up to 6 months): £127

Longer visit visas:

• Up to 2 years: £475
• Up to 5 years: £848
• Up to 10 years: £1,059
• Transit visa (direct airside): £39

Work Visas

• Skilled Worker visa (outside UK):
• Valid for 3 years or less: £769
• More than 3 years: £1,519

Skilled Worker visa for “Immigration Salary List” roles:

• ≤ 3 years: £590
• 3 years: £1,160
• Innovator Founder visa (outside UK): £1,274
• Endorsement for Innovator Founder (paid to endorsing body): £1,000
• Contact point meeting with endorsing body: £500 each for founder route

Study Visas

Student visa (main applicant and dependants, from outside UK): £524

Child Student visa: £524

Settlement and Permanent Residency

• “Route to Settlement” (applying for permanent residency): £1,938
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for in-UK applications: £3,029 as of 9 April 2025.

Premium Services (Optional)

If you want to speed up your visa decision, there are priority services available:

• Priority visa service: £500
• Super priority visa service: £1,000

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in 2026

• One of the most significant costs for many visa applicants is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• This fee gives visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
• As of 2025, most main applicants pay £1,035 per year.
• For students or child dependants, the IHS is £776 per year.
• The full amount for the duration of your visa must be paid during your visa application.
• Failing to pay the IHS when required can lead to refusal of your visa application.

3. Main Visa Types and Their Requirements in 2026

Below is a breakdown of the major visa routes for migration, with the requirements you must meet and how the 2025 fees apply.

a) Skilled Worker Visa

This visa is for skilled professionals who have a job offer from a UK employer with sponsorship.

Requirements:

• Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
• The job must meet the salary threshold and skill level.
• English language ability is required.
• Maintenance funds: often, you need to show savings (or your sponsor must certify you have enough to support yourself).

Costs:

• Visa fee (see section above).
• Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035/year for the duration of the visa.
• Premium services if chosen.

b) Innovator and Founder Visas

For entrepreneurs and business founders looking to establish a business in the UK.

Requirements:

• A business endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
• A business plan demonstrating innovation, viability, and scalability.
• Maintenance funds (personal savings) may be required.
• You must attend contact point meetings with the endorsing body.

Costs:

• Endorsement fee: £1,000 paid to endorsing body.
• Visa application fee: £1,274 for those outside UK.
• Contact point meeting fees: £500 each (usually at 12- and 24-month points).

IHS applies too.

c) Student Visa

For international students enrolled at recognized UK educational institutions.

Requirements:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution.
• Enough money to cover tuition and living costs.
• English proficiency (depending on your course).
• Valid passport and other identity documents.

Costs:

• Visa application: £524.
• IHS: £776 per year for students.
• Optional priority application if you want to process faster.

d) Visitor Visa

If you intend to visit the UK temporarily (tourism, business, family):

Requirements:

• Evidence of your visit purpose (hotel booking, invitation, travel plan).
• Financial proof to cover your stay.
• Ties to home country (job letter, property) to guarantee return.
• Valid passport.

Costs:

• Visa fee: £127 (for up to 6 months).
• Longer-term visitor visas vary (2-year, 5-year, 10-year) with higher fees.
• e) Settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• For people who want to stay in the UK permanently (work, family, long-term residency).

Requirements:

• Usually, a period of lawful residence in the UK (depends on visa route).
• Proof of knowledge of English.
• Passing the “Life in the UK” test.
• Clean criminal record.
• Continuous residency: you must not exceed allowed absences from the UK.

Costs:

• ILR application: £3,029 (as of April 2025).
• IHS may not apply for ILR applications depending on past payments.

4. Other Important Migration Requirements in 2025

• Minimum Income/Salary Thresholds: Many work visas require you to earn a minimum wage in your sponsored job. (Note: these thresholds may change depending on your occupation).
• Maintenance Funds: For visas such as Skilled Worker or Student, you will need to show that you have enough savings to support yourself, unless a sponsor backs you.
• English Language: Depending on visa type, you may be required to prove your ability in English (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
• Character/Background Check: You may need to provide a police certificate or show proof of good character.
• Biometrics: Almost all visa applicants must provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre.
• TB Test: Depending on your home country, a tuberculosis medical test may be necessary.

5. Why Understanding These Costs Matters

• Many applicants underestimate how much it costs to migrate. It is not just the visa fee — the IHS and living costs in the UK should be part of your financial plan.
• If your goal is to settle (ILR), know that the ILR application comes with a high fee, and you may have paid IHS for years.
• Knowing the different visa types helps you pick the one with the right mix of cost, eligibility, and long-term benefit.
• Overlooking requirements (English test, background check) can lead to refusal, which wastes both time and money.
• Because of the complexity, many migrants work with immigration advisors or solicitors — this adds to the cost but often improves the chances of success.

For all those interested in applying for any of the visas, please visit the United Kingdom’s official website to apply.