UK Spouse Visa Fees 2026: Full Cost Breakdown Including IHS, Application & Legal Fees
If you are applying for a UK Spouse visa then it is vital to be aware of what costs are involved in applying.
Our experienced immigration lawyers are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to assist you with any Spouse visa application.
If you want to find out more about how to apply for a Spouse or Partner Visa and the Spouse Visa cost we can help you. Our London immigration lawyers are perfectly positioned to assist you with advice, visa applications or appeal support.
Call us on 020 4502 8582 for immediate help.
UK Spouse Visa Fee Breakdown (Inside & Outside UK): Application, IHS & Adviser Costs
It can be a lengthy and complicated process applying for a UK Spouse visa so you need to ensure you send the Home Office all the relevant supporting documents otherwise you could risk delays or having to resubmit – which could involves paying spouse visa fees again.
Spouse visa applications are subjected to in-depth scrutiny by immigration services, especially because of concerns about “non-genuine” marriages and therefore, it could be worth seeking the advice of a immigration lawyer before applying to ensure you do not end up paying unnecessary charges.
The way in which you make a spouse visa application can also impact on the total cost of the visa with different fees based on whether you apply from inside the United Kingdom or from outside the UK.
There are also additional spouse visa application fees if you opt to use the priority visa service to speed up the processing of your visa application.
How Much Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost in 2026?
The cost of a UK spouse visa in 2026 is £2,064 for applications made from outside the UK.
For those applying from with the UK and with an already existing valid UK visa then the cost is £1,321.
Once granted the spouse visa allows partners to stay in the UK for 30 months, although it is possible to apply for an extension for a further 2.5 years.
Fee Changes & Effective Dates
There have been changes to the UK Spouse Visa fees for applications made on or after 9 April 2025. Below is a comparison of previous and current fee schedules with effective dates:
| Fee Type | Current Fee |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1035 |
| IHS for a 2.5-year extension | £2,587.50 |
| Spouse Visa Extension (from within the UK) | £1,321 |
| Further Leave to Remain (Marriage/Partner Route) (FLR (M)) application fee | £1,407 |
UK Spouse Visa Priority Service Fees: Fast Track & Super Priority Visa Costs
If you wish to speed up the processing time for spouse visa application then you can pay additional fees and get a decision quickly.
The Home Office offer a priority visa service that costs £1000 but means a decision will be made the end of the next working day if you have a UK immigration centre appointment on a weekday.
You are not able to use the UK immigration app to prove your identity if you apply via a quick priority service and you must attend a face-to-face appointment within the UK to submit your biometric information.
Extra UK Spouse Visa Costs: NHS Surcharge, Adviser & Translation Fees in 2026
As well as the initial spouse visa UK fee, there are also a number of other costs that will need to be paid to allow you and your partner to live together within the UK.
These additional charges may include the following:
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Translating documents into English or Welsh
- Taking and passing an English Language test
- Providing a clear tuberculosis test
- Providing biometric information for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
IHS Fee for UK Spouse Visa: Immigration Health Surcharge Costs
You might need to pay a immigration health surcharge as part of the application process. This gives you access to UK healthcare.
If your visa is for granted for more than a year, you’ll have to pay an annual health surcharge cost of:
For each adult (18 year or older):
- £1035
For each child (under 18 years):
- £776
UK Spouse Visa Translation Fees: Certified Document Costs
The Home Office will not accept documents supporting your spouse visa application, such as bank statements, birth certificates or degree certificates, unless they are in English or Welsh. On average, it can cost £60 to translate a one page document.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test for UK Spouse Visa: Requirements & Cost Breakdown
Depending on your nationality you may be required to take a tuberculosis test before you come to the UK. This test can cost up to £110 and you will need to travel to an approved centre in order for the test to be processed.
English Language Test for UK Spouse Visa: Approved Providers & Costs
Unless exempt, you must take an approved English language test designed for the purposes of UK visas and immigration. You will be required to submit evidence of passing the test and demonstrating a sufficient level of English language skills.
Reasons for exemption include:
- You are aged 65 years or older
- You are unable to do an English exam due to a long-term physical or mental condition
- You are a citizen of a majority English speaking country
- You have an academic degree that was taught or researched in English
Spouse Visa to ILR UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain Fees & Application Guide
The next step after being granted a spouse visa it is possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain. This means you can work, study and not be subjected to immigration rules.
Eligibly criteria to convert the spouse visa includes:
- Lived in the UK for at last five years with their sponsor
- Passed the Life in the UK test
- Not broken any immigration laws while in the country
- Can prove they are of good character and do not have any unspent criminal conviction
- Not spent longer than 180 days overseas in the 12 months prior to their application
Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years: Fees & Requirements
The initial Spouse Visa is typically granted for a period of 2.5 years. After 2.5 years of living in the UK, you can extend your visa for a further 2.5 years to continue staying in the UK with your spouse.
To extend your UK Spouse Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the sponsor (a British citizen, or someone settled in the UK)
- You and your partner have a combined gross annual income of at least £29,000. This requirement is £18,600 if your initial spouse visa was granted before 11 April 2024.
- Have adequate accommodation for yourself, your spouse, and any dependants.
Be of good character - Provide evidence of English proficiency (at least A2 level)
Fees Breakdown
UK Spouse Visa costs from outside the UK and from within the UK. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, which varies depending on the length of the visa.
Applicants can pay an additional fee of £500 for a Priority service and £1000 for Super Priority to get a faster decision. Please note that out-of-country Super Priority service is currently suspended.
Process Steps: Documentation and Processing Times
The process of applying for a Spouse Visa consists of the following:
- Prepare supporting documents
- Pass a certified English Language test at an approved test centre.
- If applying from a country requiring a TB test, you must provide a negative TB test certificate.
- Complete the online form and upload the required documents
- Pay the application fee and the IHS.
- Attend your biometric appointment
- Await decision. Standard processing times can take around 6 months.
- If you wish to extend your visa, you will be required to pay the application fee and the IHS again.
Spouse Visa Fees from India & Pakistan: Overseas Application Costs
To apply from overseas (e.g., India or Pakistan), you will need to apply online through the UK government website. The application cost from India and Pakistan is £1,938. Additionally, applicants pay IHS of £3,105. The total estimated fee for overseas applications is £5,043. This translates to roughly ₹415,000 to ₹420,000 in Indian Rupees and PKR 695,000 to ₹700,000 in Pakistani Rupees, depending on the current exchange rates.
After submitting the online form, you will need to attend an appointment at your local Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric information. The typical processing time for overseas applications is around 12 weeks. If you need faster processing for your application, you can opt for the priority service, which costs approximately ₹62,002 in India and around PKR 8,760 in Pakistan.
After completing the online form, you can pay for your UK visa application and any extra services you choose online.
Please note that applicants from India must undergo a Tuberculosis test at an approved clinic. Fees for the TB tests vary, costing around ₹3,000.
Unmarried Partner & Fiancé Visa Costs: Comparison & Fees
Unmarried Partner, Fiancé and Spouse Visas all fall under the family route; however, their eligibility requirements, timelines, and fees differ.
Spouse and Unmarried Partner visas are designed for settling in the UK long-term, whereas a Fiancé visa is for entering the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership and then switch to a longer-term visa within six months.
Eligibility Criteria: Cohabitation vs. Intent to Marry
To be eligible for an Unmarried Partner Visa (cohabitation), you must meet the standard Spouse Visa requirements and prove that you have lived together (cohabited) for at least 2 years to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine. You should not be married but in a long-term relationship. This visa is granted for 2.5 years and is extendable to another 2.5 years.
For the Fiancé Visa (intent to marry), you come to the UK with the intention to marry your British/settled partner within 6 months. There is no cohabitation requirement; however, there must be a clear plan to marry (e.g. wedding booking, venue, intent statements, etc.). This visa is valid for 6 months, after which you must switch to a Spouse Visa once you’re married.
Application Fee Breakdown
When applying for switching or extending your visa, the application fee is £1,407. Entry clearance for applicants coming to the UK with intention to marry costs £2,064.
The Fiancé(e) Visa does not require the IHS. But once it’s switched to the Spouse Visa, it costs £1035 per person, per year.
Unmarried Partner Visa applicants are required to pay the IHS immediately when applying for their visa.
Applicants can choose a priority service for faster visa processing at an additional cost. There may also be extra costs if you require document translations, legal advice, and biometric enrollment.
Fee Waiver Eligibility & Application Process
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa fee waiver, you must prove you cannot afford the visa fees due to:
- Low income
- Receiving state benefits
- Domestic abuse
- Human Rights grounds
If you qualify, a successful fee waiver application will cover your visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
To apply, you will need to:
- Complete the online fee waiver request form before submitting your visa application.
- Submit evidence for your eligibility (bank statements, tenancy agreements, benefit letters, etc.)
- Wait for the Home Office to review your request and decide whether you qualify.
- If your waiver is granted, you can submit your visa application without payment.
Please note that applying for a fee waiver may result in an extended overall processing time for your application.
To find out more about the Fee Waiver and how to apply, call London Immigration advisers at 0204 502 8582 or contact us online.
Administrative Review & Appeal Fees
If you believe that the Home Office has made a case-working error, you can request an administrative review. For a Spouse Visa in the UK, requesting an administrative review costs £80. The fee is refunded if the Home Office corrects an error.
You must apply for an administrative review online through the UK Government website within a specified timeframe (usually 28 days).
If your visa is refused and you’re eligible to appeal the decision to a tribunal, the fee is £80 for an appeal without a hearing (decided on the evidence submitted) or £140 for an appeal with a hearing (where you can attend and the judge decides your appeal). The tribunal appeal fee is also refunded if the appeal is successful.
Accepted Payment Methods for UK Visa Applications and How to Avoid Payment Issues
For UK Visa applications, like the Spouse Visa, you can pay online using a Visa or Master Card credit or debit card. Other major card networks are also commonly accepted for online payments, including Maestro and American Express (Amex). Payments can also be made through a digital wallet such as Skrill.
Some visa application centres or systems offer payment through platforms like PayPal or other local payment gateways, and in some locations, applicants can pay for their visa application through bank transfers.
Before you make a payment, check that your card or e-wallet has sufficient funds to cover the fee. To ensure your payments are processed without issues, double-check your card details (card number, expiry date, and security code) and enter them correctly. If your card is declined, you should contact your bank to check if there are any restrictions on online payments or international transactions.
Please note that for some visa types (including Spouse Visa) your UK sponsor can make the online payment on your behalf.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on May 5th, 2026 at 9:03 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
You need documents that prove you have met the requirements of your current spouse visa and that you will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
You must provide documents that prove you meet the financial, English language, accommodation, and genuine relationship requirements.
Examples of Spouse Visa extension documents include:
- Financial requirements: Bank statements, job contracts, offers of employment, wage slips
- English language requirements: IELTS certificate, degree, passport
- Genuine relationship requirements: Photographs, receipts, messages, shared bank account details
- Accommodation requirements: A lease, mortgage plan, tenancy agreement, utility bill
For more on the documentation required for a spouse visa, please refer to our UK spouse visa document checklist.
You can apply for an extension of your Partner Visa any time before your current visa expires. Once your current visa expires, you will usually have 30 days grace period to apply for an extension. If you don’t apply for this during this time, and you don’t leave the UK, you will be in breach of UK immigration laws.
This means you will be classed as an overstayer. This can result in immediate detention or deportation and means that you may not be eligible for future immigration applications (like ILR) unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Spouse Visa extensions are relatively straightforward to process, so you should have a decision on your application within three weeks after it is submitted.
However, the process of finding and gathering your supporting evidence, as well as completing your forms and taking any necessary tests (such as an English language test) can take time. This means the entire Partner/Spouse Visa renewal process usually takes around two-three months from start to finish.
You are eligible to take up work while living in the UK with a Spouse Visa. This means you can take on employment at a UK company, be self-employed, or earn an income via property or stock investments.
You cannot, however, claim any kinds of benefits on a Spousal Visa as you have no recourse to public funds.
If a Partner Visa is refused, you can either appeal (if you have grounds) or make a fresh application.
To lodge an appeal, you can present your case to an immigration judge. You are eligible to appeal if you feel the decision was genuinely unfair, or that your visa was refused because a mistake was made by a legal representative.
An appeal can be made on paper, or in person. In both cases, an independent immigration judge will review your case and decide whether to overturn or agree with the original decision. Your case will be heard at a Tribunal hearing, which you will likely need to attend.
If you do not have grounds for appeal – as is the case if you make a mistake in your form yourself, or UKVI judges your application to have insufficient evidence – you can make a new application instead.
For more information, please refer to our spouse visa refusal page.
When applying for a Spouse Visa application, the Home Office will assess whether you meet the ‘genuine relationship’ criteria and whether your relationship is real and long-lasting.
You will be asked to submit documents to help prove you and your partner are in a relationship.
Examples of documents you can use include:
- Evidence of a shared bank account and/or savings
- A joint tenancy agreement or mortgage
- Text messages or social media chats
- Evidence of gifts bought for one another or money exchanged
- Evidence of children you have had together (school records, or a birth certificate)
If you fail to provide enough supporting evidence, it is possible that your application will be refused.
