When planning to travel to the UK, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is obtaining a visa. A visa is an official document that grants you permission to enter, stay, or leave the country. The United Kingdom offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit, such as tourist visas, student visas, and work visas. In this article, we will discuss in detail the cost of UK visas from India, including the types of visas, how much they cost, and other important factors to consider.
Types of UK Visas
There are several types of UK visas that Indian citizens can apply for, depending on their reason for traveling. Each type of visa has a different cost. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of UK visas.
1. Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa is one of the most common types of UK visas. It is typically issued for tourism, business trips, or short visits to see family or friends. The duration of the Standard Visitor Visa is usually up to six months.
Cost of Standard Visitor Visa
The cost for a Standard Visitor Visa for up to 6 months is approximately £100 (around INR 10,500).
If you plan to stay for more than 6 months but up to 2 years, the cost is around £190 (about INR 20,000).
For a stay of 2 years to 5 years, the fee increases to £350 (approximately INR 36,500).
For a stay of 5 years or more, the fee is £635 (roughly INR 67,000).
2. UK Student Visa
If you are planning to study in the UK, you will need a UK Student Visa (formerly known as Tier 4 General Visa). This visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course, and it may also permit you to work part-time.
Cost of UK Student Visa
The fee for a Student Visa is £363 (about INR 38,000) if applying from outside the UK.
You may also need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £470 (approximately INR 49,000) per year. This surcharge is paid upfront for the duration of your course.
3. UK Work Visa
If you have secured a job offer in the UK, you will need to apply for a work visa. There are various types of work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa and the Intra-company Transfer Visa.
Cost of UK Work Visa
For a Skilled Worker Visa, the application fee is £610 (around INR 64,000) if the job is on the shortage occupation list or £1,220 (around INR 1,28,000) if it is not.
The fee for the Intra-company Transfer Visa ranges from £610 to £1,408 (INR 64,000 to INR 1,48,000), depending on the length of your stay and your occupation.
4. UK Family Visa
If you want to join your spouse, partner, child, or another family member in the UK, you will need to apply for a family visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for an extended period.
Cost of UK Family Visa
The cost for a family visa is £1,523 (approximately INR 1,60,000) for a stay of up to 2.5 years. The fee increases if you are applying for a longer stay.
In addition to the visa application fee, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £624 (roughly INR 65,000) per year.
5. UK Transit Visa
If you are passing through the UK on your way to another destination, you may need a UK Transit Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for a short period, typically up to 48 hours.
Cost of UK Transit Visa
The cost for a UK Transit Visa is £35 (about INR 3,500).
6. UK Settlement Visa
A Settlement Visa, also known as a UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa, is for individuals who want to live in the UK permanently. It is often used by people who have already lived in the UK for a specific period and wish to stay permanently.
Cost of UK Settlement Visa
The cost of a Settlement Visa varies but typically ranges from £2,389 (approximately INR 2,50,000) to £2,523 (INR 2,65,000), depending on the specific category of the visa and the applicant’s situation.
7. UK Visitor Visa for Marriage or Civil Partnership
This type of visa is for people intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. It allows the individual to visit the UK for a short time before their marriage or civil partnership.
Cost of Marriage Visitor Visa
The cost for this type of visa is £95 (approximately INR 10,000).
Additional Costs and Considerations
Apart from the main application fee, there are several other costs associated with applying for a UK visa. These additional costs may include:
1. Biometrics Fee
When applying for a UK visa from India, you will need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph. The cost for biometric data collection is usually £19.20 (around INR 2,000).
2. Immigration Health Surcharge
As mentioned earlier, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The surcharge varies depending on the length of your visa and your type of visa.
The IHS costs £470 per year for Student and Work Visa applicants.
For family visa applicants, the cost is £624 per year.
Short-term visitors are generally not required to pay the IHS, but there are exceptions, such as for people applying for long-term visas.
3. Visa Application Center Fees
If you apply for a UK visa through a Visa Application Center (VAC), there may be additional service charges. These fees can vary, depending on the center and the services you require. Some of the additional services include:
- Premium service for faster processing.
- Courier services for document delivery.
4. Document Translation and Notarization Fees
If your documents are not in English, you may need to have them translated. This may incur additional costs, depending on the number and complexity of the documents. In some cases, documents may need to be notarized, which may also involve extra charges.
How to Pay the UK Visa Fee from India?
Visa fees for UK visas from India can be paid online using a credit or debit card. You can also pay using other online payment methods provided by the UK government. It’s important to ensure that you have the correct payment method before starting your visa application process.
Online Payment Process
- Visit the official UK government website for visa and immigration.
- Fill out the visa application form with the required details.
- Once you reach the payment section, select your payment method.
- Complete the payment and get a receipt for your transaction.
Payment at Visa Application Centers
Some Visa Application Centers may also allow payment at their location in India. However, the online method is usually faster and more convenient.
Conclusion
The cost of obtaining a UK visa from India depends on the type of visa you are applying for, your purpose of travel, and the duration of your stay. It is important to review all the visa options available and select the one that best suits your needs. Be sure to factor in additional costs such as biometrics fees, immigration health surcharge, and other charges.
Planning your trip and applying for a UK visa can seem overwhelming at first, but by understanding the costs and application process, you can be well-prepared for a successful visa application. Be sure to check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information, as visa fees and regulations are subject to change.
By carefully following the process and paying attention to all the details, your UK visa application will be smoother and you will be closer to your goal of visiting or living in the UK.
Related topics:
How To Track The Progress Of Your Us Visa Application
What Documents are Needed for Canadian Tourist Visas
How to Apply for a Student Visa from India to Canada
