Getting a UK visa from Kenya involves several steps, and one of the key considerations is the cost. The UK offers various types of visas, each with its own price tag. Understanding these costs is crucial for Kenyan applicants planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the UK. The fees can vary depending on the type of visa, the application process, and any additional services you might require.
Types of UK Visas And Their Base Costs
Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
The most common type of visitor visa is the standard visitor visa. This allows Kenyan citizens to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family and friends. As of [current year], the application fee for a standard visitor visa is £100. This fee is non – refundable, even if your visa application is refused. The standard visitor visa is usually valid for up to 6 months. However, if you plan to make multiple trips to the UK within a certain period, you might consider the long – term visitor visas.
Long – Term Visitor Visas
Long – term visitor visas are available for 2, 5, or 10 years. The cost for a 2 – year visitor visa is £361, a 5 – year one is £655, and a 10 – year long – term visitor visa costs £822. These visas are suitable for those who frequently travel to the UK, such as business people who have regular meetings there or individuals with family members residing in the UK.
Student Visas
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
For Kenyan students wishing to study in the UK, the Tier 4 (General) student visa is the main option. The application fee for this visa is £348. In addition to the application fee, students are also required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is £470 per year for courses lasting more than 6 months. So, if you’re enrolling in a 3 – year undergraduate program, you’ll need to pay £470 x 3 = £1410 in IHS. This charge is to ensure that international students have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
Short – Term Study Visas
If you’re planning to take a short – term course in the UK, usually lasting less than 6 months, a short – term study visa might be suitable. The application fee for this visa is £186. However, it’s important to note that students on short – term study visas are not eligible for the IHS, and they also have limitations on working in the UK.
Work Visas
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is for those who have a job offer from a UK employer that is on the approved list of skilled occupations. The application fee for this visa is £625. Additionally, like student visas, applicants need to pay the IHS. The IHS amount is £470 per year. So, if you have a 5 – year work contract, you’ll pay £470 x 5 = £2350 in IHS. There are also additional costs if you plan to bring your dependents. For each dependent applying at the same time as the main applicant, the application fee is £625, and they also need to pay the IHS at the same rate.
Temporary Worker Visas
There are different types of temporary worker visas, such as the Seasonal Worker visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The Seasonal Worker visa application fee is £244. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa, which is available to young Kenyan adults (usually aged 18 – 30), has an application fee of £229. These visas are designed for specific types of work and have different eligibility criteria.
Family Visas
Spouse/Partner Visas
If you’re a Kenyan citizen married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or a person settled in the UK, you can apply for a spouse/partner visa. The application fee for this visa is £1,860. Along with this, you need to pay the IHS. The IHS for a spouse/partner visa is £470 per year. If the visa is issued for 33 months (a common duration), you’ll pay £470 x 2.75 (since 33 months is 2.75 years) = £1292.50 in IHS.
Child Visas
For a child visa, if the child is joining a parent or parents in the UK, the application fee is £1,523. The IHS also applies, and the amount is calculated based on the length of the visa, usually at the rate of £470 per year.
Additional Costs
Biometric Information Fee
Almost all UK visa applicants from Kenya need to provide biometric information, which includes fingerprints and a digital photo. The cost of providing biometric information is £19.20. This fee is charged in addition to the visa application fee. The biometric information is used to verify your identity and is an important part of the visa application process.
Priority Service Fees
If you want your visa application to be processed more quickly, you can opt for the priority service. The cost of the priority service varies depending on the type of visa. For example, for a standard visitor visa, the priority service fee is £500.
This means that instead of the normal processing time, which can take up to 3 weeks, your application will be processed within 5 working days. For a Tier 4 student visa, the priority service fee is £500 as well, and it guarantees a decision within 5 working days. However, not all visa types are eligible for the priority service, and it’s important to check the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for the latest information.
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) Variations
As mentioned earlier, the IHS is £470 per year for most visa types. However, there are some exceptions. For example, students on courses lasting less than 6 months are not required to pay the IHS. Also, if you’re applying for a visa for a family member who is a dependant of a student or a worker, and they are under 18 years old, they may be eligible for a reduced IHS rate. It’s crucial to check the UKVI guidelines regarding the IHS for accurate information.
Other Considerations
Exchange Rates
The visa fees are in British pounds (£). When applying from Kenya, you need to consider the exchange rate. Exchange rates can fluctuate, and this can affect the amount you’ll need to pay in Kenyan shillings. It’s advisable to check the exchange rate at the time of application and also keep in mind any additional charges that your bank or the payment service might levy for currency conversion.
Application Rejection and Refunds
As stated before, visa application fees are generally non – refundable. Even if your application is rejected, you won’t get the application fee back. However, if there are exceptional circumstances, such as the UKVI making a mistake in processing your application, you may be eligible for a refund. It’s important to note that the biometric information fee and any priority service fees are also non – refundable, regardless of the outcome of your visa application.
In conclusion, understanding the costs associated with applying for a UK visa from Kenya is essential. By being aware of all the potential fees, you can plan your finances accordingly and avoid any surprises during the application process. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, a student visa, a work visa, or a family visa, make sure to carefully review the UKVI website for the most up – to – date information on visa fees and application requirements.
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