If you’re thinking about moving to the UK in 2024, it’s important to know the latest UK Visa Application Fees for your specific visa type.
The UK offers different types of visas, such as visitor, family, student, and work permits, and each requires a fee. Starting April 10, 2024, the new UK Visa Application fees set by the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will be in place. These fees vary depending on the visa type and its duration.
This article provides an overview of the most common UK visas, including their costs and services.
What is a UK Visa?
A UK Visa is a legal document needed by non-UK citizens or permanent residents to enter and stay in the UK for various purposes. It can be a stamp in your passport or a separate document issued by a UK embassy or consulate in your country.
Why do I need a UK Visa?
People need UK visas for various reasons, such as:
- Work or Business: For job opportunities or to start a business in the UK.
- Education or Training: For studies or professional development.
- Tourism: To explore the UK’s culture and heritage or for other short visits.
- Family Reunion: To live with family already in the UK.
- Transit: To pass through the UK on the way to another destination.
- Permanent Residence: To live permanently in the UK.
- Seeking Refuge: For those escaping danger or persecution.
- Statelessness: For those without a nationality, seeking rights in the UK.
- Permission to Stay: For those needing to stay in the UK for various reasons, like work or family.
What are the types of UK visas for 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom from abroad, it’s important to understand the different types of visas available, based on your purpose for visiting. Here are some common UK visas:
Standard Visitor Visa: This visa is for short-term stays (up to 6 months) for tourism, medical treatment, and similar reasons. You cannot work with this visa and must show you’ll leave the UK after your visit and can support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
Student Visa: For international students attending school in the UK. There are specific visas for child and adult students, and those coming for short courses.
Family Visa: This visa allows you to join family members in the UK as dependents, including spouses, parents, grandparents, and children.
Work or Business Visas: For professionals moving to the UK to work. The Skilled Worker Visa, for example, allows employers to sponsor highly skilled professionals.
Refugee Visa: For those at UK borders who must leave their country due to serious threats to their life. This visa is temporary.
Visa for Stateless Persons: For those living in the UK without nationality anywhere else. This visa lasts 2 to 6 years and can be extended.
Other visas include Settlement Visas, Transit Visas, Partner Visas, and Tourist Visas.
How to Apply for a UK Visa in 2024:
- Check if you need a visa: Not everyone does, such as citizens from the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the Commonwealth.
- Choose the right visa type: Based on your travel purpose, select the appropriate visa which will guide the documents you need.
- Complete the online application: Fill out the form on the UKVI website.
- Gather required documents: Attach supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format online.
- Schedule and pay for a visa appointment: Costs vary by visa type and additional fees may apply for expedited processing.
- Attend your visa interview: Bring all necessary documents to your appointment.
Visa Processing Time: It usually takes about 3 weeks, depending on the visa type.
When to Apply: Apply 4-5 weeks before your planned travel to allow time for processing.
Documents Needed for a UK Visa:
- Completed application form.
- Two photos.
- Valid passport (valid for three months beyond your planned departure from the UK).
- Proof of financial means and accommodation.
- Detailed travel itinerary.
- Tuberculosis test results, if applicable.
- Biometric information.
- Invitation letter, if applicable.
- Cover letter.
- Proof of paid visa fees.
- Certified translations of non-English or non-Welsh documents.
- Additional documents such as employment or university letters, birth certificate for minors.
UK Visa Application Fee for 2024: Fees vary by visa type. Most fees increased by 15% on October 4, 2023, and further by 35% on April 10, 2024, for certain applications. For example, the visit visa for 6 months is now £115, and the skilled worker visa is £719. Fees for other types of visas have also increased accordingly. For a full list of fees, check the UKVI website.