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Family Visa Total Cost Estimator

Last updated: April 2026

Family Details

Application type

Applying from

Optional Costs

Do you plan to include legal/solicitor costs?

Do you want to see the full 5-year journey cost?

Includes initial visa, extension, IHS, optional legal costs, and eventual ILR fees.

Initial Application

Visa application fees(1 applicants)£1,846
Immigration Health Surcharge(1 x 3yr x £1,035)£3,105
Initial total£4,951

Extension (Approx 2.5 Years Later)

Extension fees£1,048
IHS (extension)£3,105

ILR Application

ILR fees (1 applicants)£2,885

Full 5-year journey total

£11,989

Per person cost: £11,989

⚠️ These costs are in addition to living expenses, English language tests, and the Life in the UK test if applicable. Plan your finances well in advance.

📋 Visa fees have increased significantly in recent years and may increase again. The costs shown are based on current fees as of April 2026. Build contingency into your budget.

About this calculator

The Family Visa Total Cost Estimator helps budget for the full cost of a UK family visa application. It can include visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, dependants, priority services, English tests, translations, biometrics, and legal help. Family visa costs are often high because each dependant can add separate fees and surcharge amounts.

Methodology

The estimator totals each applicant-level fee and optional cost entered by the user.

  • Total family visa cost = sum of visa fees + sum of IHS + optional and document costs

How to use the Family Visa Total Cost Estimator

  1. Enter the main value or details requested by the calculator.
  2. Check the unit, date, rate, or category selected before calculating.
  3. Review the result and any supporting breakdown shown on the page.
  4. Change one input at a time if you want to compare scenarios.
  5. Keep the result with the source record if you need to refer back to it later.

Worked example

Partner plus child

Input: One partner applicant and one child dependant

Result: The calculator estimates applicant-level fees and surcharge costs for both people.

Planning scenario

Input: A user enters the main details requested by the Family Visa Total Cost Estimator.

Calculation: Total family visa cost = sum of visa fees + sum of IHS + optional and document costs

Result: The result gives an estimate that can be checked against source documents, official guidance, or the relevant record.

How to read the result

The Family Visa Total Cost Estimator is designed to make the method visible, not only to produce a final number. Read the result alongside the formula, the assumptions entered, and any supporting notes on the calculator page.

If the result affects money, eligibility, deadlines, health, study planning, or legal rights, keep a copy of the inputs used. That makes it easier to explain or update the estimate later.

Inputs worth checking

Dates and periods
Dates, billing periods, tax years, academic years, and deadline periods can change the result. Make sure the period entered matches the document or question you are checking.
Rates and thresholds
Where rates, thresholds, tariffs, or grade boundaries are involved, use the current source rather than an old note or rounded memory.
Rounding
Small differences are normal when a calculator rounds intermediate steps differently from a bill, statement, payslip, or official table.

Limitations

This calculator provides general information only and is not legal advice.

  • Fees and optional services can change.
  • Eligibility and document rules are not decided by the cost estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a family visa so expensive?

Costs often include both application fees and IHS for each applicant.

Does this include legal fees?

Only if you enter an amount for legal or adviser costs.

Are children charged separately?

Usually each dependant has separate fee and surcharge calculations.

What should I check before relying on the Family Visa Total Cost Estimator?

Check the inputs against the source document or real-world record that controls the calculation. For rules-based topics, also check the latest official guidance because thresholds and definitions can change.

Can I use the result as a final decision?

Use the result as an educational estimate and planning aid. It should not replace professional advice, official decisions, lender quotes, medical guidance, legal advice, or tax advice where those apply.

Related calculators

  • Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Calculator
  • Immigration Health Surcharge Calculator
  • UK Visa Fee Calculator
  • Priority Visa Service Cost Calculator

What is the total cost of a UK family visa?

The total cost of bringing a spouse or partner to the UK on a family visa involves several separate payments: the visa application fee, currently £1,846 for an initial application from outside the UK, the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £3,105 per person for a 2.5-year visa, and optionally solicitor fees if you use legal help. Each family member pays separately.

What does the full 5-year journey cost?

Most family visa holders go through two stages before qualifying for ILR: an initial 2.5-year visa, followed by a 2.5-year extension, and then an ILR application. Across all three stages, the total visa fees and IHS for a couple without children typically exceeds £15,000-£20,000 before legal costs.

Is there any financial help available?

There is no government financial assistance with UK visa fees. Some immigration charities and legal aid schemes can help with legal advice in limited circumstances, particularly for those fleeing domestic abuse or with human rights claims. For most family visa applicants, the costs must be met personally.

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