Understanding UK visa fees for Nigerians is an important part of planning a visit, study programme, job move or family application to the United Kingdom.
The amount you pay depends on the visa route, how long the visa lasts and whether you are applying alone or with family members. Many applicants must also budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge, tuberculosis testing, document services and other application costs.
UK immigration fees are set in British pounds and can change regularly. The amount charged in naira may also vary because of exchange rates and the payment system used during the application.
This guide explains the main visitor, student, work and family visa fees, along with the additional costs Nigerian applicants should consider before applying.
Important: This guide provides general fee information and does not assess your personal visa eligibility. Always confirm the final amount using the official GOV.UK fee guidance before making a payment.
This guide was last updated on 01 July 2026 to reflect current UK visa fees.
- Quick Overview: How Much Is the UK Visa from Nigeria?
- UK Tourist and Visitor Visa Fees for Nigerians
- UK Student Visa Fees for Nigerians
- UK Work Visa Fees for Nigerians
- UK Spouse, Partner and Family Visa Fees for Nigerians
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Extra UK Visa Costs Nigerians Should Budget For
- ❓ FAQ: UK Visa Fees for Nigerians
- What to Read Next
- More Work Visa Guides
Quick Overview: How Much Is the UK Visa from Nigeria?
Here’s a quick summary of the most common UK visa application fees for Nigerians.
| Visa Type | Fee (in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (6 months) | £135 |
| Student Visa | £558 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (for 3 yrs) | £819 |
| Health & Care Visa (for 3 yrs) | £324 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | £819 |
| High Potential Individual Visa | £880 |
| Partner/Spouse Visa | £2,064 |
| Additional charge | Current rate |
|---|---|
| IHS for most adult applicants | £1,035 per year |
| IHS for students, their dependants, Youth Mobility applicants and applicants under 18 | £776 per year |
Important Note on Naira Conversion
UK visa fees are set in British pounds. The amount charged in naira can vary depending on the exchange rate used by the payment system, your bank’s conversion rate and any international payment charges. Check the final amount displayed during the official application process before making payment.
💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would avoid budgeting only for the headline visa fee. Exchange-rate changes, bank charges, the Immigration Health Surcharge and document or appointment costs can increase the total significantly. I would leave a reasonable buffer before starting the application, especially when paying for more than one family member.
UK Tourist and Visitor Visa Fees for Nigerians
The Standard Visitor visa can be used for tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities and short periods of study. It can also allow someone to attend a job interview, but visitors cannot normally work for a UK company or work as a self-employed person while in the UK.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees
- Up to six months: £135
- Two-year visa: £506
- Five-year visa: £903
- Ten-year visa: £1,128
- Medical treatment visa for up to 11 months: £234
- Academic visitor visa for up to 12 months: £234
These fees apply to applications made outside the UK and have been in force since 8 April 2026.
Long-Term Visitor Visas
A two, five or ten-year Standard Visitor visa allows repeated visits during its validity period. However, each visit is normally limited to a maximum of six months.
A long-term visa does not give you permission to live in the UK. Your visa can be cancelled if your travel history suggests that you are using frequent or successive visits to make the UK your main home.
UK Visas and Immigration may also grant a shorter visa than the one requested. You will not normally receive a refund for the difference if you are issued a shorter visa or if your application is refused.
Applying as a Family
Every family member must complete a separate application and pay the relevant visitor visa fee, including children. Applicants must also attend their own visa application appointment where required.
UK Student Visa Fees for Nigerians
Nigerian students normally need a Student visa when they have been accepted onto an eligible course by a licensed UK student sponsor. The visa application fee is separate from tuition fees, living-cost requirements and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Student Visa Application Fees
- Student visa: £558
- Child Student visa: £558
- Short-term study visa for an English-language course lasting more than six months but no longer than 11 months: £228
The £558 fee applies to each applicant, including any eligible dependant making their own application. These fees have applied since 8 April 2026.
Immigration Health Surcharge for Students
Students and their eligible dependants normally pay an Immigration Health Surcharge of:
£776 per person, per year
The final amount is calculated using the length of the visa rather than only the course dates. A visa may include additional time before or after the course, so the total IHS can be higher than a simple calculation based on the academic year.
Other Costs to Plan For
The visa fee and IHS do not include:
- university tuition fees;
- the money you may need to show for living costs;
- a tuberculosis test where required;
- travel to a visa application centre;
- optional appointment or priority services;
- flights and initial accommodation.
Student visa applicants may need to demonstrate funds for their course fees and living costs. The required living-cost amount currently depends on whether the course is in London or elsewhere in the UK.
Most students cannot automatically bring a partner or children. Dependants are generally limited to certain government-sponsored students and eligible postgraduate research students, including those studying a PhD or another research-based higher degree.
UK Work Visa Fees for Nigerians
The cost of a UK work visa depends on the route and the length of permission requested. The application fee is normally charged separately for every applicant, including eligible partners and children.
Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and show that they have enough money to support themselves after arriving in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is for applicants who have an eligible job offer from an approved UK employer.
For applications made from Nigeria, the standard fees are:
- Up to three years: £819 per person
- More than three years: £1,618 per person
A lower application fee applies when the job is on the Immigration Salary List:
- Up to three years: £628 per person
- More than three years: £1,235 per person
Most Skilled Worker applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, normally £1,035 for each year of the visa.
Applicants usually need to show at least £1,270 in available funds unless they qualify for an exemption or their employer confirms that it will cover their initial maintenance costs.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is available for eligible jobs with approved health and care employers.
The application fees are:
- Up to three years: £324 per person
- More than three years: £628 per person
Eligible Health and Care Worker applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Eligible partners and children applying as their dependants are also exempt from the surcharge.
Applicants normally need to show at least £1,270 for their initial living costs unless they are exempt or their employer certifies maintenance.
Important: Not every health or social care job qualifies for this route. Applicants should check the current occupation, salary and sponsorship requirements before applying.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes. It is intended for existing employees being temporarily assigned to an eligible job at a linked UK branch of their overseas employer.
For applications made from Nigeria, the fees are:
- Up to three years: £819 per person
- More than three years: £1,618 per person
Applicants normally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year and may need to show at least £1,270 in maintenance funds.
Unlike the Skilled Worker route, the Senior or Specialist Worker route does not directly lead to settlement in the UK.
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual visa allows eligible graduates from qualifying international universities to live and work in the UK without first obtaining employer sponsorship.
The application fee is:
- £880 per person
Applicants must also normally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
There may be an additional cost for Ecctis to confirm that the applicant’s overseas qualification meets the required standard. Partners and children must make separate applications and pay their own visa fee and applicable healthcare surcharge.
UK Spouse, Partner and Family Visa Fees for Nigerians
Nigerian applicants may need a family visa to join an eligible spouse, partner, fiancé, parent or child who is living in the UK. This is different from applying as the dependant of someone who holds a temporary UK work or student visa.
Family Visa Application Fees
For applications made from Nigeria:
- Spouse or partner visa: £2,064 per person
- Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner visa: £2,064
- Parent or child family visa: £2,064 per person
- Each dependant included in the application: £2,064 per person
- Adult Dependent Relative visa: normally £3,635
A lower fee of £452 can apply to an Adult Dependent Relative joining someone with temporary refugee or humanitarian protection status.
Immigration Health Surcharge for Family Visas
Most applicants receiving a family visa for longer than six months must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
For a typical family visa lasting two years and nine months, the current IHS cost is:
- Adult aged 18 or over: £3,105
- Child under 18: £2,328
This means a typical adult spouse or partner application from Nigeria could cost:
£2,064 visa fee + £3,105 IHS = £5,169
That total does not include tuberculosis testing, an English-language test where required, document services, optional appointment services, flights or accommodation.
Fiancé Visa Costs
A fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner visa normally lasts for six months. Applicants applying from outside the UK for a visa lasting six months or less do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
However, after marrying or entering into a civil partnership, the applicant must make and pay for a new application to remain in the UK as a spouse or civil partner. They will then normally need to pay the relevant application fee and IHS.
A person holding a fiancé visa cannot work or study in the UK until their later partner application has been approved.
Financial Requirement for Partners
The application fee is separate from the financial eligibility rules. For most new spouse or partner applications, the applicant and their UK-based partner must usually show a combined annual income of at least £29,000.
Different rules can apply to some applicants who first entered the family route before 11 April 2024 or qualify for an exemption, so the current official requirements should be checked carefully before applying.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge is normally paid alongside the visa application fee. It gives eligible visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service during their permitted stay.
The IHS must usually be paid in full when the application is submitted. Having private medical insurance does not normally remove the requirement to pay it.
Current IHS Rates
The current annual rates are:
- £1,035 per year for most adult visa applicants
- £776 per year for students and their dependants
- £776 per year for Youth Mobility Scheme applicants
- £776 per year for applicants who are under 18 when they apply
The amount is charged separately for every applicant, including eligible partners and children.
Example IHS Calculations
| Visa length and applicant | Approximate IHS |
|---|---|
| Adult applying for a three-year work visa | £3,105 |
| Student applying for a two-year visa | £1,552 |
| Adult applying for a five-year visa | £5,175 |
The total is based on the length of immigration permission granted, which can be longer than the course or employment period itself. Visas lasting more than six months but less than one year are charged at the full one-year rate, while longer periods may be calculated using additional half-year amounts.
Who Does Not Normally Pay the IHS?
You do not normally pay the surcharge when applying for:
- a Standard Visitor visa;
- a visa lasting six months or less from outside the UK;
- an eligible Health and Care Worker visa;
- a visa as the dependant of an eligible Health and Care Worker;
- indefinite leave to enter or remain.
Other exemptions can also apply, so applicants should check the official rules for their particular immigration route.
Extra UK Visa Costs Nigerians Should Budget For
The application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge may not represent the full cost of applying from Nigeria. Depending on the visa route and your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the following expenses.
Tuberculosis Test
Many Nigerian applicants coming to the UK for more than six months need a tuberculosis test from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. Certain family visa applicants, including fiancé or fiancée applicants, may also need one.
Current test prices vary between approved clinics. Some Nigerian clinics charge in naira, while IOM clinics calculate payment in naira using the applicable UN exchange rate. Always check the current price and approved-clinic list before booking.
English-Language Tests and Qualification Checks
Some work, study and family routes require evidence of English-language ability. Depending on how you meet the requirement, you may need to pay for:
- an approved English-language test;
- travel to the test centre;
- replacement certificates; or
- an Ecctis assessment of an overseas qualification.
The requirement and accepted evidence depend on the particular visa route.
Documents and Translations
Applicants may have expenses for:
- certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh;
- printing, scanning or uploading evidence;
- obtaining official certificates;
- replacing passports or other records; and
- courier services.
GOV.UK requires certified translations where supporting documents are not written in English or Welsh.
Visa Application Centre Services
Providing standard biometric information forms part of the visa process, but optional services offered at the visa application centre may cost extra. These can include premium appointment times, document assistance, courier delivery or use of an enhanced application centre.
Only select services that you genuinely need, as optional extras can increase the total considerably.
Priority Processing
Where available for the visa route and application location, applicants may be offered faster processing:
- Priority visa service: £500
- Super priority visa service: £1,000
These charges are paid in addition to the visa application fee and do not improve the likelihood of approval. Availability and processing times should be checked during the application process.
Exchange Rates and Bank Charges
Because UK visa fees are set in pounds, the amount removed from a Nigerian bank account may be affected by:
- the exchange rate used at payment;
- international transaction charges;
- card-provider fees; and
- changes in the naira before payment is completed.
Applicants should confirm that their payment method supports international online transactions and has a high enough spending limit.
Travel and Initial Living Costs
You may also need to pay for:
- travel to a visa application centre or approved clinic;
- flights to the UK;
- temporary accommodation;
- a rental deposit and advance rent;
- transport after arrival; and
- initial food, phone and household expenses.
Remember that each eligible partner or child normally needs their own application, so many visa and supporting costs are multiplied across the family.
❓ FAQ: UK Visa Fees for Nigerians
💷 How much is a UK visa from Nigeria?
The cost depends on the visa route and length of stay. Current examples include:
- Six-month Standard Visitor visa: £135
- Student visa: £558
- Skilled Worker visa for up to three years: £819
- Health and Care Worker visa for up to three years: £324
- Spouse or partner family visa: £2,064
These are application fees only. Some applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and other supporting costs. The current fees took effect on 8 April 2026.
🌍 Do Nigerians pay more for UK visas?
There is no separate additional visa charge simply because an applicant is Nigerian. The official fee normally depends on the visa route, application type and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK.
However, the final amount paid can be affected by the currency and exchange rate used by the Home Office payment system, along with any bank or international transaction charges.
💳 Can I pay for a UK visa in naira?
The online application service will show the currency and exact amount that must be paid. The official Home Office fee calculator currently displays many Nigeria-based application fees in US dollars rather than naira, although the underlying official fees are set in pounds.
A Nigerian card provider may convert the payment and add foreign-currency or international transaction charges. Check the payment instructions and displayed total during the official application rather than converting the GBP figure yourself.
🏥 Is the Immigration Health Surcharge included in the visa fee?
No. Where the IHS applies, it is normally paid separately as part of the online application process.
Every eligible applicant pays their own surcharge, including partners and children. Each dependant must also submit and pay for a separate visa application.
💸 Are UK visa fees refundable?
The visa application fee is not normally refunded when an application is refused.
A refund may be available when an application is withdrawn before UKVI has started processing it. For applicants attending a biometric appointment, the fee is normally refundable only when the application is cancelled before fingerprints and a photograph have been provided.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is treated differently. It is normally refunded in full if the visa application is refused or withdrawn before a decision is made.
👨👩👧 Does every family member pay a separate visa fee?
Yes. Each partner or child normally needs their own application and must pay the relevant application fee separately. Where the IHS applies, it is also calculated and charged for each family member.
📈 Could UK visa fees increase again?
Yes. Immigration fees can be changed by the UK government. The fees in this guide have applied since 8 April 2026, but applicants should check the official fee calculator before submitting and paying for an application.
What to Read Next
Understanding the application fee is only one part of planning a move to the UK. You will also need to compare visa routes, calculate your total relocation budget and prepare for housing and everyday costs after arrival.
Continue with:
👉 How to Move to the UK Without a Job
Compare the main routes that do not require a sponsored job offer before applying.
👉 UK Work Visas
Explore the main sponsored and unsponsored work routes.
👉 UK Student Visas
Learn more about studying in the UK and the visa options available to international students.
👉 Cost of Living in the UK
Estimate the cost of housing, food, transport and other everyday expenses.
👉 Homes for Rent in the UK
Understand rental prices, deposits, affordability checks and how to search for accommodation.
👉 Your First 90 Days in the UK
Follow the practical steps for getting established after you arrive.
Planning a move to the UK? Subscribe to Emigrate to the UK for practical guides covering visa routes, relocation costs, accommodation and settling into everyday UK life.
More Work Visa Guides
How to Move to the UK Without a Job: Visa Routes Explained
Learning how to move to the UK without a job starts with understanding which immigration routes do not require employer sponsorship. Your options will depend on factors such as your age, nationality, qualifications, family connections, professional background and study plans. Some people may qualify through the Youth Mobility Scheme, India Young Professionals Scheme, High Potential […]
Carer Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship: 2026 Rules and Alternatives
Carer jobs in UK with visa sponsorship have changed significantly. In the past, many overseas applicants used the Health and Care Worker visa to move to the UK as care workers or senior care workers. However, from 22 July 2025, the UK immigration route for care workers and senior care workers closed to new applications […]
Immigration Salary List UK: Jobs, Salaries & Work Visa Guide
The Immigration Salary List UK shows specific jobs that may qualify for a lower salary threshold under the Skilled Worker route. Being on the list can help with salary eligibility, but it does not guarantee a visa or a sponsored job offer. The list includes a mix of roles across sectors such as construction, healthcare […]
UK Work Visa from India: Shortage Occupations and How to Apply
The UK work visa from India is one of the most common routes for Indian professionals looking to live and work in the United Kingdom. Each year thousands of Indian citizens move to the UK for employment opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering. However, applying for a UK Work Visa from […]
Family Visa UK: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply
Bringing your loved ones together is one of the most important reasons people apply for a UK visa. The Family Visa UK is designed to let you live in Britain with your partner, children, or parents if they are already settled in the country. For couples, this includes the fiancé visa, spouse visa, and the […]
Working Holiday Visa UK: Youth Mobility Scheme Guide
The Working Holiday Visa UK is usually the route people mean when they talk about spending time living and working in Britain as a young traveller. Officially, this route is called the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. It allows eligible applicants from certain countries and territories to live and work in the UK for up to […]
Certificate of Sponsorship UK: How It Works and How to Get It
If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Worker visa, one of the most important things you’ll need is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A CoS is not a paper certificate. It is a digital record created by a licensed UK sponsor that confirms the details of your job offer and […]
UK Visitor Visa 180 Days Rule Explained
The UK Visitor Visa 180 Days Rule is one of the most important things to understand before travelling to Britain. In most cases, visitors can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit, but that does not mean you can use repeated trips to live in the UK long term. In this […]