UK Settlement Visa Fees and Processing Times in 2025: Complete Breakdown

Moving to the United Kingdom to join your loved ones permanently is a life-changing decision. Whether you are applying as a spouse, partner, dependent child, or parent, the UK Settlement Visa route is the primary path to settle in the UK. In 2025, both the application fees and processing timelines have seen adjustments that applicants must take seriously before planning their move.

This comprehensive guide explains exact visa types, associated costs, and current processing durations based on the route and location of application.

Definition and Purpose:
A UK Settlement Visa allows foreign nationals to live permanently in the UK with their family members who are British citizens, settled persons (with Indefinite Leave to Remain), or those with refugee or humanitarian protection status.

Common Types of Settlement Visas in 2025:

• Spouse or Civil Partner Visa
• Unmarried Partner Visa
• Parent of a British Child Visa
• Child Dependent Visa
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa
• Long Residency (10-year route)
• Victim of Domestic Abuse Route

Each category has different eligibility criteria, but they all lead toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.

As of 2025, the UK government revised visa fees across most immigration categories, including settlement routes. The fees vary depending on:

• The type of application
• Whether you are applying inside or outside the UK
• Whether priority services are used

Below is a breakdown of common settlement visa fees for 2025.

1. Spouse, Partner or Fiancé(e) Visa

• Outside UK Application Fee: £1,846
• Inside UK (FLR - Further Leave to Remain): £1,048
• Optional Super Priority (decision in 1 working day): £1,000
• Optional Priority (decision in 5 working days): £500

Additional Costs:

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (5-year route = £5,175)
• Biometric Enrollment: £19.20 (inside UK)

2. Dependent Child Visa (Joining Parent or Partner)

• Fee if applying outside UK: £1,846 per child
• Fee if applying inside UK: £1,048
• IHS for children: £776 per year

3. Parent of a British Child or Settled Child

• Application inside UK (FLR): £1,048
• IHS per year: £1,035

This route is usually for single parents with sole responsibility.

4. Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa

This is a particularly expensive and difficult route with high refusal rates.

• Outside UK Fee: £3,250
• No IHS, as successful applicants get Indefinite Leave to Enter
• Only available from outside the UK

5. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Fee in 2025

For those completing the 5-year or 10-year route and applying for ILR:

• ILR Application Fee: £2,885
• Optional Super Priority: £1,000
• No IHS required

6. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Replacement or Update

• Fee for lost BRP or update after ILR: £75.20

Visa processing timelines vary by application type and submission location. Below are estimated standard processing times as of early 2025.

1. Applications Made Outside the UK

• Spouse, Partner, Fiancé(e) Visa:
  Standard processing: 60 working days (approx. 3 months)
  Priority service: 5 working days (if available)
  Super priority: Not usually available abroad

• Child Dependent Visa:
  Standard: 60 working days
  Priority: 5–15 working days

• Adult Dependent Relative:
  Can take up to 6 months or more due to complex eligibility

2. Applications Made Inside the UK (Switching or Extension)

• Spouse or Partner Extension (FLR):
  Standard: 8 weeks (from biometrics)
  Priority: 5 working days
  Super Priority: Next working day

• Parent or Child Dependent (FLR):
  Standard: 8 weeks
  Priority options may vary

• ILR Applications:
  Standard: 6 months
  Super Priority: Next working day

Important Notes About Processing Times:

• All processing times start after biometric enrollment, not submission.
• Delays may occur due to missing documents, criminal records, complex family setups, or technical issues.
• Priority services are not guaranteed and depend on application center capacity.
• Use of third-party agents or translators may also increase processing time.

Beyond the standard fees, applicants should consider the hidden costs of the settlement visa process:

Document Translation:
Non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator. Costs vary from £20 to £60 per page.

Tuberculosis Test:
Required for applicants from many countries. Test fees range from £65 to £150.

English Language Test (A1 or A2):
Required for most spouse or partner applicants: approx. £150 to £200.

Legal or Visa Consultant Fees:
Though not mandatory, many applicants hire professionals for assistance. Fees can range from £500 to £2,000.

No, the IHS is not refunded if the visa is granted. Refunds are only given if:

• Your visa application is refused or withdrawn
• You paid twice by mistake

Make sure to calculate IHS based on the total years granted on the visa, not just initial stay.

Ensure Complete Documentation:
Missing marriage certificates, financial documents, or proof of relationship can delay the process.

Upload Documents Early:
If you're using UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services), upload documents before your biometric appointment.

Use Priority Services Wisely:
Only select super priority or priority services if you are 100% confident your application is complete and straightforward.

Check Application Centers:
Availability of fast-track services and appointment slots vary by region. In some countries, you may have to travel to a major city.

Conclusion: Be Informed Before You Apply

In 2025, the process of applying for a UK Settlement Visa remains one of the most expensive and document-intensive immigration routes in the world. Understanding the exact visa fees, required documentation, and processing timelines helps applicants avoid surprises and prepare financially and emotionally.

The UK Home Office has made several changes to visa structures and fees in recent years, and 2025 continues this trend. Whether you're applying from outside or within the UK, being proactive, accurate, and timely can significantly improve your chances of a smooth approval.