Personal immigration in one place — visiting, studying, joining family, working and settling in the UK, with the current fees for every route.
Visit · Study · Family · Work · Settlement.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
TL;DR
Personal UK routes at 2026 fees: Standard Visitor £135 for up to 6 months, Student £558, partner routes £2,064 with a usually-£29,000 income requirement, and settlement at £3,226. Most decisions take 3 weeks outside the UK; family routes take up to 12 weeks.
£135
Visitor visa (6 months)
£558
Student visa fee
£2,064
Partner visa fee
Visiting the UK
Short stays for tourism, family and business.
Studying in the UK
From independent school places to university and beyond.
Joining Family
Partners, children and relatives of people settled in the UK.
Working & Settling
The long-term journey from first visa to British citizenship.
What Our Clients Say
Independent Google reviews from the people and businesses we have supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about personal visas in 2026.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK?
Many nationalities need a Standard Visitor visa (£135 for up to 6 months); others need only a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation. It depends on your nationality — check before booking travel.
How much is a UK student visa?
£558 whether applying from outside the UK or extending inside it, plus the discounted student health surcharge of £776 per year and evidence of course fees and living costs.
What does it cost to bring my partner to the UK?
£2,064 from outside the UK, with a minimum income requirement of usually £29,000 and the £1,035-per-year health surcharge. Extensions inside the UK are £1,407.
Which personal routes lead to settlement?
Partner, child and ancestry routes lead to indefinite leave to remain, usually after 5 years. Visit and student routes do not — students typically move through work routes first.
Can I switch from a student visa to a work visa?
Yes — most students switch to the Graduate route (£937, no sponsorship) after completing their course, or directly to Skilled Worker with a sponsored job offer.
How long do personal visa decisions take?
Visitor and student applications usually take 3 weeks outside the UK. Family routes take up to 12 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside.
Can visitors work in the UK?
No — visitors cannot take employment or do productive work. Business visitors may only carry out permitted activities such as meetings and negotiations.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa?
A 5-year route for Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK — £726, unrestricted work rights, and a direct path to settlement.
Do children need their own visas?
Yes — children applying with a parent use the child dependant rules, and children coming to study at independent schools use the Child Student route from age 4.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration advise on my situation?
Yes. Our IAA-regulated advisers cover the whole personal spectrum — visits, study, family, work and settlement — from offices in London and Dubai.
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
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