Securing a 5-year work visa in the UK involves several costs. The primary expense is the visa application fee itself. For most applicants, this fee is a significant part of the total cost. It's essential to be aware of the exact amount to avoid any financial surprises.
Apart from the visa fee, an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) also applies. This surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS is calculated annually and will increase to £1,035 per year starting April 2024. For a 5-year visa, this totals £5,175, a considerable amount to factor into your budget.
Legal fees may also come into play. Many opt to hire an immigration lawyer to ensure their application is flawless. While not mandatory, professional assistance can increase the chances of a successful application. Legal fees vary, so it's wise to shop around for the best rates.
Biometric enrolment is another necessary step. This involves providing your fingerprints and a photo at an authorised centre. The fee for this service is £19.20, which should still be factored into your budget.
Additional expenses might include translation services if your documents are not in English. Certified translations are often required to meet application standards. The cost for these services can vary depending on the document's complexity.
Travel costs to attend visa appointments can also add up. Depending on your location, you might need to travel to a visa application centre. This could involve transportation and accommodation expenses, especially if multiple visits are required.
Lastly, always consider the potential for unexpected costs. Visa applications can sometimes face delays or additional requirements, which might incur extra expenses. Keeping a buffer in your budget can help manage these unforeseen costs.
Understanding the full scope of expenses ensures better financial planning. A well-prepared budget can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Specific Case: Sarah's Journey to a 5-Year UK Work Visa
Sarah, an IT professional from Australia, decided to move to the UK for a job opportunity. Her journey to secure a 5-year work visa provides a clear picture of the costs involved.
Firstly, Sarah paid a visa application fee of £719. This was the standard fee for a Skilled Worker visa at the time. Knowing this was a fixed cost, she budgeted accordingly.
Next, Sarah faced the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). With the upcoming increase in April 2024, the IHS will be £1,035 per year, totalling £5,175 for five years. This fee ensured she had access to the NHS throughout her stay.
Considering the complexity of her application, Sarah chose to hire an immigration lawyer. The legal fees were £1,500, a substantial amount but one she felt confident would increase her chances of success.
Biometric enrolment was another step. Sarah paid £19.20 to provide her fingerprints and photo at a local centre. This fee was small but necessary.
Since some of her professional documents were in German, Sarah required translation services. The cost for certified translations amounted to £200.
Sarah's nearest visa application centre was in Sydney, requiring her to travel. She budgeted £300 for flights and accommodation, considering she might need multiple trips.
In total, Sarah's estimated cost for the 5-year visa process was £7,913. She also kept an additional £500 as a buffer for unexpected expenses. Her meticulous budgeting ensured a smooth application process, allowing her to focus on her new job in the UK.
This article was created by VisaJob.co.uk to help you understand the costs associated with a 5-year work visa in the UK. We continually share updated information on UK work visas. Please bookmark our site to stay informed.