Fast Track Spouse Visa UK Fee

4The application process for a spouse UK visa is long and challenging. New services, such as fast-track service, are used to speed up the processing time for spouse visas. Even though applicants must pay extra charges to get this service, awareness of the fast track spouse visa UK fee helps you keep a broader view over your shoulders.

In addition, fast-track service is also known as priority services, aiming to make decisions faster than standard services. However, this service is beneficial for those who want urgent results. Plus, not all applicants can afford the cost of this fee, so it is essential to manage the budget before availing of this service. 

What Is A UK Spouse Visa

Applying for a UK spouse visa is a significant step for individuals living separately but intend to live together. The UK government sets specific criteria for this visa. One of the substantial eligibility criteria is proof of a genuine relationship.

Plus, passing the English test at level A1 is required unless an applicant is exempted. The minimum financial threshold is also required to prove the couple is stable enough to support themselves. It is a lengthy process, so hiring an immigration solicitor for guidance is crucial. 

Eligibility Requirements Of UK Spouse Visa

To get a successful grant, applicants meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The age of both parents should be above 18.
  • The couple must prove their relationship is genuine and want to live together. 
  • Couples show their combined stable income to prove they do not need public funds.
  • Applicants must show they will live in the same accommodation as their partners. Also, they must show that your partner’s accommodation has enough space for you. 
  • Knowledge of the English language is necessary to prove that applicants must have a certificate of passing the test. 

Standard Spouse Visa Fee

Before diving into fast-track service, applicants must learn about standard application fees to learn the difference between both. In 2024, the standard application fee costs up to £1,538 for a spouse UK visa. 

Fast Track Spouse Visa UK Fee

A fast track spouse visa UK fee is an additional cost that adds to the standard application fee, and the costs go higher. Some applicants consider that if they will pay the fee for fast-track service, they will not pay the standard application fee. But you must know that the standard application fee is compulsory. If you want to get any other services, you will pay an additional fee along with the standard application fee. The cost will be the standard fee of £1,538 + fast track service cost £1,000 = 2,538. 

Additional Costs Excluded Fast Track Spouse Visa UK Fee 

Apart from a fast track spouse visa UK fee, the applicants for a spouse visa must pay the following fee as well:

IHS 

The IHS fee is one of the mandatory fees applicants used to pay to access the UK NHS. A spouse visa is valid for almost 2.5 years, so that the total IHS would be 624×2.5 = 1,560. As of 2024, the current IHS required for a spouse visa is £624 per year.

Document Translation 

Applicants not nationals of English countries should translate their documents into English before submitting them to the home office. The cost of translating documents needs to be specified; it depends on the length and number of documents. 

Legal Fees

Applicants with complex cases hire immigration lawyers for their ease. The hiring of lawyers is not accessible, and they charge their clients according to the service. 

Breakdown Of All Costs

TYPE OF FEE COST
Standard Application Fee£1,538
IHS for one year £624
IHS for 2.5 years£1,560
Fast track spouse UK visa fee£1,000
Biometric fee £19.20
Document Translation £100 – £300
Legal fee approximately£500 – £2,000

Application Process Of Fast Track Spouse UK Visa Fee

The complete guide on the application process for a spouse UK visa is as follows:

Eligibility 

  • Ensure that, as a couple, you both meet the eligibility criteria for this visa. 
  • Applicants must have proof of identity, relationship, and language proficiency as evidence.

Prepare Documents 

  • Thoroughly prepare the documents to support the application. 
  • The required documents are bills, payslips, a rental agreement, a mortgage tenancy, a marriage certificate, a passport, and combined pictures. 

Online Application 

  • From the UKVI immigration website, get an application form and carefully fill it out. 
  • Be mindful that the application form leads to rejection. 

Fast Track Spouse UK Visa Fee

  • Pay the standard application fee, fast track spouse visa UK fee, and IHS fee. 
  • Paying the wrong fees causes errors in the application process. 

Biometric Verification 

  • Provide verified fingerprints and pictures of you, which will be used to make your BRP
  • A biometric appointment will be held for this procedure, which costs £19.20.

Application Submission

  • Now submit the application form, biometric results, pay fee receipt, and file supporting documents. 
  • Arrange all these things in a well-organized way. 

Decision

  • After performing all the above steps, wait for the decision. 
  • As you pay a fast-track fee, you will get results quickly. 

Conclusion

To summarize, a fast track spouse UK visa fee is crucial for couples aiming to reunite. Fast-track service expedites your spouse’s visa application processing time compared to standard service. The convenience comes with additional costs, but these services’ benefits outweigh the expense. However, with this higher fee, applicants can get a higher resolution and peace of mind. Although, fast track is a financial burden for those who can not afford it. It is mandatory for each person; in case of some emergency, applicants must avoid it; otherwise, go with the standard fee. A fast track fee is a valuable addition to get quicker results. Couples must manage their budget accordingly with their plans to avoid a financial crisis. 

(FAQs)

Can I get back my fast track spouse UK visa fee if the application is delayed?

Refund policies may vary. They might refund the fee if the fast-track service fails to deliver your decision within a given time frame. Remember that the standard application fee is not reversible; refunds are available for priority services. Moreover, applicants unaware of these services can opt for immigration advisors. 

Who should pay for a fast track spouse UK visa fee?

It is ideal for those who urgently want to reach the UK to reunite with their family for some reason. Moreover, some professional or healthcare care reasons exist to use this service. In such a sensitive time, this service promises quicker decisions in a limited time frame. However, applicants must pay a fast track spouse visa UK fee of £1,000 to avail of this service. 

What is the purpose of the fast track spouse visa UK fee?

This service expedites the application processing time. Usually, the spouse visa application takes a few months to process, but this service claims to deliver results in a short time. The service benefits spouse visa applicants who want to go due to professional, personal, or healthcare emergencies. 

Are there any additional documents required to avail yourself of fast-track service?

No, nothing additional is required for this service. Applicants need to pay a fast track spouse visa UK fee. Plus, all those documents that were submitted with the application form, including:

  • proof of relationship 
  • meeting financial threshold 
  • accommodation requirements 
  • language test
  • and travel documents or current passport