Payment

Once you have completed your online application and confirmed all the final declarations/consents, you’ll be prompted to make payment. This usually happens in two stages:

1. Application fee – the main visa fee for your partner/spouse visa.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – a separate charge that gives you access to the NHS during your stay.

Both stages must be fully paid and confirmed before you’ll be directed to book your biometric appointment or verify your identity.

Use the Spouse Visa Fee Calculator (2026) to estimate the total cost of your spouse visa application.

Tips to help your payment go smoothly

• Tell your bank first: Let your bank or card provider know you’ll be making a large international payment to the UK Home Office, so they are less likely to block it as suspicious.
• Use a card in your name where possible: If someone else is paying, make sure they are available to approve any bank security checks (texts, app approvals, calls).
• Check daily card limits: Some banks have daily or per‑transaction limits. Ask your bank to temporarily increase the limit if needed.
• Use a stable internet connection: Avoid switching Wi‑Fi/mobile networks mid‑payment, and don’t refresh the page unless instructed.
• Keep copies of receipts: Save or screenshot the payment confirmation pages and any email receipts (for both the application fee and IHS). These can be useful if there is ever a payment query.

If a payment fails, follow the on‑screen instructions carefully. Usually, you’ll either be able to retry with the same application or you’ll be told if you need to contact the payment provider or UKVI for support.

Common payment FAQs

• Can my partner pay for my application from their card?
  Yes – the person making the application does not have to be the cardholder, but the cardholder must authorise the transaction and may need to complete bank security checks.

• Will I be charged in GBP or my local currency?
  The visa fee is set in GBP, but if you apply from outside the UK you’ll usually be charged in your local currency, using an exchange rate chosen by the Home Office/payment provider. This can include a markup on top of commercial rates.

• What happens if my payment goes through but the page crashes?
  First, do not submit a second application immediately. Log back into your application account to see if the payment is showing as completed, and check your bank/credit card and email receipt. If the status is unclear, follow the GOV.UK help instructions from within your application account.

After payment is confirmed, proceed to upload your evidence documents.