How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2026/27?

In 2026/27, the standard Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £1,035 per year for adult visa applicants. A discounted rate of £776 per year applies to students, youth mobility scheme participants, and visa applicants under the age of 18, as confirmed by Home Office guidance.

What is the minimum salary threshold for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The baseline minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026/27 is £38,700 per year, or the specific 'going rate' for the occupation, whichever is higher. Certain qualifying health, education, or shortage roles have lower specific thresholds.

Can I claim benefits on a UK spouse or family visa?

Most family and spouse visas are granted with the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition, preventing claims for Universal Credit or housing benefit. However, you can apply for a Change of Conditions to lift NRPF if you fall into extreme financial hardship.

Does Council Tax Support count as a public fund under NRPF?

Yes, Council Tax Support (or Reduction) is explicitly classed as a public fund under UK immigration rules. Claiming it while subject to an NRPF condition breaches your visa terms unless an exception applies or the restriction has been officially lifted.

Visas and Immigration UK Guide: Fees & Rules (2026)

Last reviewed 6 August 2026. Rates and thresholds change — always confirm current figures on GOV.UK.

Overview of UK Visa Routes in 2026/27

The Home Office manages all UK entry permits, legal settlement, and citizenship applications through GOV.UK. Primary immigration routes fall into work, family, study, and settlement pathways, each carrying distinct financial criteria.

For 2026/27, the minimum earning threshold for a standard Skilled Worker visa remains £38,700 per year, unless the job qualifies for a lower rate on the official immigration salary list. Family visa applicants sponsoring a partner must meet a minimum income requirement of £29,000 gross per year.

Most temporary visa holders are subject to the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. This rule restricts access to mainstream state benefits like Universal Credit and public housing, making accurate budgeting essential before applying.

UK Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Breakdown

Applying for legal status in the UK requires paying both the core application fee and the mandatory healthcare levy. Figures below reflect current 2026/27 Home Office rates published on GOV.UK.

Continuous residence (usually 5 years) + Life in the UK test

Visa Category	Application Fee (Out of UK)	Immigration Health Surcharge (Per Year)	Minimum Income / Savings Requirement
Skilled Worker (Up to 3 years)	£719	£1,035	£38,700 salary threshold
Family / Partner Visa	£1,846	£1,035	£29,000 gross income or £88,500 cash savings
Student Visa	£490	£776	Course fees plus £1,334/mo (London) or £1,023/mo (Rest of UK)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	£2,885	£0 (Not applicable)

Applicants sponsoring dependants must pay the full visa fee and IHS levy for each family member. Always verify final costs on the official portal prior to submitting payments.

Understanding 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF) and Exceptions

When issued a UK visa, your biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital status will usually state No Recourse to Public Funds. This condition prohibits claiming income-related benefits, including Council Tax Support and central government welfare payouts.

Crucial Exception: If you face unexpected, severe financial hardship or imminent homelessness, you can apply to the Home Office for a Change of Conditions to lift the NRPF restriction. Support from local authorities under Child in Need frameworks may also apply to families with children regardless of immigration status.

Lifting NRPF allows temporary access to state safety net funds. However, changing conditions can impact future routes to settlement, so professional legal advice from an OISC-regulated advisor is strongly recommended before applying.

Key Work and Family Eligibility Requirements

Securing a UK visa relies on strict documentation verified by the Home Office. For employment visas, you must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK sponsor.

Language and Maintenance Criteria

English Language: Most work and family visas require proving English proficiency at level B1 or B2 on the CEFR scale.
Personal Savings: Skilled workers without sponsor certification must show at least £1,270 in personal bank accounts held continuously for 28 days.
Family Sponsorship: Income can be proven using employment salary, non-employment income, or qualifying cash savings held for over six months.

Failing to supply specified financial evidence in the exact format required by Home Office guidance is the most common reason for application refusal.

Emergency Financial Help and Cost of Living Support for Migrants

While mainstream benefits are restricted under NRPF, migrants living legally in the UK still have access to non-welfare financial relief and community support.

Discretionary local government assistance, food bank services, and utility hardship grants provided by energy companies are generally not classified as public funds. If you are struggling with essential living costs, seek local authority advice or explore emergency financial help resources available through SupportFund.

Please note: Always double-check current official figures and rules on GOV.UK before taking legal or financial action regarding your UK immigration status.