Temporary Worker Visa Cost in London 2026
How much a Temporary Worker visa costs in London in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a Temporary Worker visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Temporary Worker
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Temporary Worker application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (Charity Worker) | £340 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 | £1,035 per year of the visa. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,700 – £6,750 in London. Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Temporary Worker
- 1
Secure a voluntary role
Unpaid fieldwork directly related to a UK charity's objectives, sponsored by an A-rated licensed sponsor.
- 2
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship
Confirming the voluntary role and duration (up to 12 months).
- 3
Apply online
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge; show at least £1,270 in savings unless sponsor-certified.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
Submit supporting documents.
Typical processing time: Typically around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Documents you'll need
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Valid passport
- Bank statements evidencing £1,270 held for 28 days (or sponsor certification)
- Evidence of relevant skills/experience for the voluntary role, where relevant
- TB test certificate, if required
Common mistakes to avoid
- Role resembling paid staff work rather than genuine unpaid voluntary fieldwork
- Certificate of Sponsorship expired, invalid, or inconsistent with the actual role
- Insufficient or unclear financial evidence
- Charity unable to demonstrate a genuine need for the specific sponsored individual
Sources: gov.uk — Charity Worker visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £1,375 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £4,075 – £8,125 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £5,610 – £10,695 |
How to save money on your Temporary Worker
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,700–£6,750.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Temporary Worker cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Temporary Worker visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Temporary Worker visa in 2026 ranges from about £4,075 to £10,695, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Temporary Worker application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Temporary Worker visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Temporary Worker visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Temporary Worker visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Temporary Worker visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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