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UK Immigration Guides 2026: Advice, Requirements, Costs | Whytecroft Ford
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UK Immigration Guides: Family, Work, Visit, Study, Settlement & Citizenship

Our guides are grouped by stage, from getting advice to settlement and citizenship.

By the Whytecroft Ford Immigration Team
IAA Accredited
1

Before you apply: getting advice

Whether you need an adviser, and how to pick a good one, before you spend time or money on an application.

Do I need a UK immigration adviser?
When you can apply on your own, and when a case is complex or important enough to be worth getting help.
Why use a regulated UK immigration adviser?
What regulation protects you from, and why giving immigration advice without being authorised is a criminal offence.
How to choose an immigration adviser
Check the IAA register, read reviews, get the scope and fee in writing, and spot the warning signs before you sign up.
2

Meeting the requirements

What you need to prove before you apply, including the English language requirement and the TB test for people from certain countries.

English language requirement: Partner and Spouse Visas
The level you need, the ways to meet it, and who is exempt on the partner and spouse routes.
English language requirement: Work Visas
How the requirement works on UK work visas, the approved tests, who is exempt, and what evidence to show.
TB test for UK visa applications
Which countries need it, where to go, the cost, how long the certificate lasts, and what happens if you test positive.
3

Costs and what you will pay

What an application costs, from Home Office fees to the health surcharge, plus a calculator to work out your own surcharge.

UK visa fees 2026
Every UK visa, ILR, citizenship and work fee for 2026 in one place, including the April 2026 increases.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026
What you pay (£1,035 a year for adults, £776 for students and children), who is exempt, and how refunds work.
Immigration Health Surcharge calculator
Work out the IHS for your application, using the adult rate of £1,035 a year and the reduced rate of £776.
4

After your visa is granted

Looking after your status once you have a decision, including setting up and using your eVisa.

UK eVisa guide: your digital immigration status
Setting up your UKVI account, sharing your status with employers and landlords, the move from BRP cards, and travelling.
5

Settlement and citizenship

The Life in the UK test is part of applying for settlement and citizenship. Read the guide, then use the free practice tests to prepare.

Life in the UK test: the complete 2026 guide
Who needs the test, how to book it, the format and pass mark, who is exempt, and how it fits into ILR and citizenship.
Life in the UK practice test
Three free practice tests in the official format: 24 questions, 45 minutes, and a 75 per cent pass mark, to check you are ready.

How Whytecroft Ford can help

For assistance with your situation, reach out to our friendly, professional team. Call us on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.

Book a consultation Call 0208 757 5751