UK Visa Fees to Increase By Up to 20% From October 04

The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant change in its immigration and nationality fees, which are scheduled to come into effect on October 4, 2023.

These increases are aimed at funding essential services and ensuring more resources can be allocated for public sector pay raises. The announcement comes following the recent legislative action in Parliament on September 15.

UK Visa, Key Fee Changes

The upcoming fee adjustments encompass various visa categories, with a focus on maintaining the sustainability of the UK’s immigration and nationality system while reducing the financial burden on British taxpayers. Some of the notable changes include:

1. Visit Visa Fees

The cost of a visit visa for stays of less than six months will increase by £15, reaching a total of £115.

2. Student Visas

Applying for a student visa from outside the UK will incur a £127 hike, bringing the total fee to £490. This adjustment aligns the fee with in-country applications.

3. Work and Visit Visas

In July, the government previously announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, as well as a minimum 20% increase in priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.

Importance of Fee Income

The revenue generated from these fees plays a critical role in ensuring the Home Office can maintain a sustainable immigration and nationality system.

Careful consideration is given to these fee adjustments to strike a balance between reducing the financial burden on British taxpayers and providing an attractive service for individuals seeking to work and contribute to the UK’s prosperity.

Comprehensive Fee Changes

The fee adjustments scheduled for October 4, 2023, encompass a wide range of services, including:

• Fees for visas lasting 2, 5, and 10 years, as well as those for up to 6 months.
• The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain include work and study visas.
• Fees related to indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain.
• Convention travel documents and stateless person’s travel documents.
• Health and Care visa fees.
• Fees for certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
• In-country and out-of-country fees for super-priority and priority services, with a reduction in settlement priority service fees to align with the cost of the priority service.
• Applications for Registering and Naturalizing as a British Citizen.
• User Pays Visa Application service fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do experts say about the new fees?

Some experts have criticized the new fees, saying that they will make it more difficult for people to come to the UK to work, study or visit. Others have said that the fees are necessary to ensure that the UK can afford to provide essential services.

What’s Next

These proposed changes to immigration and nationality fees are subject to Parliamentary approval and are set to take effect from October 4, 2023.

It’s important to note that these adjustments do not include the planned increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is expected to be introduced later in the Autumn.

Final Words

As the UK prepares for these fee changes, individuals planning to apply for visas or seek immigration services should be aware of the updated fee structure and prepare accordingly. The government’s aim is to strike a balance between ensuring essential services and maintaining an attractive environment for those wishing to work and live in the UK.