The UK Home Office has announced an increase in visa fees for individuals seeking to visit, study, work, or live in the United Kingdom, with the new charges set to take effect from April 8.
The government said the fees will rise by up to £222, as part of broader measures aimed at tightening immigration controls and managing rising application volumes.
The decision comes alongside stricter immigration policies targeting migrants and asylum seekers. Among the measures is a plan to offer up to £10,000 to failed asylum seekers who voluntarily return to their home countries. Authorities also warned that migrants found working illegally could lose access to taxpayer-funded accommodation.
In addition, the UK has introduced an “emergency brake” on student visa applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, following a surge in asylum claims.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said the move was necessary due to increasing pressure on the immigration system.
Breakdown of New Visa Fees
Under the revised structure, several visa categories will see the following increases;
Short-stay visit visa (up to 6 months): Increased by £8, from £127 to £135.
Visit visa (up to 2 years): Increased by £31 to £506.
Visit visa (up to 5 years): Increased by £55 to £903.
Visit visa (up to 10 years): Increased by £69 to £1,128.
Citizenship and Settlement Fees
British citizenship (naturalisation): Increased from £1,605 to £1,709.
Settlement visa (standard route): Increased from £1,938 to £2,064.
Family care visa (relatives): Increased by £222 to £3,635.
Refugee-dependent relative visa: Increased by £28 to £452.
These visas allow foreign nationals to reside and work in the UK and may lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Work and Student Visa Adjustments
Skilled worker visa (up to 3 years, outside the UK):
Increased from £769 to £819.
Long-term work visas: Will also see similar percentage increases.
Student visa: Increased by £34 to £558.
Graduate route visa: Increased from £880 to £937.
The revised fees will apply to both main applicants and their dependants.
Wider Immigration Measures
The visa fee increases form part of a wider strategy by the UK government to reduce migration and strengthen immigration enforcement.
Officials say the changes are designed to ensure the sustainability of the immigration system, while critics argue that the rising costs could place additional burdens on genuine applicants, particularly students and skilled workers.
All new visa charges and immigration measures will take effect from April 8.