UK to increase Visa Fee for Visitors, Students, Dependents and Workers from October 4
The UK government has announced that it will increase the fees for most types of visas from October 4, 2023, following legislation being laid in Parliament on September 15.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, so do immigration policies and visa regulations. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the ease of travel and immigration plays a significant role in shaping personal and professional trajectories. With this in mind, it’s essential to stay informed about changes in visa fees, as they can directly impact individuals. In the coming month, new visa fees are set to take effect in several countries, and these changes are worth exploring.
The changes will affect visitors, students, workers, and other categories of applicants who wish to enter or stay in the UK. The cost for a visit visa for less than six months will rise by £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490, to match the amount charged for in-country applications.
The fee increase does not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is scheduled to be introduced later in the autumn.
However, some critics have expressed concern over the impact of the fee increase on prospective applicants, especially students and workers who may already face financial challenges.
What visa types are affected by the change?
Some of the visa fees that will be affected by the increase are:
- Visitor visa fees for up to six months, two, five, and ten years.
- The preponderance of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the United Kingdom, including work and study applications.
- Fees for indefinite leave to enter and permanent residency.
- The fees for obtaining a convention travel document or a stateless travel document, which allow certain refugees and stateless persons to travel abroad.
- Visa for Health and Care.
- Fees associated with sponsorship certificates and confirmation of acceptance to study.
- The fees for using the ultra-priority service or the priority service, which offers faster processing times for in-country and overseas applications. The fee for the settlement priority service, which is available for some overseas applications, will be reduced to match the fee for the priority service.
- Requests for Registration and Naturalisation as a British Citizen.
- The cost of the service ‘User Pays Visa Application’
The new visa fees will apply from October 4, 2023, subject to parliamentary approval. A full list of the new fees can be found on the official website.
