n a dramatic turn that has immigration applicants buzzing across the globe, the UK government has officially activated its new visa and nationality fee structure—effective April 9, 2025. Yes, the price tags have jumped, and for many, the cost of entering or settling in the United Kingdom just got steeper.
What’s Changing? Practically Everything. Whether you’re a tourist, a skilled worker, a student, or looking to settle permanently, expect to fork out more. Here’s the jaw-dropping breakdown of some of the most significant increases:
🌍 Visit Visas (Applied Outside the UK)
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- Up to 6 months: From £115 to £127
- Up to 2 years: From £432 to £475
- Up to 5 years: From £771 to £848
- Up to 10 years: From £963 to £1,059
🚪 Work Visas (Applied Outside the UK)
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- Skilled Worker (up to 3 years): From £719 to £769
- Skilled Worker (over 3 years): From £1,420 to £1,519
- Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years): From £284 to £304
- Health & Care Worker (over 3 years): From £551 to £590
- Global Talent Visa: From £716 to £766
- Innovator Founder Visa: From £1,191 to £1,274
🎓 Study Visas (Applied Outside the UK)
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- Student/Child Student: From £490 to £524
- Short-Term English Study: From £200 to £214
❤️ Partner & Family Visas (Applied Outside the UK)
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- Spouse, Civil Partner, Unmarried Partner: From £1,846 to £1,938
🌐 Settlement & British Citizenship
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- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): From £2,885 to £3,029
- Naturalization (British citizenship): From £1,500 to £1,605
💼 Sponsorship Costs (For Employers)
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- Large Sponsor License: From £1,476 to £1,579
- Small/Charity Sponsor License: From £536 to £574
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): From £239 to a whopping £525!
But Wait—There’s More: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Don’t forget the IHS, which remains a separate must-pay fee for most long-term visa applicants. It’s currently £1,035 per year and adds a hefty layer to the overall cost.
Why This Matters This sweeping revision has sparked heated debates. While the Home Office argues these hikes ensure sustainable immigration infrastructure, critics say they may price out genuine applicants and create barriers for skilled workers and international talent.
Final Word: Before you hit “apply,” double-check the exact fee for your visa type on the official UK government visa fees page. Plan wisely, budget smartly, and prepare for a more expensive road to the UK.
Stay tuned for updates and reactions from applicants and immigration experts as the story unfolds.
