The UK Home Office has just announced sweeping changes to immigration and nationality fees, with new rates set to take effect on April 9, 2025. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, student visa, work permit, or British citizenship, it’s time to prepare for higher costs across the board.
What’s Changing?
The updated fee structure affects nearly all immigration routes, including short-term visit visas, settlement applications, work and study permits, and sponsor-related services. According to the Home Office, these changes are part of an effort to ensure the immigration system remains financially sustainable and supports the UK’s broader economic and security goals.
Below is a detailed overview of the updated fees:
📘 Study Visa Fees (Applications Made Outside the UK)
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Main applicant and dependents) | £490 | £524 | +£34 |
| Child Student Visa | £490 | £524 | +£34 |
| Short-Term English Language Study (6–11 months) | £200 | £214 | +£14 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | £25 | £55 | +£30 |
💼 Work Visa Fees (Applications Made Outside the UK)
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 years) | £719 | £769 | +£50 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Over 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,519 | +£99 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (Up to 3 years) | £284 | £304 | +£20 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist Worker (Over 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,519 | +£99 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | £1,191 | £1,274 | +£83 |
| Tier 1 Investor Visa | £1,884 | £2,000 | +£116 |
✈️ Visit Visa Fees (Applications Made Outside the UK)
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £115 | £127 | +£12 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (2 years) | £432 | £475 | +£43 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (10 years) | £963 | £1,059 | +£96 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) | £10 | £16 | +£6 |
🏠 Settlement, Nationality & Citizenship Fees
| Application Type | Current Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route to Settlement | £1,846 | £1,938 | +£92 |
| Indefinite Leave to Enter (HM Armed Forces Dependant) | £2,885 | £3,029 | +£144 |
| Naturalisation as a British Citizen | £1,500 | £1,605 | +£105 |
| Nationality Registration (Adult) | £1,351 | £1,446 | +£95 |
| Nationality Registration (British Overseas Citizens, Subjects, etc.) | £901 | £964 | +£63 |
| Renunciation of British Nationality | £450 | £482 | +£32 |
🏢 Sponsor Licenses & Certificates
| Sponsor-Related Application | Current Fee | New Fee (from April 9, 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker Sponsor License (Large Sponsors) | £1,476 | £1,579 | +£103 |
| Student Sponsor License | £536 | £574 | +£38 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (Skilled Workers, Minister of Religion) | £239 | £525 | +£286 |
🔍 What Do These Increases Mean?
The revised fee structure represents a substantial cost shift to applicants, impacting students, skilled workers, and families applying for settlement or citizenship. For businesses and educational institutions sponsoring international talent, the rise in sponsorship-related costs may affect future recruitment strategies.
The Home Office states that these changes are necessary to keep immigration services well-funded, efficient, and secure, while also ensuring that those who benefit from UK immigration routes contribute appropriately.
📅 When Do the Changes Take Effect?
The updated immigration and nationality fees will come into force on April 9, 2025. If you are planning to apply for any UK visa or nationality route, it may be wise to submit your application before this date to avoid the increased charges.
🔗 News Announcement:
Read the full fee table released by the UK Home Office here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-april-2025.
