The UK Home Office has announced an increase in immigration and nationality fees, which will take effect on April 9, 2025. Those applying for visas, work permits, student visas, or citizenship should take note of these updated costs.
Fees for visa applications made outside the UK will see adjustments, with the six-month visit visa rising from £115 to £127, the two-year visit visa increasing from £432 to £475, and the ten-year visit visa climbing from £963 to £1,059. The cost of applying for settlement will go up from £1,846 to £1,938, while dependents of HM Armed Forces personnel applying for indefinite leave to enter will see their fee increase from £2,885 to £3,029. The cost of an Electronic Travel Authorization will also rise from £10 to £16.
Work visa applicants will experience higher costs as well, with the Innovator Founder Visa increasing from £1,191 to £1,274, the Skilled Worker Visa for up to three years going from £719 to £769, and for more than three years, rising from £1,420 to £1,519. The Health and Care Visa for up to three years will now cost £304 instead of £284. Those applying for a Tier 1 Investor Visa will need to pay £2,000, up from £1,884. Fees for the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker visa will also rise to £1,519 from £1,420.
Students applying for visas will see increases as well. The main applicant and dependents for a Student Visa will now pay £524 instead of £490, while the Child Student Visa will have the same fee adjustment. Short-term English language study visas (six to eleven months) will increase from £200 to £214.
Nationality and citizenship applications are also affected. Naturalization as a British citizen will cost £1,605, up from £1,500. The nationality registration fee for adults will rise from £1,351 to £1,446. British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, and British Protected Persons registering for nationality will now pay £964, an increase from £901. The cost to renounce British nationality will also go up, from £450 to £482.
Significant changes are being made to sponsorship-related fees as well. Large sponsors applying for a Worker Sponsor License will now pay £1,579, an increase from £1,476, while a Student Sponsor License will cost £574 instead of £536. The Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Workers and Ministers of Religion will increase substantially from £239 to £525. The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for student visas will now cost £55, up from £25.
These fee increases reflect broader reforms in the UK’s immigration policies, aimed at balancing economic considerations with border security. While the adjustments may add financial strain for applicants, the UK continues to be a top destination for skilled workers and international students. With the new fee structure taking effect soon, those planning to apply for visas, work permits, or citizenship should account for the revised costs in their preparations.
