UK Visa Application Fees Increases

Following legislation, which was laid on 15 September 2023, the Home Office has officially increased their application fees across a range of immigration and nationality routes, including those individuals coming here to live, work and study at a time of record high migration numbers.

This means the cost of work visas and visit visas have increased by 15%, and the cost of study visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain and priority visas have increased by at least 20%. 

These new changes are effective from today 04 October 2023

Breakdown of Visa Increases

• Fees for visit and work visa application fees to rise by 15%. For example, those applying for a typical Skilled Worker application for up to three years for instance, the fee has increased from £625 to £719.
• Fees for student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, and all other visa applications increased by at least 20%.
• The cost of priority services will be made the same whether applicants apply inside or outside the UK.
• The fee to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship has increased from £199 to £239.

Immigration Health Surcharge Uplift

There will be increases to the rates of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Subject to final confirmation and the passage of the necessary legislation, the main rate will increase to £1,035, and the discounted rate for students, their dependents, those on youth mobility schemes and under-18s will increase to £776. The planned increase to the IHS is scheduled to be introduced later this autumn.

Why has the government brought in these changes?

According to the government, an increase in fees is necessary to pay for vital services and to allow more funding to be prioritised for the public sector.

What is the visa increase impact for employers and individuals?

For employers that employ and recruit foreign nationals, this means an increase in fees across a range of immigration and nationality “routes,” including people coming to the U.K. to live, work, and study. You should therefore, as a priority, assess the impact of the increase in fees on recruitment, talent, and retention policies from cost and budgeting perspectives.

Contact our Expert UK Business Immigration Experts

For advice regarding any visa or immigration matter, contact our specialist immigration consultants who can provide further information and advice.

A full list of the new fees can be found on the gov.uk website.