Visiting, living and studying in the UK has become expensive. The UK government has announced an increase in the fees for various categories of visas, which will come into effect soon. The fees have been increased from student to visitor and work visas. Important information related to the visa fee hike is given here.
The UK Home Office has announced an increase in visa fees across several categories, including student, visitor and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications, which will be effective from April 9, 2025. The increase varies according to the type of visa. Student and visitor visas have seen a significant increase. According to ET's report, the student visa fee applicable for both main applicants and dependents will increase by 7 per cent from the current 490 pounds to 524 (today's Rs 58059.57 in Indian currency) pounds.
Similarly, the price of a child student visa will also be 524 pounds. Earlier, in October 2023, the student visa fee had increased significantly by more than one-third. The price of a short-term study visa for English language courses with a duration of six to 11 months will increase by 7 percent, from 200 pounds to 214 pounds.
How much will the UK visitor visa fee increase?
UK visitor visa fees will increase by 10 per cent, with the cost of a six-month visa rising from £115 to £127. Long-term visit visas of two, five and ten years will also become more expensive, with fees reaching £475, £848 and £1,059 respectively.
The direct airside transit visa fee will rise to £39, while the landside transit visa fee will be £70. For citizens who do not require a visa to travel to the UK, the required ETA fee will increase by 60 per cent to £16.
Concerns over visa fee hike
The UK government hinted at this change in January itself, ahead of its extension to EU citizens from April 2, 2025. Emma English, executive director of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), has expressed concern about the impact of these changes.
Emma English said: "The government's policy post-Brexit requirement for international school groups to use passports instead of identity cards has already resulted in a decline in group travel. The increase in the cost of ETAs presents another barrier, compounding the sector's challenges. Young travelers are valued for their economic contribution and for fostering long-term international relationships and cultural understanding."
How much has the work visa fee increased?
Work visa categories are also affected. The fee for a skilled worker visa valid for a period of three years or less will increase from 719 pounds to 769 pounds, while applications for a period of more than three years will increase from 1420 pounds to 1519 pounds.
The Innovator Founder visa will cost £1,274, an increase of £83, while the Tier 1 Investor visa will increase by £116 to £2,000.
There will also be adjustments to Settlement Route applications, with fees for dependent relatives rising from £3250 to £3413. The cost of Indefinite Leave to Remain under HM Armed Forces Rules will rise to £3029.
Visa processing fees for premium services remain unchanged
Premium services such as Priority and High Priority visa processing fees will remain unchanged, with the fee for Priority service remaining at £500 and High Priority remaining at £1000. These changes come amid a wider effort by the UK Government to adjust immigration costs, impacting international students, workers and visitors planning to travel to or relocate to the UK.