Immigration: Changes to UK Visa Fees

In a significant announcement by the UK government, there are upcoming alterations to immigration and nationality fees that are set to take effect from 4 October 2023. These changes, as stated by the authorities, aim to fund essential services and allocate more funding for public sector pay rises. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these amendments and their potential implications for those looking to make the UK their home.

The New Fee Structure

• Visit Visa (up to six months): An increase of £15, making the total £115.
• Student Visa from outside the UK: A notable hike by £127, bringing the cost to £490. This adjustment aligns the fee with the amount charged for in-country applications.
• Most work and visit visas: As announced earlier in July, these will see a 15% fee increase.
• Priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship: These will experience a hike of at least 20%.

Rationale Behind the Increases

The Home Office emphasizes the crucial role of these fee incomes in maintaining a sustainable immigration and nationality system. By adjusting these fees, the intention is to alleviate some financial pressure off British taxpayers. Moreover, despite the augmentations, the aim is to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for professionals and students alike.

Comprehensive Overview of the Changes:

The amendments affect a broad spectrum of fees:

• Visit Visas: This includes visas for durations of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years.
• Entry Clearance & Leave to Remain: Major alterations to the fees for entry clearance and select applications for permission to stay in the UK, particularly those for work and study.
• Indefinite Permissions: Both the indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain will witness fee modifications.
• Travel Documents: This encompasses the convention travel document and the stateless person’s travel document.
• Health and Care visa.
• Sponsorship & Acceptance: Alterations in fees concerning certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
• Priority Services: Adjustments in the in and out of country fee for the super priority service, and the out of country fee for the priority service. Interestingly, the fee for the settlement priority service will see a reduction, aligning it with the cost of the standard priority service.
• British Citizenship: Fees associated with applications to register and naturalise as a British Citizen will be revised.
• User Pays Visa Application service: This service will also experience fee modifications.

Future Updates

It’s noteworthy that these changes don’t factor in the planned augmentation to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The modifications to the IHS are slated for introduction later this autumn.

These changes are of paramount importance to those considering moving to the UK or those currently residing and looking to change their status. It’s always recommended to stay updated and possibly seek guidance if you’re unsure about how these amendments might affect your plans.

For more information or assistance with navigating these changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is always here to guide you!