UK to Raise Nationality and Visa Application Fees Starting April 9, 2025

Get ready, because the cost of moving to the UK is about to increase! The UK Home Office has announced significant changes to immigration and nationality fees. These changes will take effect on April 9, 2025.

If you’re planning to apply for a visa, work permit, student visa, or citizenship, it’s essential to know the new costs. This article breaks down the fee increases and what they mean for your plans.

Fee Increases for Visa Applications Outside the UK

The following are the notable increases for various visa types:

• Visit Visa (6 months): Rising from £115 to £127 (+£12).
• Visit Visa (2 years): Increasing from £432 to £475 (+£43).
• Visit Visa (10 years): Rising from £963 to £1,059 (+£96).
• Route to Settlement: Increasing from £1,846 to £1,938 (+£92).
• Indefinite Leave to Enter as HM Armed Forces Dependant: Rising from £2,885 to £3,029 (+£144).
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Increased from £10 to £16 (+£6).

Changes for Work Visa Applications Outside the UK

The fees for work visas will also see significant increases:

• Innovator Founder Visa: Increased from £1,191 to £1,274 (+£83).
• Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 years): Increased from £719 to £769 (+£50).
• Skilled Worker Visa (Over 3 years): Increased from £1,420 to £1,519 (+£99).
• Health and Care Visa (Up to 3 years): Increased from £284 to £304 (+£20).
• Tier 1 Investor Visa: Increased from £1,884 to £2,000 (+£116).
• Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (More than 3 years): Increased from £1,420 to £1,519 (+£99).

Study Visa Fee Changes

Students will also feel the impact of these fee increases:

• Student Visa (Main applicant and dependents): Increased from £490 to £524 (+£34).
• Child Student Visa: Increased from £490 to £524 (+£34).
• Short-Term English Language Study (6-11 months): Increased from £200 to £214 (+£14).

Nationality and Citizenship Fee Changes

The costs for nationality applications will rise as well:

• Naturalization as a British Citizen: Increased from £1,500 to £1,605 (+£105).
• Nationality Registration (Adult): Increased from £1,351 to £1,446 (+£95).
• Nationality Registration (British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects, British Protected Persons – Adult): Increased from £901 to £964 (+£63).
• Renunciation of British Nationality: Increased from £450 to £482 (+£32).

Significant Fee Adjustments for Sponsors

Sponsors will also face higher fees:

• Worker Sponsor License (Large Sponsors): Increased from £1,476 to £1,579 (+£103).
• Student Sponsor License: Increased from £536 to £574 (+£38).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Workers and Minister of Religion: Increased from £239 to £525 (+£286).
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for Student Visas: Increased from £25 to £55 (+£30).

Implications of the Fee Increases

These changes represent a significant shift in immigration costs to the UK. They will impact prospective students, workers, and those seeking settlement. The increase aligns with the government’s strategy to manage migration costs effectively while ensuring sustainable visa and nationality services.

These adjustments occur alongside broader reforms in the UK’s immigration policies. The goal is to balance economic needs with border security. Although these changes may add financial pressure on applicants, the UK remains a prime destination for skilled professionals and international students.

What’s Next?

As the new fee structure takes effect on April 9, 2025, individuals planning to apply for UK visas, work permits, or citizenship should prepare for these revised costs. Be sure to factor in these increases when planning your applications.