UK Visa Fees Major Increases Announced July 2024 Updates | UK Immigration 2024

Significant hikes in passport application and visa nationality fees have been announced by the UK government. These modifications will affect many Visa categories and will take effect on different dates in 2024.

The Family Visa Fees Rise

Family Visa fees will rise to £12.58 from July 24, 2024, for family visas that include renewals for spouses or parents of British nationals.

New Fees for Discretionary Applications

The increase in discretionary and human rights application fees to £122.58 will affect numerous non-standard applications.

Nationality and Passport Fee Hikes

• Application fees for citizenship: the citizenship ceremony will now cost £130 instead of £80.
• British Passport: starting on April 11, 2024, adult passport applications submitted online will cost £80.

Additional Fee Increases

• The £500 additional charge for contact point meetings with endorsing bodies will be implemented for the Innovator Founder Visa.
• Applications for the skilled worker visa that have a sponsorship certificate valid for longer than three years will now cost £163.

These fee increases emphasize how important it is for candidates to prepare ahead of time and remain informed.

Previous Dramatic Increases in UK Immigration Fees

We’ll talk about the recent sharp increase in UK immigration fines and penalties in this update. It is significant to note that most immigration and nationality fees increased by around 15% as of October 4, 2023. The work and study visas, visitation visas, and sponsorship certificates are all subject to fees.

To obtain additional information on any particular charge modification, see the official gov.uk website. Starting on January 16, 2024, the immigrant health surcharge will increase. The annual cost for children, students, and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants will be £776 instead of £470, while the annual cost for adults will be £1,035 instead of 624 pounds. This corresponds to a noteworthy 66% rise among adults.

Seeking the majority of applicants seeking UK visas, IHS is an upfront payment fee in exchange for free NHS access and healthcare services provided in the UK.

Finally, it is important to mention the publication of a new draft code of practice regarding the civil penalty scheme for companies that stop illicit labor. Starting on January 22, 2024, this will apply to all right-to-work checks, including any necessary follow-up checks.

If there have been no infractions for the previous three years, the civil penalties for each unlawful worker will go from 15,000 to 45,000 British pounds, and the penalties for repeat offenders will climb from 20,000 to 60,000 British pounds, which is a threefold increase in the fine. Employers must therefore assess their Right to Work policies to make sure they are in line with current guidelines and that their staff members are being trained appropriately.

Changes in UK Visa Application January 2024

Changes to UK immigration to take effect in January 2024. This update focuses on the UK regulations that will soon take effect, particularly in January 2019.

1. Migration Health Surcharge Increase

The immigrant health surcharge, usually known as IHS fees, will see a significant 66% hike starting on January 16, 2024, or later. For the majority of UK visa applicants, the IHS is relevant. If a migrant becomes ill or is involved in an accident while in the UK, they are entitled to access the NHS according to the IHS.

Recall that the annual cost for dependents, youth mobility workers, children, and students will increase from £470 to £776. The annual fee for all other candidates will rise to £1,035 from £624. This means that an additional £2055 will be charged to the standard skilled worker visa price for a single employee for five years.

If there are dependents on the principal applicant, this sum rises even more. An extra £530 for each child and £2055 for a partner. Regretfully, the impending adjustments will have a significant impact on UK visa applicants and UK-based businesses wishing to submit updates for UK visas.

2. Increment in UK Minimum Wage Rates

Please remember that there will be notable rises to the minimum wage starting in 2024.

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £144 (up 99.8%)
• 18 to 20years old rate: £8.60 (up 14.8%)
• 16 to 17year old rate: £6.40 (up 21.2%)
• The Apprentice rate: £6.40 (up 21.2%)
• Accommodation offset: £9.99 (up 9.88%)

The advice given to companies to assess and ensure that their pay is compliant is the most crucial aspect. Remember that one of the requirements for a UK visa for individuals with interns working for them under a government-approved exchange program for temporary workers is the minimum wage obligation.