The UK Home Office has officially announced a new round of immigration fee increases, set to take effect from April 8, 2026.
These changes will impact tourists, international students, skilled workers, and those applying for settlement or citizenship, making the UK a more expensive destination for migration and travel.
While most fees are rising moderately (around 6–7%), some categories, especially digital entry permits are seeing sharper hikes of up to 25%.
Why Is the UK Increasing Visa Fees?
The UK government periodically reviews visa charges to:
- Cover administrative and processing costs
- Reduce reliance on taxpayer funding
- Manage migration demand
- Fund border and immigration system improvements
However, critics argue these rising costs may discourage international talent and students, especially from countries like India and Pakistan.
Key UK Visa Fee Changes (Effective April 8, 2026)
Visitor Visa (Tourist)
- Old Fee: £127
- New Fee: £135
- Increase: 6%
Short-term travel to the UK will now cost slightly more, affecting tourists and business visitors.
Student Visa
- Old Fee: £524
- New Fee: £558
This applies to both:
- Student visa
- Child Student visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Overseas Applicants
- Up to 3 years: £769 → £819
- Over 3 years: £1,519 → £1,618
In-country Applicants
- Up to 3 years: £885 → £943
- Over 3 years: £1,751 → £1,865
Health and Care Visa
- Up to 3 years: £304 → £324
- Over 3 years: £590 → £628
Although still cheaper than other work routes, the increase slightly reduces its affordability advantage.
Temporary Work Visas
(Including India Young Professionals Scheme)
- Old Fee: £319
- New Fee: £340
Settlement (ILR – Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Old Fee: £3,029
- New Fee: £3,226
British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
- Old Fee: £1,605
- New Fee: £1,709
Child Citizenship Registration (Exception)
- Old Fee: £1,214
- New Fee: £1,000
This is the only category where fees have decreased (~18%), following ongoing legal and policy pressure.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Old Fee: £16
- New Fee: £20
- Increase: 25%
Additional Cost Factors (Important)
Beyond visa fees, applicants should also consider:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Biometric enrollment costs
- Priority processing fees
- Currency exchange fluctuations
⚠️ Important Clarification:
- The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee remains unchanged
- However, employer sponsorship licence costs are increasing, indirectly raising hiring expenses
What This Means for Applicants
For Students
- Higher upfront investment
- More financial planning required
- UK may become less competitive compared to countries like Canada or Australia
For Skilled Workers
- Increased cost for both applicants and employers
- Could lead to stricter hiring decisions by UK companies
For Tourists
- Minimal impact individually
- But noticeable for families or frequent travelers
For Families & Settlers
- Significant financial burden due to already high ILR and citizenship fees
Expert Insight
The UK continues to balance migration control with economic needs. While the country still attracts global talent, rising costs may:
- Shift applicants toward alternative destinations
- Reduce lower-income applicants
- Increase reliance on high-skilled migration
Quick Summary
- Visa fees increased by 6% to 25%
- Effective from April 8, 2026
- Students, workers, and visitors all affected
- Only child citizenship fee reduced
- Overall cost of UK migration continues to rise
