Increased immigration and Nationality Fees to take effect

from October 4th 2023

October 4, 2023, increased immigration and nationality fees will take effect. These changes aim to support essential services and allocate more resources to boost public sector salaries. Already, the legislation for these adjustments was introduced in Parliament on September 15.

These modifications translate to higher fees for various visa types. For instance, the cost of a visit visa for stays of less than six months will increase by £15, reaching a total of £115. Similarly, the application fee for student visas from outside the UK will rise by £127 to match the amount charged for in-country applications, settling at £490.

The government had previously announced a 15% surge in the prices of most work and visit visas in July. Priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship, on the other hand, will see increases of at least 20%.

How is the income generated from the fees used?

The income generated from these fees plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of the immigration and nationality system under the Home Office. The fees are thoughtfully set to minimize the financial burden on British taxpayers while maintaining an attractive service for those seeking employment in the UK, thus contributing to overall prosperity.

Importantly, the changes encompass several key areas, including fees for various visa durations, entry clearance, and applications for leave to remain in the UK. They also affect fees for indefinite leave to enter and remain, convention travel documents, and stateless person’s travel documents, among others. Furthermore, fees related to certificates of sponsorship, confirmation of acceptance for studies, and priority services will undergo adjustments to align with costs.

Applications for registering and naturalizing as a British citizen will also be subject to these revised fees, as will the User Pays Visa Application service.

Has Parliamentary Approval happened yet?

These fee adjustments are contingent on Parliamentary approval and are scheduled to take effect on October 4, 2023. Therefore, it’s important to note that these changes do not encompass the planned increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is set to be introduced later in the Autumn.

For more information

For a comprehensive list of the new fees, please visit Visa fees transparency data on the GOV.UK website (www.gov.uk). These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of the immigration and nationality system while providing valuable services to those seeking opportunities in the UK.

You can also contact our Head of Immigration, Leena Chouhan on [email protected]