How true is it that the UK Visa fees has been increased effective from October 2023?
It has been announced by the Home Office that there shall be an increase in the visa fees commencing from October 2023 and the said increase shall affect the following visa categories: visiting visas, work visas, student visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain categories.
What are the reasons behind the increase in the UK visa fee?
The reasons behind the increase in the UK visa fees are not far-fetched. The Home Office announced as follows
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system.
Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”
In summary, the UK Government is increasing the visa fees in order to achieve a long-lasting immigration and nationality system. This will be achieved through visa fees paid by immigrants coming into UK and foreign UK residents planning to change their status, so as to reduce financial burden and/or contribution from British taxpayers.
How will I find the increased UK visa fee for work visa, study visa made within and outside UK, visiting visa as well as Nationality?
Below is the streamlined list of the increased visa fees of different categories showing the old fee and the new fees respectively.
Applications for work visa made outside of UK
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Innovator Founder
£1,036
£1,191
Start-up
£378
£435
Global Talent (where Approval Letter is required for main applicant)
£167
£192
Global Talent (where Approval Letter is not required for main applicant)
£623
£716
Skilled worker with a certificate of sponsorship lasting three years or less
£625
£719
Skilled worker with a certificate of sponsorship lasting over three years
£1,235
£1,420
Health and Care with a certificate of sponsorship lasting three years or less
£247
£284
Health and Care with a certificate of sponsorship lasting over three years
£479
£551
T2 Minister of Religion
£625
£719
Temporary Work (Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme)
£259
£298
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years)
£625
£719
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (over 3 years)
£1,235
£1,420
Other Global Business Mobility
£259
£298
Scale-up
£715
£822
High Potential Individual
£715
£822
Applications for Work Visa Made Inside of the UK
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Innovator Founder
£1,292
£1,486
Start-up
£508
£584
Global Talent (where Approval Letter is required for main applicant)
£167
£192
Global Talent (where Approval Letter is not required for main applicant)
£623
£716
Graduate
£715
£822
Skilled worker with a certificate of sponsorship lasting three years or less
£719
£827
Skilled worker with a certificate of sponsorship lasting over three years
£1,423
£1,500
Health and Care with a certificate of sponsorship lasting three years or less
£247
£284
Health and Care with a certificate of sponsorship lasting over three years
£479
£551
T2 Minister of Religion
£719
£827
Temporary Work (Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme)
£259
£298
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years)
£719
£827
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (over 3 years)
£1,423
£1,500
Other Global Business Mobility
£259
£298
Scale-up
£715
£822
High Potential Individual
£715
£822
Nationality
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Naturalisation (British citizenship)
£1,250
£1,500
Nationality registration as a British citizen (adult)
£1,126
£1,351
Nationality registration as a British citizen (child)
£1,012
£1,214
Applications for Study Visa Made Outside of the UK for main applicant and dependant
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Student
£363
£490
Child Student
£363
£490
Visiting visa/ other Applications Made Outside of the UK
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Visit visa (up to 6 months)
£100
£115
Visit visa (up to 2 years)
£376
£400
Visit visa (up to 5 years)
£670
£771
Visit visa (up to 10 years)
£837
£963
Route to settlement
£1,538
£1,846
Route to settlement – refugee dependant relative
£388
£404
Other visa
£531
£637
Other Applications Made Inside the UK
Category
Old Fee
New Fee from October 2023
Indefinite leave to remain
£2,404
£2,885
Leave to enter for persons in the UK liable to immigration detention
£1,048
£1,258
Travel Document – Convention travel document (adult)
£75
£82
Travel Document – Convention travel document (child)
£49
£53
At KASH LEGAL SERVICES, we understand complexities of UK immigration process and committed guiding through every step. We work tirelessly to ensure your immigration experience is as smooth and stress free as possible. To arrange free consultation please feel free to call on 01144000340 or Email info@kashlegalservices.co.uk or visit our website www.kashlegalservices.co.uk.
The information presented in this article is intended solely for providing general knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. It should not be considered as legal advice.