October 4, 2023: The UK government increased visa fees for visitors, students, and skilled workers up to 20% from October 4, 2023. The increases are designed to cover the costs of processing visas and to fund the UK’s border security measures.
However, critics have argued that the increases will make it more difficult and expensive for people to visit, study or work in the UK.
The following table shows the new visa costs for some of the most popular visa types:
| Visa type | Previous cost | New cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard visitor visa | £100 | £115 |
| Student visa | £348 | £419 |
| Skilled worker visa | £525 | £719 |
| Child Student | £475 | £490 |
| Graduate route | £715 | £822 |
| Priority service | £250 | £500 |
| Super Priority service | £500 | £1000 |
Application Fee for Skilled Workers
If you’re applying from outside the UK:
- up to 3 years – £719 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,420 per person
If you’re applying from inside the UK:
- up to 3 years – £827 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,500 per person – gov.uk
The UK government has said that the visa fee increases will not apply to refugees, asylum seekers, or those who are fleeing persecution.
The government has also announced that it will be increasing the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is a fee that migrants are required to pay to access the NHS. The IHS will increase from £624 per year to £1,035 per year for adults, and from £470 per year to £776 per year for children but it did not, and it may change in the future…
What does this mean for you?
If you are planning to visit, study, or work in the UK, you will need to pay more for your visa from October 4, 2023. You should check the UK government website for the latest visa fees and requirements.
Here are some tips for saving money on your UK visa application:
- Apply for your visa early. This will give you more time to gather the required documents and to pay the visa fee.
- Use a visa consultant. A visa consultant can help you to complete your visa application correctly and to avoid any mistakes.
- Consider applying for a multiple-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa will allow you to enter and leave the UK multiple times during a set period of time.
For more information visit Gov.uk
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