The UK government has declared an upcoming adjustment in immigration and nationality fees, set to take effect on October 4, 2023, for essential services.
Under the new fee structure, the cost of a visitor visa for stays of less than six months will rise from £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490.
This modification aligns the fees for out-of-country applications with the charges applied for in-country applications. A bill related to these fee changes has already been presented to the UK Parliament on September 15, 2023, awaiting approval.
“In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship,” the UK government said its on official website; gov.uk
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system,” it added.
The UK government however pointed out that “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.”
Additionally, it was emphasized that the adjustments do not include the anticipated rise in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is expected to go into effect later this autumn.
Meanwhile the fee changes will include the following below:
• Fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 year visit visas.
• The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK including those for work and study.
• Fees for indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain.
• Convention travel document and stateless person’s travel document.
• Health and Care visa.
• Fees in relation to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
• The in and out of country fee for the super priority service and the out of country fee for the priority service. The settlement priority service will reduce so it is aligned with the cost of using the priority service.
• Applications to Register and Naturalise as a British Citizen.
• The fee for the User Pays Visa Application service.