Following the introduction of new legislation today, increases in immigration and nationality fees are scheduled to take effect on 4th October 2023 in order to pay for vital services and allow more funding to be prioritised for public sector pay rises. However, the decision made today does not include increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is set to be discussed later in the year.
For example, the cost to apply for a visit visa for less than 6 months would rise from £15 to £115, while the fee for an out-country student visa will rise from £127 to £490. This is following the decision made in July 2023 by the UK Government to increase the cost of majority work and visit visas by 15% and the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship by a minimum of 20%.
The reason behind these increases is to encourage broader prosperity for all while maintaining a service that is appealing to those looking to work in the UK and reducing the funding input from British taxpayers.
Further changes will include:
- Visit Visas – fees for up to 6 months, 2.5 years and 10 years
- Most 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.
- Travel document and stateless person’s travel document application fees.
- Health and Care visa fees
- Certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies fees
- 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 Naturalise and Register as British Citizens
- The fee for the User Pays Visa Application service.
The immigration and nationality fees will increase beginning on 4th October 2023, subject to parliamentary approval.
By: Hanna Barzinji