If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa, now is the time to act. Starting April 9, 2025, the UK government will introduce a fresh round of immigration and nationality fee hikes, affecting visitors, students, workers, and even those seeking British citizenship.
What’s Changing?
Everything is changing. From short-term visit visas to long-term settlement applications, the cost of moving to or staying in the UK is about to go up.
Below are some key changes:
Visit Visas
6-month visa: Increasing from £115 to £127 (+£12)
2-year visa: Rising from £432 to £475 (+£43)
5-year visa: Climbing from £771 to £848 (+£77)
10-year visa: Jumping from £963 to £1,059 (+£96)
Study Visas
Student visa: Going from £490 to £524 (+£34)
Child student visa: Increasing from £490 to £524 (+£34)
Short-term student visa (6-11 months): Rising from £200 to £214 (+£14)
Work Visas
Innovator Founder visa: Climbing from £1,486 to £1,590 (+£104)
Start-up visa: Increasing from £584 to £625 (+£41)
Settlement & Citizenship Applications
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Rising from £2,885 to £3,029 (+£144)
Naturalisation (British citizenship): Increasing from £1,500 to £1,605 (+£105)
Nationality registration (adults): Climbing from £1,351 to £1,446 (+£95)
Sponsorship Fees
Large sponsor licence: Increasing from £1,476 to £1,579 (+£103)
Small sponsor licence: Rising from £536 to £574 (+£38)
Certificate of Sponsorship (Skilled Worker & Global Business Mobility): Surging from £239 to £525 (+£286)
Why the Increase?
The UK government says the fee adjustments are necessary to cover the costs of processing applications and maintaining immigration services. This follows a similar increase in visa fees and the immigration health surcharge introduced in 2023.
Who Should Act Now?
If you’re considering applying for a UK visa or making a settlement application, it may be financially wise to submit your application before April 9, 2025, to avoid the upcoming hikes.
Final Thoughts
This fee increase adds another financial burden for those planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the UK. For prospective applicants, time is of the essence—apply now and save yourself hundreds of pounds before the new rates take effect.
