The United Kingdom has announced a significant increase in visa and immigration fees, set to take effect from April 8, 2026. The revised charges, introduced by the UK Home Office, will impact applicants across visitor, student, work, and settlement categories.
The fee hike ranges between 6 and 25 per cent, adding to the financial burden for individuals planning to travel, study, or settle in the UK—especially affecting Indian applicants across multiple visa routes.
Key visa fee changes
Short-term visitor visas (up to six months) will rise from £127 to £135 (around ₹17,000). Student and Child Student visa fees will increase from £524 to £558.
Work visa costs are also being revised. A Skilled Worker visa for overseas applicants (up to three years) will rise from £769 to £819, while applications exceeding three years will increase from £1,519 to £1,618.
For applicants already in the UK, fees will go up from £885 to £943 (up to three years) and from £1,751 to £1,865 (over three years).
Health, temporary work and settlement costs rise
The Health and Care visa will also see an increase, with fees rising to £324 (up to three years) and £628 (over three years). Temporary work visas, including the India Young Professionals Scheme, will increase from £319 to £340.
Settlement and citizenship costs are also going up. Indefinite leave to remain will rise from £3,029 to £3,226, while British citizenship applications will increase from £1,605 to £1,709.
One relief for families
In a rare exception, the fee for child citizenship registration will be reduced from £1,214 to £1,000—offering some relief for families.
Wider impact on applicants and employers
The increase will raise upfront costs for tourists, students, skilled professionals, and families. Employers sponsoring overseas workers will also face higher licensing costs, although the Certificate of Sponsorship fee remains unchanged.
Additionally, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will see the steepest hike, rising by 25 per cent from £16 to £20.