UK increases visitor and student visa fees starting October 4
The UK government is set to raise visa fees from October 4, 2023. The new regulations will increase the cost of visit visas for stays under six months by GBP 15 and student visas by GBP 127 for applicants from around the world. The adjustments are part of efforts to support the National Health Service (NHS) and public sector wage increases. Most visa categories will be affected, including work, study, and visit visas, with the changes pending parliamentary approval. An increase in visa fees has been announced by the British government and is scheduled to go into effect on October 4. The modifications will have an effect on different visa classes, increasing the cost to applicants. For example, visit visas with stays of less than six months will cost an extra £15, while student visas will increase by £127.
British Visa Fees Set to Increase
Starting October 4, the UK government will implement an increase in visa fees. This fee adjustment will affect several visa categories. Notably, visit visas for stays of under six months will see an increase of GBP 15, while student visas will become GBP 127 more expensive for travelers worldwide. This change aims to equalize the fees for student visa applications made within and outside the UK.
Background and Rationale
The decision to raise visa fees comes after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement in July regarding the need to significantly increase fees and health surcharges paid by visa applicants.
These increases are intended to support the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) and account for public sector wage hikes. The fee hikes apply to a range of visa categories, including work and visit visas, priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.
Income and Sustainability
The UK Home Office emphasized that fees collected play a crucial role in sustaining the country's immigration and nationality system. These fees aim to reduce the financial burden on British taxpayers while ensuring an attractive immigration service for individuals looking to work in the UK, ultimately contributing to the nation's prosperity.
Affected Visa Categories
The increased fees will be charged for a variety of visa types, including health and care visas, applications for registration and naturalization as British citizens, and visit visas with different validity periods (up to six months, two years, five years, and ten years). The fees for entrance clearance, applications for permission to remain in the UK (especially for work and study purposes), fees associated with indefinite leave to enter and remain, and fees associated with certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies will also be impacted by these changes.
Parliamentary Approval and Implementation
The fee adjustments are currently pending parliamentary approval and are scheduled to take effect from October 4, 2023. These changes align with broader efforts to bolster the NHS and ensure that the UK's immigration system remains attractive to prospective migrants while reducing its reliance on taxpayer funds.
