Guide to changes in UK visa fees and how it might affect you (October 2023)
Download the full list of the new fees at: Visa fees transparency data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
In October 2023, the United Kingdom introduced several changes to its visa fee structure. These changes affect various visa categories, including visitors, sponsored workers, and international sportspersons.
These changes in UK visa fees are a significant development for individuals planning to visit or work in the United Kingdom. It's important to stay informed about these updates and be prepared for potential adjustments in your immigration budget.
In this blog post, we'll break down all the significant alterations, providing you with a clear understanding of the new fees and how they might impact your immigration plans.
Understanding the Changes:
- Student Visa Fees: Applying for a student visa from outside the UK will become more expensive, with a £127 increase, making the total fee £490. This change is meant to align the fee with what's charged for in-country applications.
- Previous Announcements: The government had previously announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, along with at least a 20% increase in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.
Visitor Visas:
-
Short-Term Visitor Visas (Up to 6 Months):
The cost of a visit visa for stays of less than six months will increase by £15, bringing it to a total of £115.
- Previous Fee: £100
- New Fee (From 4th October 2023): £115
- Percentage Change: 15%
-
Long-Term Visitor Visas (2, 5, or 10 Years):
- Various fees apply based on the duration of the visa.
- Percentage Change: 15%
-
Visitor Extension in the UK:
- Previous Fee: £1,000
- New Fee (From 4th October 2023): £1,000
- Percentage Change: 0%
Sponsored Worker Visas:
-
Skilled Worker Visas (Certificate of Sponsorship for 3 Years or Less):
- Previous Fee (In-Country): £719
- New Fee (In-Country, from 4th October 2023): £827
- Percentage Change (In-Country): 15%
- New Fee (Overseas, from 4th October 2023): £719
- Percentage Change (Overseas): 15%
-
Skilled Worker Visas (Certificate of Sponsorship for Over 3 Years):
- Previous Fee (In-Country): £1,423
- New Fee (In-Country, from 4th October 2023): £1,500
- Percentage Change (In-Country): 5%
- New Fee (Overseas, from 4th October 2023): £1,420
- Percentage Change (Overseas): 15%
-
Skilled Worker Visas (Shortage Occupation):
- Various fees apply based on the certificate of sponsorship duration.
- Percentage Change: 15%
-
T2 Minister of Religion Visas:
- Various fees apply based on the certificate of sponsorship duration.
- Percentage Change: 15%
-
International Sportsperson Visas:
- Various fees apply based on the certificate of sponsorship duration.
- Percentage Change: 15%
Annual Rate for Sponsored Worker Visas:
-
Skilled Worker Visas (Certificate of Sponsorship for Over 3 Years):
- Previous Annual Fee (In-Country): £2,396
- New Annual Fee (In-Country, from 4th October 2023): £2,750
- Percentage Change (In-Country): 15%
- New Annual Fee (Overseas, from 4th October 2023): £2,391
- Percentage Change (Overseas): 15%
-
T2 Minister of Religion Visas (Certificate of Sponsorship for Over 12 Months):
- Various annual fees apply based on the certificate of sponsorship duration.
- Percentage Change: 15%
What the Changes Include
The fee adjustments will impact various types of visas and services, including:
- Fees for visit visas with durations of up to 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years.
- The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain leave-to-remain applications, such as those for work and study.
- Fees for indefinite leave to enter and remain.
- Convention travel documents and stateless person’s travel documents.
- Health and Care visa fees.
- Fees related to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
- Fees for super-priority and priority services.
- Applications to Register and Naturalize as a British Citizen.
- The user Pays the Visa Application service fee.
Upcoming Changes to Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
It's important to note that the announced changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is expected to be introduced later in the Autumn.
Table of Fees and Unit Costs - 4 October 2023
Provided fee and cost information in a table format:
Download the full list of the new fees at: Visa fees transparency data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
| Enabling Provision (Fees Order) | Method of Calculation | In-Country/Overseas | Fee Category | Current Fee | Fee from 4 October 2023 | % Change | Estimated Unit Cost | Maxima |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry clearance as a Visitor for a period of six months or less | Fixed Amount | Overseas | Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £100 | £115 | 15% | £93 | £140 |
| Entry clearance as a visitor for a period more than six months up to and including twelve months | Fixed Amount | Overseas | Visiting academic - more than 6 months but no more than 12 months | £200 | £200 | 0% | £93 | £250 |
| Overseas | Private medical treatment visa - more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 | £200 | 0% | £93 | £250 | ||
| Entry clearance as a visitor for a period of more than twelve months | Annual rate | Overseas | Visit visa – long up to 2 years [Footnote 1] | £376 | £400 | 6% | £93 | £250 p.a. |
| Overseas | Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £670 | £771 | 15% | £93 | £250 p.a. | ||
| Overseas | Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £837 | £963 | 15% | £93 | £250 p.a. | ||
| Leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a visitor | Fixed Amount | In-Country | Visitor Extension - main applicant and dependants | £1,000 | £1,000 | 0% | £218 | £1,200 |
| Entry clearance or limited leave as a sponsored worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued | Fixed Amount | In-Country | Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 |
| Overseas | Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | T2 Minister of Religion - main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | T2 Minister of Religion - main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £1,423 | £1,500 | 5% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £1,235 | £1,420 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | 15% | £137 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | £259 | £298 | 15% | £137 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | £719 | £827 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | £625 | £719 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | Skilled Worker - Shortage Occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | £479 | £551 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £1,199 | £1,377 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £1,042 | £1,199 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| Entry clearance or limited leave as a sponsored worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued | Annual rate | In-Country | Skilled Worker where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £2,396 | £2,750 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 p.a. |
| Overseas | Skilled Worker where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years - main applicant and dependants | £2,078 | £2,391 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 p.a. | ||
| In-Country | T2 Minister of Religion where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | £499 | £574 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | T2 Minister of Religion where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | £499 | £574 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 | ||
| In-Country | T2 Minister of Religion where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | £1,199 | £1,377 | 15% | £151 | £2,000 | ||
| Overseas | T2 Minister of Religion where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | £1,042 | £1,199 | 15% | £129 | £2,000 p.a. |
Conclusion
As of October 4th, 2023, travelers planning to visit, study, or work in the UK should be aware of these changes to visa fees. It's crucial to stay informed about the latest immigration regulations to ensure a smooth journey to the United Kingdom.
Remember that visa fees can change, so always check the latest information on the official UK government website or consult with immigration authorities to ensure you have the most up-to-date details.
Source: [UK Home Office]
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