The United Kingdom Home Office has announced a substantial increase in fees for all types of visas and citizenship applications, set to take effect from 8 April 2026. The move reflects rising administrative costs and aims to align immigration services with current operational expenditures.
Overview of Fee Adjustments
The fee hikes span visitor, academic, medical, work, student, and electronic travel authorisations, affecting both short-term and long-term applicants. Key changes include:
- Visitor Visas:
- Up to 6 months – increased by £6 to £135
- Up to 2 years – increased by £31 to £506
- Up to 5 years – increased by £55 to £903
- Up to 10 years – increased by £69 to £1,128
- Academic and Medical Visits: 6–12 months visas increased by £14 to £234; similar increments apply for private medical institutions.
- Transit Visas: Airport transit – +£2.50, land border transit – +£4.50.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): +£4.
- Asylum-Related Applications: For applicants entering due to persecution in their home country, fees rise by £197.
Work and Skilled Immigration Fees
For skilled workers applying from abroad:
- Up to 3 years – +£50
- Over 3 years – +£99
- Skilled health care workers: 3 years – +£20, over 3 years – +£38
- Seasonal workers – +£21
For skilled workers applying within the UK:
- Up to 3 years – +£58
- Over 3 years – +£114
Student Visas
Applicants and their dependants will face a fee increase of £34, raising the cost to £558 per application.
Visitor Visa Extensions
Applications to extend visitor visas will see a £72 increase under the new fee structure.
Summary Table of Key Fee Changes
| Visa/Category | Previous Fee (£) | Increase (£) | New Fee (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 6 months | 129 | 6 | 135 | Short-term visits |
| Visitor 2 years | 475 | 31 | 506 | Multi-entry visa |
| Visitor 5 years | 848 | 55 | 903 | Long-term stay |
| Visitor 10 years | 1,059 | 69 | 1,128 | Extended validity |
| Academic/Medical 6–12 months | 220 | 14 | 234 | Includes private medical institutions |
| Airport Transit | – | 2.5 | – | Applies to transit at airports |
| Land Border Transit | – | 4.5 | – | Applies to land border crossings |
| ETA | – | 4 | – | Electronic Travel Authorisation |
| Asylum Applications | – | 197 | – | For persecution-based entry |
| Skilled Workers Abroad (<3 yrs) | – | 50 | – | Sponsorship required |
| Skilled Workers Abroad (>3 yrs) | – | 99 | – | Sponsorship required |
| Health Care Workers (<3 yrs) | – | 20 | – | Skilled healthcare staff |
| Health Care Workers (>3 yrs) | – | 38 | – | Skilled healthcare staff |
| Seasonal Workers | – | 21 | – | Temporary labour visas |
| Student Visa | 524 | 34 | 558 | Includes dependants |
| Visitor Visa Extension | – | 72 | – | Extending current visa duration |
Implications
The fee increases are expected to impact international students, skilled migrants, and short-term visitors, potentially affecting travel, study, and employment plans. Authorities have stated that the adjustments are necessary to maintain efficient processing and ensure the sustainability of the UK’s immigration system.
Applicants are advised to review the updated fee structure ahead of 8 April 2026 to ensure timely submissions and to budget appropriately for visa and citizenship applications.
Source: UK Home Office
