As part of its wider immigration reform strategy, the UK government has announced a significant increase in visa application fees, effective from 9 April 2025. These revised fees affect nearly every immigration route, including work, study, visit, family, settlement, and nationality applications.
While the Home Office states that these changes are aimed at making the immigration system more financially sustainable, the increased cost burden on migrants may have broader implications—both for individuals and the UK economy.
Below, Breytenbachs explores the most impactful changes and what they could mean for migrants.
Why are Visa Fees increasing?
According to the UK government, the fee adjustments are designed to ensure that visa applicants, rather than UK taxpayers, shoulder more of the cost of the immigration system. The changes are also intended to reflect increased administrative and infrastructure costs in processing immigration applications.
However, critics argue that steep fee hikes may deter international talent, strain family unification efforts, and reduce the UK’s appeal to international students and skilled workers.
Notable Visa Fee Increases from 9 April 2025
Here are some of the most significant changes across popular visa routes:
Visit Visas
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £115 | £127 | +£12 |
| Long-Term Visitor Visa (2 years) | £432 | £475 | +£43 |
| Long-Term Visitor Visa (5 years) | £771 | £848 | +£77 |
| Long-Term Visitor Visa (10 years) | £963 | £1,059 | +£96 |
These increases will significantly affect families, business travellers, and tourists who visit the UK frequently.
Work Visas – Skilled Worker and Sponsorship
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years, outside UK) | £719 | £769 | +£50 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years, inside UK) | £1,636 | £1,751 | +£115 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £284 | £304 | +£20 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (Skilled Worker route) | £239 | £525 | +£286 |
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee more than doubles, a dramatic increase that may place financial strain on employers—especially small to mid-sized businesses looking to sponsor overseas talent.
Study Visas
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| Student Visa | £490 | £524 | +£34 |
| Child Student Visa | £490 | £524 | +£34 |
| Short-Term English Study | £200 | £214 | +£14 |
The UK remains a top global destination for higher education. However, increased costs may deter students from lower-income backgrounds or countries from pursuing studies in Britain.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR)
| Application Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | £2,885 | £3,029 | +£144 |
| Route to Settlement (General) | £1,846 | £1,938 | +£92 |
For those looking to settle permanently in the UK, the £3,000+ price tag for ILR may prove to be a significant barrier, especially for families with multiple applicants.
British Citizenship and Naturalisation
| Application Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| Naturalisation as a British Citizen | £1,500 | £1,605 | +£105 |
| Registration as British Citizen (Adult) | £1,351 | £1,446 | +£95 |
For many migrants, naturalisation is the final step in a long journey. These fee increases raise the financial threshold at a time when many families are already facing high living costs.
Strengthening the UK Immigration economy: Long-Term Vision and Opportunities
The upcoming visa fee increases reflect the UK government’s commitment to building a sustainable and self-funded immigration system. While the changes introduce higher costs for applicants, they also present opportunities to enhance service quality, reduce processing delays, and ensure that immigration routes remain efficient and robust.
One of the broader implications of the visa fee increases is the potential to encourage more thoughtful employer planning and sponsorship efficiency. While the rise in the Certificate of Sponsorship fee may seem substantial—particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises—it is likely to lead employers to adopt more strategic and long-term hiring practices. By investing in applicants who are genuinely aligned with their business needs, employers can foster more stable and meaningful employment relationships. This, in turn, supports better workplace integration and retention of international staff.
In addition, the increased visa revenue will play a vital role in strengthening the infrastructure of the UK immigration system. These funds are expected to support essential public services such as border security, digital processing systems, and applicant support services. A better-resourced system can deliver faster decision-making, reduced backlogs, and a more streamlined experience for applicants. Ultimately, this benefits both migrants and the broader UK public by maintaining a secure and efficient immigration framework.
By investing in a system that is transparent, streamlined, and better resourced, the UK continues to position itself as a leading global destination for skilled workers, students, and families looking to build a future in a well-regulated and welcoming environment.
How to prepare
If you are planning to apply for a UK visa, we strongly advise:
- Submitting applications before 9 April 2025, where possible, to avoid higher fees.
- Reviewing your eligibility and financial documentation to ensure your application meets updated requirements.
- Consulting a regulated immigration adviser to guide you through the process and avoid costly errors.
Breytenbachs can assist you
At Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants, we understand that immigration is both a legal and personal journey. Our team of highly experienced immigration advisers is ready to help you plan ahead and protect your immigration goals amid these changes.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. For personalised immigration assistance, please contact one of our qualified consultants.
