31 Mar Home Office Announces Fee Increases Effective 9 April 2025
On 19 March, the Home Office officially announced a series of fee increases for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) applications, affecting nearly all immigration routes. The new fees, which will come into effect on 9 April 2025, reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to balance economic priorities and manage immigration demand. Below is a summary of the updated fees for some of the most common immigration routes.
Fee Increases for Applications Submitted Outside the UK
| Visa Type | Current Fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Visit visa – short (up to 6 months) | £115 | £127 |
| Visit visa – long (up to 2 years) | £432 | £475 |
| Family visa | £1,846 | £1,938 |
| Skilled Worker visa (3 years) | £719 | £769 |
| Skilled Worker visa (5 years) | £1,420 | £1,519 |
| Student visa | £490 | £524 |
Fee Increases for Applications Submitted Inside the UK
| Visa Type | Current Fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Skilled Worker (3 years or less) | £827 | £885 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | £1,636 | £1,751 |
| Family visa | £1,258 | £1,321 |
| Settlement application | £2,885 | £3,029 |
| Naturalisation application | £1,630 | £1,735 |
Remarkably, the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees have increased significantly from £239 to £525, nearly doubling in cost.
The UK government determines visa fees based on several key factors. First, fees are set to cover administrative costs, including staff salaries, IT systems, and the operation of visa application centers worldwide. This ensures the visa system is self-funded and does not rely heavily on taxpayer money. Second, fees are adjusted to align with immigration policies, such as encouraging skilled worker visas or managing demand for certain routes. Third, a tiered fee structure is used, where fees vary based on the complexity and duration of the visa, with higher costs for long-term or premium services. Fourth, periodic reviews account for inflation, rising operational costs, and the need to fund public services. Finally, fees are often compared with those of other countries to ensure competitiveness and fairness.
However, the consistent year-on-year fee increases highlight the government’s reliance on immigration-related revenue to support public services and manage economic priorities, making the UK one of the most expensive countries for immigration. While higher fees may help reduce demand in certain categories, they also risk making the UK less attractive to skilled workers, students, and families. The government’s approach reflects a delicate balance between maintaining economic opportunities for UK residents and managing the financial and social impacts of immigration.
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For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075
