UK announces visa fee hike: What you need to know about latest changes
PTC Web Desk: The British government has implemented a visa fee increase, which takes effect starting October 4. This would affect travellers worldwide, with certain visa categories seeing significant price hikes. Here are the key changes:
Visit Visas: A visit visa for stays under six months will now cost GBP (Great Britain Pound) 115, an increase of GBP 15 (approximately Rs 1,500).
Student Visas: Applying for a student visa from outside the UK will become GBP 490, up by approximately Rs 12,750.
These changes extend to various visa categories, including visit visas with durations of six months, two, five, and 10 years, as well as applications for leave to remain in the UK, work, and study permits, indefinite leave to enter and remain, health and care visas, sponsorship certificates, and British Citizenship applications.
A spokesperson from the UK Home Office explained that these increases are aimed at funding essential public services and supporting public sector pay.
Here's a breakdown of the new visa fees, effective from October 4, applicable to foreigners, including Indians:
Family, Settlement, and Citizenship Visas: These will incur a 20% increase.
Work and Visit Visas: The fees for these will rise by 15%.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This surcharge will increase to GBP 1,035 annually.
Student Visas: For most cases, the fee will be GBP 490. However, short-term English courses (lasting more than 6 months, but less than 11 months) will not see an increase.
Skilled Workers: For certificates of sponsorship valid for three years or less, the visa cost will be GBP 719 (approximately ₹65,000).
If the sponsorship certificate exceeds three years, the fee will be GBP 1,420 (approximately ₹129,000).
Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: With certificates of sponsorship valid for three years or less, the fee will be GBP 551 (approximately ₹50,351). For certificates exceeding three years, the cost will be GBP 1,084 (approximately ₹99,125).
Anyone applying for visas, permits, or citizenship in the UK will be now subject to these revised fees.
- With inputs from agencies
