The United Kingdom’s Home Office has announced an increase in visa fees for visitors and students, effective from October 4th. The fee for a visit visa for less than six months will rise from £15 to £115, marking a significant 667 percent increase. Additionally, the fee for student visas will increase from £127 to £490, representing a 286 percent hike.
The UK government stated that these fee adjustments are intended to support vital services and allocate more funding for public sector pay rises. The changes will apply to various types of visas, including those for up to six months, two-, five-, and ten-year visit visas.
This announcement comes after a previous increase in visa costs earlier in the year, with a 15 percent rise in the cost of most work and visit visas, as well as a minimum 20 percent increase in priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.
The UK Home Office explained that income from visa fees plays a crucial role in sustaining the immigration and nationality system, aiming to reduce the financial burden on British taxpayers while maintaining an attractive service for those wishing to work and study in the UK.
While these changes do not include an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge, it is scheduled to be introduced later in the autumn, subject to parliamentary approval.
