A visa fee increase announced by the British government will be effective starting today. This means that a visit visa to the United Kingdom, lasting less than six months, will cost an additional GBP 15 (around Rs 1,500), and a student visa will be GBP 127 (approximately Rs 12,750) more expensive for travelers worldwide. The UK Home Office stated that these changes will raise the cost of a visit visa for less than six months to GBP 115 (nearly Rs 11,500), and the fee for a student visa from outside the UK will rise to GBP 490 (approximately Rs 50,000).
The increase in visa fees applies to various categories, including fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5, and 10-year visit visas. It also includes fees for entry clearance, certain applications for leave to remain in the UK, work and study applications, indefinite leave to enter and remain, health and care visas, certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies, and applications to register and naturalize as a British Citizen.
A spokesperson from the Home Office mentioned, “It is right and fair to increase visa application fees so we can fund vital public services and allow wider funding to contribute to public sector pay.”
Effective October 4th, the new fee structure for UK visas will come into effect for foreigners, including Indians. The cost of UK visas will increase for students, skilled workers, and immigrants. Family, settlement, and citizenship visas will see a 20% increase in cost, while work and visit visas will go up by 15%. The immigration health surcharge will also rise to GBP 1,035 per year.
The visa charge for students, including child students and dependents, will rise to GBP 490. However, there will be no increase in visa fees for short-term courses where students study English for more than 6 months but no more than 11 months.
For skilled workers with a sponsorship certificate issued for three years or less, the visa price will be GBP 719 (Rs 65,000). If the sponsorship certificate is given for more than three years, the immigration fee will be GBP 1420 (approximately Rs 129,000).
The visa price has also been raised for skilled workers in shortage occupations with a sponsorship certificate given for three years or less. They will have to pay GBP 551 (approximately Rs 50,351). If the sponsorship certificate is in effect for more than three years, the immigration fee will cost GBP 1,084 or Rs 99,125. Additionally, individuals desiring a visa, permission to stay, or citizenship in the UK will have to pay for it.