New UK Visa Fees: What You Need to Know
The UK government has introduced new visa fees, affecting various visa categories for students, workers, and visitors. If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa in 2024, understanding the updated costs and their implications is essential.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
✅ The latest UK visa fee changes
✅ Why the UK government has increased visa costs
✅ How the new fees affect students, workers, and visitors
✅ Tips to reduce your visa expenses
Whether you are a student, skilled worker, or business traveler, this blog will help you navigate the new UK visa pricing system.
1. Why Did the UK Government Increase Visa Fees?
The UK Home Office announced visa fee hikes in 2023, citing several reasons:
✔ Rising Administrative Costs – The government claims that processing visas requires more resources.
✔ Increased NHS Surcharge – The National Health Service (NHS) surcharge has also increased, affecting visa applicants.
✔ Immigration System Funding – Higher fees help cover the costs of border security and immigration services.
? Official Statement: According to the UK Home Office, the revised fees aim to ensure that visa applicants contribute to the cost of running the UK’s immigration system, reducing the burden on taxpayers.
2. Overview of the New UK Visa Fees in 2024
The visa fee increases apply to different categories, including student visas, work visas, visitor visas, and settlement applications.
? UK Visitor Visa Fees (Short-Term & Long-Term)
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (2024) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £100 | £115 | +15% |
| Standard Visitor Visa (2 years) | £376 | £400 | +6% |
| Standard Visitor Visa (5 years) | £670 | £771 | +15% |
| Standard Visitor Visa (10 years) | £837 | £963 | +15% |
? Key Takeaway: The biggest increase is in long-term visitor visas, making it more expensive for frequent travelers.
? UK Student Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (2024) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Outside UK) | £363 | £490 | +35% |
| Student Visa (Inside UK) | £490 | £490 | No Change |
? Impact on Students: International students applying from outside the UK now face a significant 35% increase in visa fees.
? UK Work Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (2024) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (Shortage Occupation, Up to 3 Years) | £479 | £551 | +15% |
| Skilled Worker Visa (General, Up to 3 Years) | £610 | £718 | +18% |
| Skilled Worker Visa (More than 3 Years) | £1,220 | £1,420 | +16% |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | £247 | £284 | +15% |
? Impact on Workers: Skilled workers and healthcare professionals will pay higher visa fees, increasing the cost of working in the UK.
? UK Settlement & Citizenship Fees
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (2024) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | £2,389 | £2,885 | +21% |
| British Citizenship | £1,330 | £1,500 | +13% |
? Impact on Permanent Residents: The cost of ILR and British citizenship applications has increased, making it more expensive to settle permanently in the UK.
3. How the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge Increase Affects You
Alongside visa fee hikes, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has increased. This is a mandatory fee paid by most visa applicants to access healthcare in the UK.
| Applicant Type | Old IHS Fee (Annual) | New IHS Fee (2024) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Applicant | £624 | £1,035 | +66% |
| Student/Child Applicant | £470 | £776 | +65% |
? Impact on Visa Holders: If you’re applying for a 5-year work visa, you will now pay £5,175 instead of £3,120 just for the NHS surcharge.
4. Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Visa Fees?
? International Students – The 35% increase in student visa fees and higher NHS surcharge make studying in the UK more expensive.
? Skilled Workers – Work visa fees have increased, and the NHS surcharge is a major financial burden for foreign workers.
? Long-Term Visitors – If you frequently travel to the UK for business or family visits, long-term visitor visa fees have increased by up to 15%.
? Permanent Residents & Citizens – Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship is now hundreds of pounds more expensive.
5. How to Reduce UK Visa Costs? (Top Money-Saving Tips) ?
Although the new fees are unavoidable, you can reduce your visa expenses with these smart strategies:
✅ Apply Early
- Apply before fee changes take effect to lock in lower costs.
- Avoid last-minute applications that may lead to expensive fast-track fees.
✅ Check for Scholarships & Employer Sponsorships
- Many UK universities offer scholarships that cover visa fees.
- Some employers pay for work visa fees and IHS charges—negotiate with your employer.
✅ Use Shorter Visa Durations
- Instead of applying for a 5-year visitor visa (£771), consider applying for a 2-year visa (£400) if your visits are infrequent.
✅ Apply for the Right Visa
- Avoid unnecessary fees by choosing the correct visa category.
- Check whether you qualify for a shortage occupation list discount on work visas.
✅ Seek Legal Advice for ILR & Citizenship Applications
- A small mistake on your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship application can lead to rejection—losing your application fee.
- Consult a UK immigration lawyer to avoid costly errors.
6. Final Thoughts: Is the UK Still a Good Destination for Immigration?
Despite rising visa fees, the UK remains one of the top destinations for students, skilled workers, and business travelers. It offers:
✔ World-Class Universities – Home to institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
✔ Strong Job Market – High demand for healthcare, IT, and engineering professionals.
✔ Diverse & Multicultural Society – A welcoming environment for international communities.
However, with the higher costs of visas, NHS surcharges, and living expenses, applicants should carefully plan their finances before moving to the UK.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ When did the new UK visa fees take effect?
The new visa fees came into effect on October 4, 2023, with the NHS surcharge increase confirmed for early 2024.
❓ Will visa fees increase again in the future?
There is no official confirmation, but further increases are possible due to economic conditions and government policies.
❓ Can I get a refund if my visa is rejected?
Visa application fees are non-refundable, so ensure your application is accurate.
Conclusion
The new UK visa fees have made immigration more expensive, affecting students, workers, and visitors. With increased costs for visa applications, NHS surcharges, and settlement, it’s crucial to plan your budget carefully.
To reduce expenses, apply early, explore sponsorship opportunities, and choose the right visa type.
Are you planning to apply for a UK visa?