The UK is raising fees for visas, settlement, and sponsorship. This applies to students, workers, visitors, and employers.

The aim is to recover costs and make the immigration system self-funded.

• Start Date: April 8, 2026
• Covers: Visitor, student, work, and settlement visas
• Also Affects: Sponsor licences and CoS
• Who Pays More: Students, workers, families, employers

Here are the latest confirmed increases based on official updates:

• Standard Visitor (6 months): £127 → £135
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): £16 → £20
• Visit Visa (2 years): £475 → £506
• Visit Visa (5 years): £848 → £903
• Visit Visa (10 years): £1,059 → £1,128
• Skilled Worker (up to 3 years): £769 → £819
• Skilled Worker (over 3 years): £1,519 → £1,618
• India Young Professionals Scheme: £319 → £340
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,029 → £3,226

These increases apply to all applications submitted on or after April 8, 2026.

This change will directly affect your budget if you plan to go to the UK.

• Students will need more funds for visa and overall costs
• Skilled workers will face higher entry expenses
• Families will pay more for dependent visas

Even small increases can add up, especially for long-term visas.

UK employers hiring international talent will also pay more.

• Higher sponsor licence fees
• Increased Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) cost
• More spending on renewals and compliance

This may reduce hiring of foreign workers in some sectors.

The UK wants to reduce reliance on public money.

• Immigration system becomes self-funded
• Less burden on taxpayers
• Better control over migration

This is part of a long-term policy shift.

UK visa costs have been rising every year:

• 2023: Minor fee increases
• 2024: Health surcharge increased
• 2025: Salary rules tightened
• 2026: Broad fee hike across categories

The trend is clear—UK immigration is getting costlier.

When will the new fees apply?
From April 8, 2026.

Who is affected?
Students, workers, visitors, and employers.

Can I avoid the increase?
Yes, by applying before April 8, 2026.