UK Visa Fees to Rise from April 9, 2025: Full List of Changes and What They Mean

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The United Kingdom has announced a visa fee increase from April 9, affecting multiple categories, including study, visit, sponsorship, and transit visas

The Home Office confirmed the changes as part of a broader policy to manage migration and fund the UK's immigration system.

The increases will affect both first-time applicants and those renewing or extending their visas. While most standard and premium service fees have seen minor adjustments, some categories—especially long-term visitor and student visas—face steeper hikes.

What This Means for Applicants

• Plan and budget early. Applying before April 9 could save money, especially for families or long-term applicants.

• Monitor updates. Specific increases for skilled worker and ILR routes may be released closer to the deadline.

• Use official sources. Always confirm fees through the official UK government website or trusted visa agencies.

Here is a complete overview of the changes:

Visitor UK Visas

These are among the most commonly issued UK visas. All categories are seeing price increases, with long-term visas seeing the most significant rise.

Visitor UK Visas

These visas are typically used for tourism, business visits, or short-term family visits.

Student UK Visas

Applicants planning to study in the UK will now pay more for both themselves and any dependents.

Student UK Visas

This applies to all international students applying from outside the UK, including those for higher education, postgraduate studies, and English language courses.

Transit UK Visas

Travelers transiting through the UK will also face increased fees.

Transit UK Visas

Airside visas are for those not passing through UK border control, while landside visas are for travelers who do.

Skilled Worker UK Visas & Extensions

Although exact fee amounts for skilled worker visas were not released in this announcement, the Home Office confirmed these will also increase. This includes:

• Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)

• Health and Care Worker Visa

• Intra-company Transfers

• Dependent family member applications

• Visa extension applications across work categories

Applicants should monitor the official UK Home Office visa fees page for the updated fee list on or before April 9.

Naturalisation and Settlement

Fees for citizenship applications and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) are included in the increases:

• Naturalisation (becoming a British citizen): Fees will rise, although the exact new amount hasn’t been detailed publicly yet.

• Settlement (ILR): Extensions and permanent residence applications will be more expensive.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The ETA scheme, which applies to visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, EU countries), is also subject to a fee increase. The ETA is mandatory for short stays starting from 2024-2025.

What’s NOT Changing?

• Priority and Super Priority Services: These optional fast-track services for visa processing remain unchanged.

• Premium Sponsorship Fees: No increase in premium services for licensed UK sponsors.

Why the Fee Increases?

The UK government cites several reasons for the increases:

1. Cost Recovery: Visa processing costs and border control expenses continue to rise.

2. Migration Management: Aligns with the UK’s policy to reduce net migration.

3. Funding Public Services: Higher fees help cover healthcare and education used by migrants.

Bottom Line

The changes affect nearly every type of UK visa. While the increases are not drastic individually, they add up quickly for families, long-term visitors, or applicants with dependents. Whether you’re planning to study, visit, work, or settle in the UK, it’s essential to understand the new costs and prepare accordingly.

FAQs – UK Visa Fee Changes in 2025

1. When will the new UK visa fees take effect?
The updated UK visa fees will take effect on April 9, 2025. Any applications submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new pricing structure.

2. How much is a UK tourist visa in 2025?
From April 9, 2025, a standard 6-month UK tourist visa will cost £127, up from £115. Longer-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) will also see increased fees.

3. Are UK student visa fees increasing in 2025?
Yes. UK student visa fees for international applicants and their dependents will rise from £490 to £524, a 10% increase starting April 9, 2025.

4. Will UK transit visa fees also increase?
Yes. An airside transit visa will rise from £35 to £39, and a landside transit visa will increase from £64 to £70 in 2025.

5. Are premium visa services affected by the 2025 fee changes?
No. Premium services like Priority and Super Priority visa processing, as well as Premium Sponsorship packages, will remain unchanged after April 9, 2025.

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