The UK Home Office has unveiled significant changes to immigration and nationality fees, set to take effect on 9 April 2025. These adjustments reflect broader trends in immigration policy, anticipated fiscal pressures, and the need for the UK to remain competitive in attracting talent. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone considering work, study, or visits to the UK, as well as employers and educational institutions involved in sponsorship.
This comprehensive overview breaks down the fee increases across various categories: work visas, study visas, visit visas, settlement and nationality fees, and sponsorship fees—offering you insights to better prepare for the forthcoming changes.
Work Visa Fees
The landscape for work visa applications will see notable increases starting in April. For instance, if you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll find the fees have gone up across several sub-categories:
| Category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Skilled Worker (3 years or less) | £719 | £769 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,519 |
| Health & Care Worker (3 years or less) | £284 | £304 |
| Health & Care Worker (over 3 years) | £551 | £590 |
| Graduate Trainee (GBM) | £298 | £319 |
| Scale-up Worker | £822 | £880 |
These adjustments apply to applications submitted from outside the UK. For those making in-country applications, additional increases will be reflected, which you can review here.
Study Visa Fees
If you’re planning to study in the UK, it’s worth noting that application fees for study visas will also see an uptick. Here’s what to expect:
| Category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Student | £490 | £524 |
| Child Student | £490 | £524 |
| Short term student studying English language | £200 | £214 |
These increases will impact international students aspiring to study in the UK, making it essential to budget accordingly.
Visit Visa Fees
| Category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Visit visa (up to 6 months) | £115 | £127 |
| Visit visa (up to 2 years) | £432 | £475 |
| Visit visa (up to 5 years) | £771 | £848 |
| Visit visa (up to 10 years) | £963 | £1,059 |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £10 | £16 |
This increase may affect tourism and business visits to the UK, adding another layer of consideration for potential visitors.
Settlement and Nationality Fees
For those looking to settle in the UK or acquire British citizenship, the fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and naturalisation are also subject to changes:
| Category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | £2,885 | £3,029 |
| Naturalisation (British citizenship) | £1,500 | £1,605 |
These fees are important for individuals who have built a life in the UK and wish to formalize their status—a further increase that may influence decisions regarding residency.
Sponsorship Fees for Employers and Education Providers
Employers and educational institutions sponsoring workers or students must also be prepared for fee hikes. Notably, the costs associated with sponsor licences and certificates of sponsorship will rise:
| Category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 | £1,579 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee – Skilled Worker | £239 | £525 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) fee – Student & Child Student | £25 | £55 |
These increases emphasize the financial implications for businesses and educational organizations operating within the UK immigration system. It is vital for stakeholders to assess how these changes will impact their budgets and operational strategies moving forward.
Optional Premium Services
While there is a considerable reshuffling of standard fees, the fee table has confirmed that there will be no changes to optional premium services in April. This includes services that expedite the visa application process or provide enhanced support, maintaining their current rates. Applicants who value quicker decisions may still find these options worthwhile.
Find Out More
For those seeking detailed insights into the new fee structure, a complete list of fees can be found on the official GOV.UK website here. If you wish to understand how these changes could influence your business or application strategy, feel free to contact Smith Stone Walters today.
