New UK Visa Fees: What You Need To Know
The UK government has announced new visa fees that will come into effect on 4 October 2023. The changes will see an increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.
The following table shows the new visa fees for some of the most popular visa types:
Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Fee Change |
Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £100 | £115 | £15 |
Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £376 | £400 | £24 |
Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £670 | £771 | £101 |
Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £837 | £963 | £126 |
Student visa | £363 | £490 | £127 |
Graduate visa | £715 | £715 | £0 |
Skilled Worker visa | £625 | £625 | £0 |
Health and Care Worker visa | £625 | £625 | £0 |
In recent years, the UK has become a prominent immigration destination for Nigerians, with data from the UK immigration office showing a remarkable 73% increase in Nigerian nationals, rising from 33,958 in June 2022 to 58,680 in June 2023.
The government has stated that the increase in fees is necessary to cover the cost of running a sustainable immigration and nationality system. However, the changes have been criticized by some who argue that they will make it more difficult for people to come to the UK to work, study or visit.
If you are planning to apply for a UK visa, it is important to be aware of the new fees and to factor them into your budget. You can find more information about the new fees on the UK government website.
Here are some tips for dealing with the new UK visa fees:
1. Plan Ahead: If you know that you will need to apply for a UK visa in the future, start saving up for the fee now. If you can save in FX, that would be a great advantage.
2. Consider your Options: If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider applying for a shorter-term visa or a visa that does not require a priority service.
3. Get help from a professional: If you are struggling to understand or apply for a UK visa, you may want to get help from a qualified immigration advisor such as TGM Education. We can help you get that done at no cost (T&C Apply).
Despite the increase in fees, the UK remains a popular destination for people from all over the world. With its rich culture, history, and economy, the UK offers something for everyone.
Source: Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 4 October 2023.
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