New visa fees set to come into effect next month

 The UK government is raising immigration and nationality fees by an average of 15%, with some fees increasing by up to 20%. The changes will take effect on October 4, 2023, and are designed to pay for vital services and to fund public sector pay rises. The cost of a visit visa for less than six months will increase by £15 to £115. The fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications. Other fees that will increase include fees for work and study visas, indefinite leave to enter and remain, and certificates of sponsorship. The government says that the fee increases are necessary to reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers and to support broader prosperity for all. However, critics argue that the increases will disproportionately impact low-income individuals and families, and will make it more difficult for people to come to the UK to work, study, or visit loved ones. The fee increases come at a time when the UK is facing a number of challenges, including a shortage of workers in key sectors, a cost of living crisis, and a backlog of immigration applications. It remains to be seen how the fee increases will impact immigration to the UK and the country's economy as a whole.

Here is a more detailed look at some of the specific fee increases:

• Visit visas: The cost of a visit visa for less than six months will increase by £15 to £115. The cost of a visit visa for six months or longer will increase by £30 to £190.
• Student visas: The fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490. The fee for applying for a student visa from inside the UK will increase by £96 to £365.
• Work visas: The fee for applying for a skilled worker visa will increase by £100 to £755. The fee for applying for a sponsor license will increase by £500 to £2,800.
• Indefinite leave to enter and remain: The fee for applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain will increase by £200 to £2,576.
• Citizenship: The fee for applying for British citizenship will increase by £50 to £1,386.

The government says that it has considered the impact of the fee increases on different groups of people, and that it has tried to keep the increases as low as possible. However, the government also acknowledges that the fee increases will have an impact on some people's ability to come to the UK.

The government has also said that it will continue to review immigration fees on an annual basis, and that it will make further changes if necessary.