The UK government’s recent changes to visa application fees have sparked widespread discussion and concern, particularly among families, workers, and students looking to enter or remain in the country. With the cost of living already on the rise, these increases—implemented over several phases in late 2023 and early 2024—place an additional financial burden on those seeking to build a life in the UK.
Significant increases in visa application fees
Starting on 4 October 2023, the UK Home Office introduced substantial fee hikes for most visa categories. These increases were not a one-time adjustment; further hikes were added on 10 April 2024 and 1 July 2024, affecting both those applying from outside the UK and those seeking extensions or indefinite leave to remain from within.
- Visit Visa: A six-month visit visa saw a 15% rise, now costing £115, up from £100. This seemingly small increase reflects a broader trend of rising costs across the board.
- Family Visas: For families, the impact is even more pronounced. The fee for a spouse visa, for example, jumped by 20%, from £1,538 to £1,846. This steep rise can be particularly burdensome for families who already face considerable expenses in the immigration process.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): The cost of securing ILR, an essential step for many long-term residents, has also surged by 20%, now costing £2,885. This increase significantly raises the stakes for those seeking permanent residency in the UK.
Student Visa Fees: A substantial hike
One of the most notable increases is seen in the student visa category, where the fee surged by 35%, from £363 to £490. This hike could deter prospective students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, from choosing the UK as their study destination. It’s a considerable jump that adds to the already high cost of international education.
Work Visas: A mixed bag of changes
For those seeking employment in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa, a common route for many professionals, saw a 15% increase for applications from outside the UK. The fee now stands at £719 for those with a certificate of sponsorship valid for three years or less.
However, for those in shortage occupations—a crucial consideration for sectors like healthcare—the fee is slightly lower, with specific categories like the Health and Care Visa still priced at £284 for applications involving sponsorships under three years. This distinction highlights the government’s attempt to balance raising funds with addressing critical labour shortages.
Premium services: Paying for speed and convenience
For applicants who need their visas processed more quickly, the UK offers a range of premium services. However, these come at a steep price. The Super Priority Visa service, for example, costs £1,000, offering expedited processing but adding a significant premium to an already costly application process.
Families and businesses looking for faster resolutions may find these fees unavoidable, but the high cost underscores the importance of careful financial planning when considering these options.
No Change
Interestingly, not all visa categories saw increases. For example, the cost of a private medical treatment visa (more than six months) remained at £200, and the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa held steady at £250. While this might seem like a relief, the lack of increase in these specific areas should be viewed in context—these categories are exceptions rather than the norm.
The impact on employers
the latest UK visa fees in 2024 also extend to businesses, particularly those employing foreign workers. While the cost of obtaining a sponsor licence has not changed, the fee for allocating a certificate of sponsorship has increased by up to 20%. This rise could impact smaller businesses more heavily, potentially influencing their ability to hire skilled workers from abroad.
Reflecting on the broader implications
The 2024 visa fee increases are part of a broader strategy by the UK government to adjust immigration policy, likely influenced by economic pressures and the need to manage public services effectively. However, for individuals and families, these changes can feel like another barrier in an already complex and expensive process.
For those planning to apply for a UK visa, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest UK visa fees in 2024 and consider these costs in your broader financial planning. The increases are a stark reminder of the importance of timely applications—where waiting could mean paying more—and the value of seeking expert advice to navigate these changes efficiently.
UK Work Visa Application Fees 2024
| Work Visa Applications Submitted Outside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants | £1,191 |
| Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1,000 |
| Start-up – main applicant and dependants | £435 |
| Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | £524 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required | £192 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required | £716 |
| Global Talent – dependants only | £716 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only | £716 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependants only | £1,191 |
| Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants | £1,884 |
| Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,420 |
| Skilled Worker – shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,084 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years -main applicant and dependants | £1,420 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Scale-up – main applicant and dependants | £822 |
| High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants | £822 |
| Work Visa Applications Submitted Inside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants | £1,486 |
| Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1,000 |
| Start-up – main applicant and dependants | £584 |
| Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | £524 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required | £192 |
| Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required | £716 |
| Global Talent – dependants only | £716 |
| Graduate Route – main applicant and dependants | £822 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only | £716 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – main applicant and dependants | £1,486 |
| Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants | £1,884 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,636 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,084 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| International Sportsperson where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over 12 months – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement Worker, Government Authorised Exchange Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years -main applicant and dependants | £1,636 |
| Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 |
| Scale-up – main applicant and dependants | £822 |
| High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants | £822 |
Sponsorship Application Fees 2024
| Sponsorship Applications | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors | £25,000 |
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors | £8,000 |
| Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Student sponsors | £8,000 |
| The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor | £200 |
| Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications | £500 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor) | £536 |
| Student sponsor licence | £536 |
| Temporary Worker sponsor licence | £536 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence | £536 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence | £940 |
| Endorsement fee for a Scale-up sponsor licence under the Endorsing Body Pathway (payable to the endorsing body) excluding VAT | £1,500 |
| Student sponsor basic compliance assessment | £536 |
| Sponsor action plan | £1,476 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Intra-company Transfer (until 10 April 2022), Intra-company Transfer Graduate Trainee (until 10 April 2022), Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker (from 11 April 2022) | £239 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Temporary Work route – including Global Business Mobility- Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker route, and Scale-up route | £25 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – over 12 Months | £239 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for International Sportsperson route – for 12 months or less | £25 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) for student, child student | £25 |
Other UK Visa and Application Fees 2024
| Other Visa and Applications Submitted Outside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £115 |
| Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £432 |
| Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £771 |
| Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £963 |
| Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months | £200 |
| Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 |
| Transit visa – (direct airside transit) | £35 |
| Transit visit visa (landside transit) | £64 |
| Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft | £64 |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | £30 |
| Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | £154 |
| Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode (outside the UK) | £550 |
| Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas | £154 |
| Other visa | £637 |
| Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants | £180 |
| Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants | £250 |
| Route to Settlement | £1,846 |
| Route to Settlement – other dependant relative | £3,250 |
| Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative | £404 |
| Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of a member of the armed forces under Appendix Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules. | £2,885 |
| Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces under paragraph 13 of Appendix Armed Forces to the immigration rules. | £2,885 |
| Call out/ out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) – service of consular officers | £142 |
| Receiving, preparing and forwarding documents – consular functions | £141 |
| Administrative review | £80 |
| Other Applications Submitted Inside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants | £1,000 |
| Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention | £1,258 |
| Leave to remain – Other | £1,048 |
| Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants | £180 |
| Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants | £250 |
| Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid | £25 |
| Indefinite leave to remain – main applicants and dependants | £2,885 |
| Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed | £19 |
| Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed | £19 |
| Travel Document – Certificate of travel – adult | £280 |
| Travel Document – Certificate of travel – child | £141 |
| Travel Document – Convention travel document – adult | £82 |
| Travel Document – Convention travel document – child | £53 |
| Administrative Review | £80 |
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
UK Study Visa Application Fees 2024
| Study Visa Applications Submitted Outside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Student – main applicant and dependants | £490 |
| Child Student | £490 |
| Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 |
| Study Visa Applications Submitted Inside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Student – main applicant and dependants | £490 |
| Child Student | £490 |
British Citizenship Application Fees 2024
| Nationality Applications | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Naturalisation | £1,500 |
| Naturalisation British overseas territory citizens | £1,000 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – adult | £1,351 |
| Nationality registration as a British citizen – child | £1,214 |
| The arrangement of a citizenship ceremony (including the administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony). | £130 |
| The administration of a citizenship oath, or oath and pledge where the oath, or oath and pledge, are not administered at a citizenship ceremony or by a justice of the peace. | £5 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – adult | £901 |
| Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – child | £810 |
| Renunciation of nationality | £450 |
| Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (In the UK) | £550 |
| Nationality review | £450 |
| Status Letter (Nationality) | £429 |
| Non-acquisition Letter (Nationality) | £429 |
| Nationality correction to certificate | £400 |
| Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration | £400 |
| Nationality reissued Certificate | £400 |
Optional Premium Visa and Immigration Services 2024
| Optional Premium Services Outside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Priority Visa service – Settlement | £500 |
| Priority Visa service – Non-Settlement | £500 |
| Super Priority Visa service | £1,000 |
| User Pays Visa Application service | £76.50 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to provide any premium service relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer) | £150 |
| International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query) | £2.74 |
| International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute) | £0.69 |
| Optional Premium Services Inside the UK | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Super Priority service | £1,000 |
| Expedited processing – Priority service | £500 |
| On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) (per hour per representative of the contractor providing the service) | £650 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, to a Government Department, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom | £72.27 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer) | £150 |
| Premium status checks and advice – Administrative Officer (per minute) | £0.80 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) | £0.88 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) | £1.10 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) | £0.97 |
| Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) | £1.23 |
| Premium Services at the UK Border | |
| Application Category | Application Fee |
| Registered Traveller (Adult) – Yearly Subscription (per year) | £50 |
| Registered Traveller (Child) – Yearly Subscription (per year) | £24 |
| Registered Traveller – Registration of New Documents | £20 |
| Fast Track – Heathrow terminals 2, 3 and 4 | £10 |
| Fast Track – Other ports of entry | £10 |
As we move through 2024, the landscape of UK visa applications has become increasingly complex and costly. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, looking to bring family members to the UK, or seeking to remain in the country long-term, it’s essential to understand these changes fully.
For families, the increased costs can be particularly challenging, requiring careful planning and perhaps even reconsideration of timelines. For students and workers, the new fees add to the financial pressures of moving to and living in the UK.
Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, contact GigaLegal Solicitors at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.