The UK Government has announced a fresh hike in visa and immigration fees.
The new charges will come into effect from April 8, 2026.
Most visa categories—including work, study, and visitor visas—will see an increase of around 6% to 7%.
This means people planning to move to the UK for education, jobs, or travel will now have to pay more.
This comes after earlier increases in 2025, including the Immigration Health Surcharge and Immigration Skills Charge.
Higher Costs Across All Major Visa Categories
Under the new rules, almost every major visa type will become more expensive.
Here are some key changes:
Visitor Visa (6 months): £127 → £135
Student Visa: £524 → £558
Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years): £769 → £819
Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years): £1,519 → £1,618
Graduate Route Visa (PSW): £880 → £937
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,029 → £3,226
Even applicants already living in the UK will face higher fees for extensions and settlement applications.
Impact on Indian Students and Workers
This change is especially important for Indian applicants.
Every year, thousands of Indian students go to the UK for higher studies, and many professionals apply for work visas.
With this increase, studying or working in the UK will now become more expensive.
For students in particular, the rise in visa fees adds to already high costs like tuition, accommodation, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Employers and Sponsors Will Also Pay More
The fee hike is not limited to applicants. Employers hiring foreign workers will also face higher costs.
Large sponsor license: £1,579 → £1,682
Small sponsor license: £574 → £611
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): £16 → £20
This could make it more expensive for UK companies to hire international talent.
Why Are Fees Increasing?
The UK Government says the increase is linked to inflation and is needed to cover the cost of maintaining border security and the immigration system.
However, experts believe that repeated fee hikes may make the UK a more expensive destination for students and skilled workers.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
New fees apply from April 8, 2026
Applications submitted before this date will be charged at old rates
Visa fees do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is charged separately
If you’re planning to apply soon, timing your application could help you save money.
Overall, while the increase may seem small, it adds up—especially for students and families.
Planning ahead will be key for anyone looking to move to the UK in 2026.
