The UK government has announced further increases to immigration and nationality fees, affecting a wide range of visa routes including work, study and visitor visas. These changes are expected to take effect from 8 April 2026 and will impact both individual applicants and businesses sponsoring overseas workers.
For migrants planning to apply for a UK visa and employers who rely on international talent, understanding these upcoming fee changes is essential when budgeting for immigration applications.
How much it will cost, and what it means for visa applicants and UK employers?
Why Are Immigration Fees Increasing?
The Home Office has changed the visa and settlement application charges to be in accordance with the administrative charges and the wider immigration policy objectives. The majority of fees will increase by incremental amounts, especially work related and settlement and study related visas.
These rises are a sign of the government trying to pay the price of processing and handling immigration applications and several categories have increased by multiple percentage points.
These fee increase on top of other already existing immigration fees like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and biometric enrolment fees – all of which the applicant needs to consider in his or her budget prior to applying.
Official UK Visa Fee Changes from 8 April 2026
Below are some of the key fee changes directly from the Home Office’s official fee table (updated 18 March 2026).
Visas and Applications Made Outside the UK
Visa Type | Current Fee | Fee from 8 Apr 2026 | Change |
Visitor visa – up to 6 month | £127 | £135 | +£8 |
Visitor visa – up to 2 years | £475 | £506 | +£31 |
Visitor visa – up to 10 years | £1,059 | £1,128 | +£69 |
Route to Settlement | £1,938 | £2,064 | +£126 |
Dependant settlement | £3,413 | £3,635 | +£222 |
ETA | £16 | £20 | +£4 |
These increases apply across visitor, settlement and specialised categories — including Hong Kong BN(O) visas and crew immigration applications.
Work Visas (Outside the UK)
Work Visa | Current Fee | Fee from 8 Apr 2026 | Change |
Skilled Worker (≤3 yrs) | £769 | £819 | +£50 |
Skilled Worker (>3 yrs) | £1,519 | £1,618 | +£99 |
Skilled Worker – Immigration Salary List roles | £590 | £628 | +£38 |
Global Business Mobility – Specialist | £769 | £819 | +£50 |
Temporary Work (Seasonal / YMS / other) | £319 | £340 | +£21 |
Innovator Founder | £1,274 | £1,357 | +£83 |
Even work visas that previously had flat fees are rising, particularly for long‑term and skilled categories.
Student Visas (Outside the UK)
Student Visa | Current Fee | Fee from 8 Apr 2026 | Change |
Student (main + dependants) | £524 | £558 | +£34 |
Child Student | £524 | £558 | +£34 |
Short‑term English language | £214 | £228 | +£14 |
Across student categories, most study visas are becoming more expensive.
Work Visas (Applications in the UK)
Visa Type | Current Fee | Fee from 8 Apr 2026 | Change |
Skilled Worker (≤3 yrs) | £885 | £943 | +£58 |
Skilled Worker (>3 yrs) | £1,751 | £1,865 | +£114 |
Graduate Route | £880 | £937 | +£57 |
Innovator Founder | £1,590 | £1,693 | +£103 |
Domestic applications — the majority of corporate visa renewals — also see significant increases.
What This Means for Visa Applicants
Higher Upfront Costs
Applicants for visas under work, study or settlement categories should expect to pay:
- More for every visa application — even routine work permits.
- Substantially more for settlement and dependent visas, which can run into thousands of pounds.
This makes planning financial commitments early and double‑checking fee tables before submitting applications critical.
What This Means for UK Employers
Employers sponsoring overseas workers now face both:
- Higher visa fees for their sponsored employees, and
- Higher costs for domestic applications, especially if they regularly support renewals or further leave to remain applications.
For businesses with large-scale hiring plans — particularly in tech, healthcare or education — these increases can significantly affect budget forecasting and talent acquisition strategies.
Tips for Migrants and Sponsors Ahead of April 2026
- Check the Official Fee Schedule Before You Apply
Always refer to the latest Home Office fees table on GOV.UK, which reflects changes from 8 April 2026. - Plan for Additional Costs
The fee itself is just part of the cost — factor in IHS, biometric fees, priority services and legal costs. - Submit Early Where Possible
If planning to apply just before the increases take effect, make sure your application is complete and submitted with the correct fee to avoid delays. - Seek Legal Advice
Complex cases — such as settlement pathways, employer‑sponsored visas or family routes — benefit from professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes.
How Adam Bernard Solicitors Can Help
Navigating the UK immigration system has become more complex and costly than ever — especially with the Home Office’s 2026 fee increases and constantly evolving rules. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our specialist team of immigration lawyers in London offers expert legal support for all types of UK immigration matters, helping you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Whether you’re applying for a spouse or family visa, a work route such as Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility, or pursuing settlement or British citizenship, we provide personalised advice tailored to your circumstances. We also assist UK employers with corporate immigration needs, including sponsor licence applications and compliance with Home Office requirements.
Our dedicated Immigration team handles every stage of the immigration process — from assessing eligibility and preparing accurate applications to managing complex documentation and liaising with UK Visas and Immigration on your behalf. With years of experience and a strong track record, we aim to reduce stress, minimise delays and give you confidence in your immigration journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The updated visa, settlement and immigration application fees will apply from 8 April 2026 according to the official Home Office fee schedule published on GOV.UK
Yes. For example, the standard Student visa fee increases from £524 to £558, and Child Student visas see a similar increase
Yes. Settlement fee categories such as Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter and family settlement visas are subject to increases, reflecting higher costs from the Home Office.
Paying the incorrect fee can lead to delays or invalid applications. If this happens, you may need to apply again or contact UKVI for guidance or refund. Some applicants have reported issues with incorrect fee payments and refund complications, underscoring the importance of checking the exact required fee before submitting your application.
Generally, fee increases apply only to new applications submitted on or after the specified date (8 April 2026). If you’ve already paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the full period of your visa at the current rate, you usually do not need to top up to the new rates for years already covered — but always check the Home Office guidance or legal advice for your circumstances
