UK Visa Fees Rise 6.5% from 8 April 2026 Across Most Routes
Visit visas, Skilled Worker applications, and settlement fees all increased on 8 April, with six-month visitor visas now £135 and Indefinite Leave to Remain reaching £3,029.
The Home Office implemented a 6.5% fee increase across most UK visa categories from 8 April 2026, affecting visitors, students, workers, and those applying for settlement. The increases were published on 17 May 2026 and apply to applications submitted on or after 8 April.
Key fee changes
A standard six-month visitor visa rose from £127 to £135. Longer visitor visas also increased: two-year visas now cost £506 (up from £475), five-year visas £903 (from £848), and ten-year visas £1,128 (from £1,059). Student visa applications outside the UK increased from £524 to £558, while Skilled Worker entry clearance for grants up to three years rose to £769, and longer grants to £1,420. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications now cost £3,029, up from around £2,850.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee increased from £16 to £20. Sponsor licence fees for employers also rose: small businesses now pay approximately £536 and medium to large businesses £1,476. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) remains £1,035 per adult per year, adding thousands to the total cost of multi-year visas. Priority processing services add a further £500–£1,000.
What it means for you
If you're planning to apply for a UK visa, factor these higher fees into your budget immediately. For those on work visas considering settlement, the ILR fee of over £3,000—plus the potential cost of naturalisation (£1,605) and citizenship ceremony later—means you should start saving early. If you're switching a Skilled Worker visa inside the UK, be aware the in-country fee (roughly £1,500) is significantly higher than applying from abroad. Applicants outside the UK should also note that the Home Office converts fees weekly using OANDA exchange rates plus 4%, so your local-currency cost can fluctuate. Build at least a 5% buffer into your relocation budget to account for currency movements. Check the official GOV.UK visa fee calculator before submitting any application to confirm the exact amount due.
Sources
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