Home Office announces significant increase to immigration fees

On 13^th July 2023, the UK Government announced its plan to significantly increase Home Office immigration fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These increased fees will affect a wide range of categories including the visit, work, student and family routes, along with Certificates of Sponsorship and citizenship.  The Government has stated that the increases will help cover more of the cost of the migration and border system as well as helping to fund the anticipated pay rises in the public sector.

The application fees for work visas and visit visas will rise by 15% with student visas, Certificates of Sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain and priority visas fees rising by “at least 20%”. The exact percentage increases for these applications have yet to be published.

The IHS will increase from £624 per year per adult to £1,035 per year. The discounted rate (for those under 18, Students and Youth Mobility applicants) will increase from £472 per year to £776 per year.  

Examples of costs

• The application fee for 30 months’ permission to stay on a private or family life route will rise from £1,048 to at least £1,258 in addition to IHS charges of £2,588.

• The application fee for a settlement application (Indefinite Leave to Remain) will rise from £2,404 to at least £2,885 per person.

• The fee for a naturalisation application will rise from £1,250 to at least £1,500.

No announcement has been made on the date these increases will apply. Therefore, if you are considering applying for or renewing a UK visa, you may wish to submit your application as soon as you are eligible to try and avoid these price hikes.

Our teams in Glasgow and Edinburgh advise on all aspects of immigration law. Should you require any further advice relating to these matters, please contact a member of our immigration team.