Home Office Immigration Fee Increases: Impact on British Citizenship, Travel & Worker Sponsorship

The Home Office announced on 16 January 2025 their intention to increase a number of immigration fees.

The government laid a draft order before Parliament which, if approved, will allow the Home Office to increase their fee levels in relation to immigration and nationality services. 

There are increases for administrative fees, such as for visitors travelling to the UK under the Electronic Authorisation scheme or those wishing to amend or replace immigration documents.

UK employers who rely on migrant workers for their workforce will also be affected. Employers sponsoring workers on the Skilled Worker route (or other work route) require to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for each worker. The current fee relating to this is £239. The proposed new level is £525.

Fees are also rising for those wishing to apply for British citizenship. The current fee when applying to register as a British citizen is £1,630, which is made up of a £1,500 Home Office fee and a £130 citizenship ceremony fee.

The proposed new Home Office fee is rising to £1,605, meaning the new total cost for applicants when submitting their citizenship application will be £1,735.

For reference, historic British citizenship fees (including the ceremony fee) are detailed below:

• 2005 – £268 
• 2010 – £780
• 2015 – £1,005
• 2020 – £1,330
• 2025 (current) – £1,630
• 2025 (proposed) – £1,735

These fee increases will come into force in due course if the legislation is approved by both Houses in Parliament.

If you would like advice on making a British citizenship application, or a sponsorship application, then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.