Starting from October 4, the UK Home Office has announced significant changes to visa fees.
According to the statement released on Friday, September 15, 2023, by the UK government, a visit visa for less than six months, previously priced at £15 (approximately N14,592.70), will now cost £115 (about N111,878.28), marking a staggering 667 percent increase.
Additionally, student visa fees will rise from £127 (N123,537.58) to £490 (N476,677.59), reflecting a 286 percent increase.
The government states that these increases will help fund essential services and prioritize public sector pay raises.
Moreover, these changes apply to various visa categories, including work, study, and settlement, and are set to be implemented on October 4.
However, It is important to note that further increases, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, are planned for later in the autumn, pending parliamentary approval.
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The statement read partly:
“Increases to immigration and nationality fees to pay for vital services and allow more funding to be prioritised for public sector pay rises are set come into effect on 4 October, following legislation being laid in Parliament today (15 September).
“The changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.
“In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system.
“Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.
“Subject to Parliamentary approval, the immigration and nationality fees will increase from 4 October 2023. Today’s changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which are scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn,” the UK government stated.
