UK Immigration Fees to Rise from 9 April 2025 – What You Need to Know
The UK government has announced a significant increase in immigration fees, effective from 9 April 2025. This rise impacts a wide range of immigration routes, including work visas, family visas, and sponsorship fees. These changes are poised to affect applicants globally, including those planning to study, work, or settle in the UK. At Flytouch Overseas, we aim to provide a comprehensive breakdown of these fee adjustments and what they mean for you.
Overview of the Fee Increase
The upcoming changes are part of the UK government’s effort to generate additional revenue and support public sector wages, particularly for public services like the NHS. The Home Office has now confirmed that the changes will come into effect from 9 April 2025, following a formal legislative update.
The increases range between 15% to 35% depending on the category of the visa or immigration application.
Breakdown of Key Immigration Fee Increases
1. Work Visa Applications
The Skilled Worker visa, one of the most common routes for international professionals, will see the following changes:
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Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years)
Old Fee: £719
New Fee: £827 -
Skilled Worker visa (more than 3 years)
Old Fee: £1,420
New Fee: £1,636 -
Shortage Occupation roles continue to receive a discounted rate, but these fees are also increasing.
The Global Business Mobility routes and Health and Care visas will also face similar rises.
2. Family Visas and Settlement Applications
Those applying to join family members in the UK or settling permanently will be subject to increased fees:
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Family visa (partner/spouse or child)
Old Fee: £1,048
New Fee: £1,258 -
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Old Fee: £2,885
New Fee: £3,220
These increases may put additional pressure on families planning reunification or permanent settlement in the UK.
3. Student Visa and Graduate Route
Education-related immigration fees are also rising:
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Student visa (outside UK)
Old Fee: £363
New Fee: £490 -
Graduate Route
Old Fee: £822
New Fee: £1,054
These changes could influence international students’ decisions when choosing the UK as their destination.
4. Naturalisation and Citizenship Applications
Applicants seeking British citizenship will also feel the financial impact:
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Naturalisation as a British citizen
Old Fee: £1,330
New Fee: £1,500
These fees do not include the biometric enrolment costs or the Life in the UK test fees.
Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge will also rise significantly:
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Previous IHS rate: £624 per year
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New IHS rate: £1,035 per year (starting 6 February 2025)
For students and youth mobility applicants, the IHS will increase from £470 to £776 per year.
This surcharge applies to most visa categories and covers access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the stay.
Sponsorship Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship Fees
UK employers and educational institutions will also face increased costs:
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Sponsor Licence (medium or large company)
Old Fee: £1,476
New Fee: £1,636 -
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Old Fee: £199
New Fee: £239
These fee increases could have a ripple effect, potentially reducing the number of sponsored job offers made to overseas workers.
Implications for Applicants and Employers
Strategic Planning Is Crucial
Given the scale of these increases, we recommend all prospective applicants:
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Submit applications before 9 April 2025 to lock in current rates.
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Seek advice from certified immigration advisors to ensure all documentation is complete and timelines are met.
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Budget for increased costs, especially if applying for multi-year visas or for family members.
Employers should:
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Evaluate their recruitment budgets and update them to reflect increased sponsorship costs.
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Assess workforce planning, especially for roles reliant on overseas recruitment.
Impact on Migration Trends
Higher fees may deter some migrants, especially students and low-income applicants, from choosing the UK. It may also:
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Shift demand to other study/work destinations with lower immigration costs.
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Influence international student enrollment in UK universities.
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Impact UK industries relying on skilled foreign labour, such as healthcare and hospitality.
Application Timeline and Urgency
The fee increase takes effect on 9 April 2025, but the Immigration Health Surcharge rises earlier, on 6 February 2025. This creates a narrow window for prospective applicants to benefit from current lower fees.
Applicants must ensure:
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All documents are in place before the deadline.
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Visa application is submitted and paid for ahead of the cut-off dates.
Any delay could result in paying hundreds of pounds more per applicant.
Recommendations for Prospective Migrants
To mitigate the financial impact of these increases, we advise:
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Immediate consultation with visa experts.
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Advance preparation of application documents.
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Early booking of biometric appointments.
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Checking eligibility for discounted or priority services, where applicable.
If you’re planning to migrate for work, study, family, or permanent settlement, the time to act is now. The UK immigration system remains competitive and well-regulated, but the cost of entry is about to climb significantly.
Conclusion
The upcoming UK immigration fee increases represent a major change in the cost of moving to the United Kingdom. These updates affect students, skilled workers, families, and employers, with costs rising across the board. By acting now, applicants can avoid these higher charges and secure their place under the current fee structure.
At Flytouch Overseas – UK Visa Consultants, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from documentation and eligibility to submission and success.
Don’t wait. Start your application process today to avoid unnecessary expenses.
