The United Kingdom Home Office has confirmed that fees for all visa types and citizenship applications will rise, effective 8 April 2026. The decision is part of a broader effort to cover administrative costs and ensure the sustainability of the UK’s immigration and border services.
Overview of Fee Increases
The fee adjustments apply across multiple categories, including visitor, academic, medical, work, student, and electronic travel authorisations (ETA). Both short-term and long-term applications will be affected. Key changes include:
- Visitor Visas:
- Up to 6 months – £135 (+£6)
- Up to 2 years – £506 (+£31)
- Up to 5 years – £903 (+£55)
- Up to 10 years – £1,128 (+£69)
- Academic & Medical Visits (6–12 months): £234 (+£14)
- Transit Visas: Airport – +£2.50; Land border – +£4.50
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): +£4
- Asylum Applications: +£197
Work and Skilled Immigration Fees
Applicants from abroad:
- Up to 3 years – +£50
- Over 3 years – +£99
- Skilled healthcare workers: 3 years – +£20; over 3 years – +£38
- Seasonal workers – +£21
Applicants within the UK:
- Up to 3 years – +£58
- Over 3 years – +£114
Student Visas
Applications for students and dependants will rise by £34, reaching £558.
Visitor Visa Extensions
Extension applications will see a £72 increase.
Summary of Key Fee Changes
| Visa/Category | Previous Fee (£) | Increase (£) | New Fee (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor 6 months | 129 | 6 | 135 | Short-term visits |
| Visitor 2 years | 475 | 31 | 506 | Multi-entry visa |
| Visitor 5 years | 848 | 55 | 903 | Long-term stay |
| Visitor 10 years | 1,059 | 69 | 1,128 | Extended validity |
| Academic/Medical 6–12 months | 220 | 14 | 234 | Includes private institutions |
| Airport Transit | – | 2.5 | – | Transit at airports |
| Land Border Transit | – | 4.5 | – | Transit at land borders |
| ETA | – | 4 | – | Electronic Travel Authorisation |
| Asylum Applications | – | 197 | – | Persecution-based entry |
| Skilled Workers Abroad (<3 yrs) | – | 50 | – | Sponsorship required |
| Skilled Workers Abroad (>3 yrs) | – | 99 | – | Sponsorship required |
| Health Care Workers (<3 yrs) | – | 20 | – | Skilled healthcare staff |
| Health Care Workers (>3 yrs) | – | 38 | – | Skilled healthcare staff |
| Seasonal Workers | – | 21 | – | Temporary labour visas |
| Student Visa | 524 | 34 | 558 | Includes dependants |
| Visitor Visa Extension | – | 72 | – | Extending current visa duration |
Implications
The fee increase is expected to affect international students, skilled migrants, and short-term visitors, potentially influencing travel, study, and employment decisions. The Home Office emphasises that these adjustments are necessary to maintain efficient visa processing and ensure a sustainable immigration system.
Applicants are advised to review the updated fee schedule ahead of 8 April 2026 and budget accordingly to avoid delays in submission.
Source: UK Home Office
