UK Visa Fee Increase April 2026: Full Guide for Applicants
The UK has introduced a new round of visa fee increases, effective from 8 April 2026. These changes affect a wide range of applications, including visitor visas, student visas, work routes, settlement, and citizenship.
For individuals planning a move to the UK, this update is important. Even relatively small increases can add up quickly, especially for families or long-term applications.
What Has Changed in UK Visa Fees?
The UK government has increased most immigration and nationality fees by approximately 6 to 7 percent.
These changes apply across multiple visa categories, including:
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Work visas
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Citizenship applications
The increases took effect globally, meaning they impact applicants both inside and outside the UK.
New UK Visa Fees: Key Examples
Here are some of the updated fees from 8 April 2026:
Visitor Visas
- Short-term visit visa (up to 6 months): £127 -> £135
- Long-term visit visa (10 years): £1,059 -> £1,128
Student Visas
- Student visa fees have increased to around £558, reflecting a similar percentage rise.
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): now around £819 for entry clearance
Settlement (ILR)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain fees now exceed £3,000 in many cases
Other Changes
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): £16 -> £20
While individual increases may seem modest, the cumulative cost across an immigration journey can be significant.
Why Is the UK Increasing Visa Fees?
The UK government has linked these increases to:
- Investment in a more digital immigration system
- Maintaining a “secure and efficient” visa service
- Covering operational costs
Recent announcements emphasise that higher fees support improvements in processing and system modernisation.
What This Means for You
If you are planning to move to the UK, timing and budgeting are now even more important.
You may wish to consider:
- Applying sooner where possible to avoid further increases
- Planning for the full cost of your immigration journey, not just the visa fee
- Factoring in dependants, extensions, and settlement costs
Even a small percentage increase can translate into hundreds or thousands of pounds over time.
What This Suggests (Planning Insight)
What we are seeing is a continued shift towards a user-funded immigration system, where applicants bear more of the cost of the system over time.
This suggests:
- Fees may continue to rise in future years
- Long-term planning is becoming more important
- The total cost of UK immigration is steadily increasing
For many applicants, the question is no longer just eligibility, but affordability and timing.
Next Steps
If you are considering a UK visa application, the key step is to plan early and understand the full cost involved.
What are your thoughts on this update? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.
Check out the offers and discounts from:
And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.
- EU and US Plan New Border Security Deal: What Could Change for Travellers? - 11 September 2026
- UK Citizenship Costs £1,839: Why Are the Fees So High? - 10 September 2026
- Your Schengen Visa Can Be Refused for These 5 Reasons - 9 September 2026
