UK Visa Fees Hiked From Today; How It Will Impact Indian Students And Tourists | Explained

British visas are set to become costlier from Wednesday onwards. As the United Kingdom government announced certain hikes on its official website uk.gov, student, tourist, and work visas will have changed rates from now on. Here are the hikes and new fees-

• The visit visa cost for the United Kingdom, for under six months, will increase by Rs 1,500 or 15 Pounds making the total cost of the visa around GBP 115 which translates to Rs 11,500.
• Student visas will now cost GBP 127 (around Rs. 12,750) more than the previous fee marking a fee rise to GBP 490, approximately ₹50,000, according to the UK Home Office.

According to the official website, the increase in visa fees is applicable across various categories, encompassing fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5, and 10-year visit visas.

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This includes a majority of fees for entry clearance and specific applications for leave to remain in the UK, such as those for work and study. Additionally, the fee adjustments apply to indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain, health and care visas, fees related to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies, as well as applications for registration and naturalization as a British Citizen.

"It is right and fair to increase visa application fees so we can fund vital public services and allow wider funding to contribute to public sector pay," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Starting October 4, a revised fee structure for UK visas will be implemented for international applicants, including those from India. The fees for UK visas will experience an increase for students, skilled workers, and immigrants.

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According to the official information, family, settlement, and citizenship visa costs will see a 20% rise, whereas work and visit visa fees will go up by 15%. Additionally, the immigration health surcharge (IHS) will be elevated to GBP 1,035 per year.

The visa fee for students, including child students and dependents, will be elevated to GBP 490. Notably, there will be no increase in visa fees for short-term courses where students study English for more than 6 months but no more than 11 months.

For skilled workers with a sponsorship certificate issued for three years or less, the visa cost will be GBP 719 (approximately Rs 65,000). However, if the sponsorship certificate spans more than three years, the immigration fee will be GBP 1420, roughly equivalent to ₹129,000.

Additionally, a hike in visa prices applies to skilled workers in shortage occupations with a sponsorship certificate for three years or less, amounting to GBP 551, nearly ₹50,351. If the sponsorship certificate exceeds three years, the immigration fee will be GBP 1,084 or ₹99,125. It's worth noting that individuals seeking visas, permission to stay, or citizenship in the UK will be required to make the respective payments.