Book an Appointment
Starting from April 09, 2025, the UK will raise visa fees for visitors, students, and workers. Learn about the new costs, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) changes, and what this means for international travellers.
The United Kingdom is set to become a more expensive destination for international travellers, students, and workers. Starting April 9, 2025, the UK government will implement a hike in visa fees across multiple categories. The increase will impact visitors, students, and professionals looking to live and work in the UK.
Meanwhile, travellers from visa-exempt countries will also face a sharp rise in Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fees, effective from April 2, 2025.
Higher UK Visa Fees for International Travellers
Travellers from across the world applying for UK visas will experience notable fee hikes. The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months) will rise from £115 to £127, a 10% increase. Long-term visitor visas will also become pricier:
• Long-term Visitor Visa (up to 2 years): For those planning extended stays, this visa is now £475, up from £432, a £43 increase.
• Long-term Visitor Visa (up to 5 years): The price for this longer-term visa will rise from £771 to £848, a £77 increase.
• Long-term Visitor Visa (up to 10 years): The most extended visitor visa option will see a £96 increase, moving from £963 to £1,059.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fee Changes
The UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers, allowing authorities to conduct pre-arrival security checks. However, the cost of ETA will rise by as 60%:
• ETA Fee: Increasing from $12 to $20 (+60%).
• Effective Date: April 9, 2025.
This will impact travellers from countries that do not require a visa but need ETA approval before boarding a UK-bound flight.
UK Student Visa Fee Increases
International students planning to study in the UK will also see higher visa application fees. The revised fees are:
• Student Visa (Main Applicant & Dependants): The fee will rise from £490 to £524, a £34 increase. This applies to both the main student and their dependents.
• Child Student Visa: Similarly, the child student visa fee will also increase to £524.
• Short-term Study Visa (English courses 6-11 months): This visa, for those undertaking English language courses, will see a £14 increase, from £200 to £214.
UK Work Visa Fee Hikes
The UK work visa categories will also see an increase in application costs, impacting skilled professionals, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs. Some key changes include:
• Health and Care Worker Visa: This category sees the sharpest rise, increasing by 28.2%, from $367 to $470. This change will significantly impact healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK.
• Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation Visa: The fee increases to £470, a 26.3% rise. This impacts those filling critical skill shortages in the UK workforce.
• Temporary Work Visa: This visa sees a smaller increase, rising by $38.
• Innovator Founder Visa: Entrepreneurs will see the fee increase from £1,191 to £1,274, a £83 rise.
• Start-up Visa: This visa, for those starting new businesses, will cost £465, up from £435.
• Minister of Religion Visa: This category sees a 5.6% increase.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Fee Increase
Applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency in the UK, will also face a rise in application fees:
• Main Applicants & Dependants: Increasing from £2,885 to £3,029 (+£144).
Impact of the UK Visa Fee Increase
The visa fee hike will make it costlier for individuals planning to visit, study, or work in the UK. Prospective travellers and applicants are advised to apply before April 2025 to save on costs.
For those affected, it is crucial to budget accordingly and explore alternative funding or sponsorship options where applicable. Additionally, staying updated on UK immigration policies can help applicants make informed decisions.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-visa-fees-increase-april-2025-tourists-workers/
