ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United Kingdom has unveiled a series of hikes in visa fees, effective from April 9, 2025. The revised fee structure, which affects a wide range of applicants—including tourists, students, workers, and those seeking British citizenship—has been confirmed in an official announcement from the UK Home Office.
New Visa Fee Structure
Under the updated policy, the cost of various UK visa categories will see notable increases:
– The standard six-month visitor visa fee will rise from £115 to £127.
– A two-year visit visa will now cost £475, up from £432.
– The fees for longer-term visas, including five-year and ten-year visit visas, will increase by £77 and £96, respectively.
In addition, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will be adjusted, with a £6 increase, bringing the total to £16 per application.
Impact on Students and Workers
The visa fee hike will also affect students and foreign workers seeking to come to the UK. The standard student visa application fee will increase by £34, bringing the total to £524. Meanwhile, short-term student visas for courses lasting more than six months but less than eleven months will now cost £214, up from £200.
Foreign workers applying for various UK work visas will face fee increases, although the precise details of each category have not been fully disclosed by the Home Office.
Increased Fees for British Citizenship Applications
The cost of applying for British citizenship will also see a significant rise. The fee for naturalisation applications will increase from £1,500 to £1,605. In addition to this, sponsorship fees for various categories—including Student and Worker sponsor licences, as well as Temporary Worker sponsor licences—will also be revised upwards.
Why the Increase?
The rise in visa fees aligns with the UK government’s ongoing efforts to adjust immigration costs in line with administrative changes and inflation. The increased fees are expected to impact a wide range of individuals, from tourists to those seeking to live and work in the UK, as well as those looking to obtain British nationality.
Applicants are encouraged to check the revised fee structure ahead of time to ensure they are prepared for the updated costs when applying for a visa or other immigration services in the UK.
