REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · UK
UK raises visa, settlement and sponsor licence fees
Change
The United Kingdom will increase immigration and nationality fees across visa routes, settlement applications and sponsor licences effective April 8, 2026.
Why it matters
The Home Office will raise most application charges by around 6–7% across work, study and visit visas and employer sponsorship costs. Examples include Skilled Worker visa fees increasing from GBP 769 to GBP 819 for up to three years (and from GBP 1,519 to GBP 1,618 for longer stays), student visas from GBP 524 to GBP 558, and a six-month visit visa from GBP 127 to GBP 135. Fees for applicants already in the UK rise (Skilled Worker up from GBP 885 to GBP 943 for up to three years; longer from GBP 1,751 to GBP 1,865) and Indefinite Leave to Remain increases from GBP 3,029 to GBP 3,226. Employer-related charges change (Worker Sponsor Licence: large sponsors GBP 1,579 to GBP 1,682; small sponsors GBP 574 to GBP 611) and the Electronic Travel Authorisation fee increases from GBP 16 to GBP 20.
Implications
- · Raises settlement exposure tied to the liability finding
- · Changes operating costs or landed pricing for affected operators
- · Greater budgetary pressure on universities and recruiters handling international student admissions due to higher student visa fees.
- · HR and immigration compliance teams will face higher fee expenditures when staffing or relocating international workers.
Who is affected
- · Applicants
- · Compliance teams
What to watch
- · Effective April 8, 2026
Source
Topics