The UK Government has announced a new set of immigration fee increases, which will take effect from 8 April 2026. These changes will impact individuals, families, students, and businesses across a wide range of visa routes.

At GigaLegal Solicitors, we understand that immigration is not only a legal process but also a financial commitment. Even relatively small increases can have a meaningful impact, particularly where multiple applications are involved.

This guide explains the key changes and what they mean in practical terms.

Visitor Visa Fees: Increased Costs for Families and Frequent Travellers

Visitor visa fees are rising across all categories.

A standard six month visit visa will increase from £127 to £135. A two year visa will rise from £475 to £506, while a five year visa will increase from £848 to £903. The ten year visa will go up from £1,059 to £1,128.

Although the increase per applicant may appear modest, the overall cost can become significant for families applying together or individuals who travel frequently to the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa Fees: Higher Costs for Applicants and Employers

The Skilled Worker route will see noticeable fee increases.

For visas of up to three years, the application fee will increase from £769 to £819 for applications made outside the UK, and from £885 to £943 for applications made within the UK.

For visas exceeding three years, the fee will rise from £1,519 to £1,618 outside the UK, and from £1,751 to £1,865 inside the UK.

The Health and Care visa remains more affordable, but the fee will still increase from £304 to £324.

For employers, these increases add to the overall cost of sponsoring international workers, particularly when combined with the Immigration Health Surcharge and other compliance expenses.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Rising Settlement Costs

One of the most significant changes is the increase in the cost of settlement.

The fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain will rise from £3,029 to £3,226.

For many individuals who have spent years building their lives and careers in the UK, ILR is a crucial milestone. However, it is also becoming increasingly expensive, placing additional financial pressure on applicants at the final stage of their immigration journey.

British Citizenship Applications: Higher Fees with One Positive Change

Nationality application fees are also increasing.

The fee for naturalisation as a British citizen will rise from £1,605 to £1,709. Adult registration applications will increase from £1,446 to £1,540.

One positive development is the reduction in the fee for child registration, which will decrease from £1,214 to £1,000. This is a welcome change and will help families secure British citizenship for their children more affordably.

Student Visa Fees: Additional Financial Pressure for International Students

The fee for a Student visa will increase from £524 to £558.

While this increase may appear moderate, it adds to the wider financial considerations for international students, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses.

Sponsor Licence Fees: Increased Costs for UK Businesses

UK employers will also be affected by higher sponsorship costs.

The fee for a large sponsor licence will increase from £1,579 to £1,682, while the fee for a small sponsor licence will rise from £574 to £611.

For businesses that rely on overseas talent, these changes reinforce the importance of careful workforce planning and compliance.

What These Changes Mean for You

These fee increases reflect a broader trend in UK immigration policy. The cost of applying for visas, settlement, and citizenship is rising steadily at every stage.

For individuals, this means it is important to plan ahead and understand the full financial commitment before starting an application.

For businesses, it highlights the need to factor immigration costs into recruitment and workforce strategies.

In many cases, submitting an application before the new fees take effect can result in meaningful savings.

How GigaLegal Solicitors Can Help

At GigaLegal Solicitors, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances. Whether you are applying for a visa, planning for settlement, or managing sponsorship compliance, our team can guide you through the process with confidence.

If you are concerned about how the upcoming fee changes may affect you or your business, we are here to help.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters are highly fact-specific, and you should seek professional advice tailored to your situation before taking any action.

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