In a recent announcement, the UK Government revealed plans for a major increase in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, prompting significant changes to the country's immigration cost structure.
The key points from the announcement are as follows:
- Visa Fee Hike: The fees for work and visit visas are set to rise by 15%. Additionally, student visas, certificates of sponsorship (CoS), settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain, and priority visas will face a more substantial increase of at least 20%.
- Equalizing Student Visa and Priority Service Applications: To streamline the application process, the UK Government will equalize student visas and priority service applications. As a result, applicants will pay the same fees regardless of whether they apply from inside or outside the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge Increase: The main Immigration Health Surcharge rate will surge to £1,035. Simultaneously, the lower rate for students and applicants under the age of 18 will increase to £776.
- Potential Immigration Skills Charge Increase: The Immigration Skills Charge, currently set at £1000/£364 per year (depending on the company's size), may also be subject to an increase. However, further details on this potential hike were not provided in the announcement.
These adjustments are anticipated to impact individuals seeking to work, study, settle, or acquire citizenship in the UK, as well as employers and sponsors of overseas workers.
In an effort to simplify the fee structure and application process, the Minister for Immigration also announced the removal of certain redundant fees. The changes include:
- Elimination of Biometric Enrolment Fee: The £19.20 fee for biometric enrolment will be abolished.
- Removal of Transfer of Conditions Application Fee: The £161 fee for transfer of conditions applications will no longer be applicable.
- Waiving Fees for Amendments: Fees for amendments such as changes to a migrant's name, nationality, sex marker, and photograph on physical documents will be waived.
- Fee Waiver for Expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs): The fees for Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will be waived when a document has expired and requires no further changes, specifically applicable to migrants holding Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed the upcoming replacement of the current sponsorship scheme with a new system called 'Sponsor a Worker.' Currently, employers issue certificates of sponsorship to visa applicants, who then submit these documents with their visa applications. The new 'Sponsor a Worker' scheme will undergo testing in 2024 and will operate alongside the existing CoS system.
Date for Fee Increases
The UK Government has not specified when the fee increases will take effect. Consequently, employers, sponsors of overseas workers, and individuals seeking permission to reside and work in the UK are advised to plan their applications early to mitigate the impact of potential higher costs in the future.
For further information on current UK visa fees, applicants are encouraged to visit the official UK Government website.
Note: The details in this announcement are subject to further updates and clarifications from the UK Government.
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