UK Visa Fees Have Increased

The United Kingdom has recently announced an increase in visa fees for individuals wanting to visit or settle in the UK. The new fees will be effective from 29 March 2019 and will affect a range of visa categories.

What are the new fees?

Under the new fees, the cost of a Standard Visitor Visa for individuals wanting to visit the UK for up to 6 months will increase from ￡93 to ￡95. The cost of a 2-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa will increase from ￡350 to ￡361, and the cost of a 5-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa will increase from ￡636 to ￡655.

For those individuals wanting to move to the UK under family, work or study categories, the fees have also increased. The cost of a settlement visa (spouse/partner) will increase from ￡1,523 to ￡1,575, and the cost of a Tier 2 work visa for skilled workers will increase from ￡610 to ￡626.

Why the increase?

The UK government has attributed the fee increase to the need to cover the cost of providing visa services, which include maintaining overseas visa application centres and ensuring the smooth running of the process. The government has also stated that the visa fees have not been increased since 2016, and that the new fees still remain significantly lower compared to similar visas offered by other countries.

Impact on individuals

The increase in visa fees will have an impact on individuals wanting to visit or move to the UK. For those who were planning to apply for a visa soon, they may need to reconsider their plans and budget accordingly. In addition, for families who are already struggling to meet the costs of visas, the increase may prove to be an additional financial burden.

Individuals who are in the process of applying for a visa may also be affected by the increase. If they have already paid the old fee, they will need to pay the difference in order to complete their application. This may put further pressure on their finances and delay their application process.

What next?

The UK government has stated that the new visa fees will come into effect on 29 March 2019. Individuals who are planning to apply for a visa after this date should be aware of the new fees and budget accordingly. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may increase again in the future.

For those who are already in the process of applying for a visa and have paid the old fee, they should contact the relevant authorities to arrange payment of the difference. Individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties and are struggling to meet the cost of a visa may wish to seek professional advice or explore alternative options.

Overall, the increase in UK visa fees may have a significant impact on individuals wanting to visit or move to the UK. It is important for individuals to be aware of the new fees and plan accordingly.