UK to raise visa, settlement and sponsor licence fees from April 8, 2026

The United Kingdom will increase immigration and nationality fees across visa routes, settlement applications and sponsor licences from April 8, 2026, according to an update by the Home Office. Most application charges will rise by around six to seven percent, affecting work, study and visit visas, as well as employer sponsorship costs.

The revision marks a continued shift towards a system where applicants and employers bear a larger share of immigration costs. The changes follow earlier increases in the Immigration Skills Charge in 2025 and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

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Visa and application fees increase across categories

Under the new structure, key visa categories will see moderate increases. The Skilled Worker visa fee for applications up to three years will rise from GBP 769 to GBP 819, while applications exceeding three years will increase from GBP 1,519 to GBP 1,618. Student visa fees will go up from GBP 524 to GBP 558, and the six-month visit visa will increase from GBP 127 to GBP 135.


For applicants already in the UK, Skilled Worker visa fees will rise from GBP 885 to GBP 943 for up to three years, and from GBP 1,751 to GBP 1,865 for longer durations. The fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain will increase from GBP 3,029 to GBP 3,226.

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Sponsor licence and ETA charges also revised

Employer-related costs will also increase. A Worker Sponsor Licence for large sponsors will go up from GBP 1,579 to GBP 1,682, while small sponsors will see fees rise from GBP 574 to GBP 611. The Electronic Travel Authorisation fee will increase from GBP 16 to GBP 20.

The Home Office said the increases are linked to inflation and described them as moderate. However, the cumulative effect of successive fee hikes is expected to raise the overall cost of hiring and relocating international talent to the UK.