UK Visa Fee Hikes from April 8: Here’s What It Means

On April 8, 2026, the UK Home Office raised most immigration and nationality fees by approximately 6-7%. These increases apply to applications submitted on or after that date; those filed earlier pay the old rates. The hikes aim to cover processing costs and reduce reliance on UK taxpayers.

India remains one of the largest sources of UK visa applicants, particularly in student, graduate, and skilled worker categories. In recent data (year ending December 2025), Indians received over 95,000 study visas, dominated graduate route extensions (around 90,000), and led skilled worker extensions.

The changes add modest but noticeable upfront costs. While not expected to cause a sharp drop in applications, they contribute to the overall financial burden when combined with tuition, living expenses, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS, typically £1,035 per year), and other costs.

Key Fee Changes (Applications from Outside the UK)

Here are the main increases relevant to Indian applicants (in GBP; dependants usually pay similar rates):

• Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £127 → £135 (+£8)
• Longer visitor visas: 2 years £475 → £506 (+£31); 5 years £848 → £903 (+£55); 10 years £1,059 → £1,128 (+£69)
• Student visa (main applicant & dependants): £524 → £558 (+£34)
• Graduate Route (post-study work): £880 → £937 (+£57)
• Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): £769 → £819 (+£50)
• Skilled Worker visa (over 3 years): £1,519 → £1,618 (+£99)
• Health & Care Worker visa (up to 3 years): £304 → £324 (+£20)
• India Young Professionals Scheme: £319 → £340 (+£21)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR/Settlement): £3,029 → £3,226 (+£197 per person)
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): £16 → £20 (+£4) — though most Indians still require a full visa.

(Note: These are base application fees only. Sponsor licence fees for employers have also risen, and the IHS remains unchanged in this round.)

Impact by Category for Indian Applicants

Visitors and Family Travel

Short visits for tourism, business, weddings, or family events see a small rise of £8 for standard 6-month visas, with larger increases for multi-year options. For Indian families with frequent travel (common due to strong ties), this adds up, especially for groups or repeat long-term visitor visas. The hike is minor relative to travel and accommodation costs but contributes to planning expenses.

Students

Indians lead UK study visa grants. The £34 increase per student visa (and for dependants) applies on top of high tuition fees (often £15,000–£40,000+ per year) and living costs. Many families already manage education loans or savings; this adds another layer, particularly for those sending multiple children or including dependants.

The Graduate Route — popular for post-study work experience (allowing 2 years for most, 3 for PhDs) — rises by £57. This could influence decisions for budget-conscious students, though the UK’s education quality and work opportunities continue to attract large numbers. Some may explore slightly more affordable European alternatives or accelerate applications before the hike.

Skilled Workers (including Health & Care)

Indians top skilled worker extensions and health/care roles (e.g., nurses, technicians). The £50 rise for up to 3-year Skilled Worker visas (or £99 for longer) and £20 for Health & Care visas increase entry costs. Employers also face higher sponsor licence fees, which can indirectly affect job offers.

For professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and other sectors, the total package (visa + IHS for several years + relocation) grows. Families bringing dependants feel a multiplied impact. While the UK’s salary thresholds and job opportunities remain appealing, repeated fee rises make the pathway feel costlier over time.

Settlement and Long-Term Stay

Those progressing toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after qualifying periods face a £197 increase per person. For families, this can add hundreds or thousands of pounds. Citizenship applications (not detailed here but often linked) also see related costs. This affects long-term planners who view the UK as a permanent base.

The hikes are incremental and unlikely to deter determined applicants on their own, given the strong pull of UK universities, career prospects, and diaspora networks. However, they add to cumulative costs in an already expensive process — especially with currency exchange (INR to GBP), inflation, and living expenses.

Many are rushing applications under old rates where possible. Financial planning becomes more critical: factoring in full costs, exploring scholarships, employer sponsorship support, or alternative destinations. Visa consultancies may see short-term demand spikes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always check the official UK Visas and Immigration website or the full fee table published by the Home Office. If your application involves specific circumstances (e.g., in-country extensions, priority services, or dependants), consult a regulated advisor.

This change reflects a broader UK policy of making the immigration system more self-funding while maintaining access for global talent and visitors.