UK Visa Fees Increased: New Costs for Student and Tourist Visas Announced
Written by Sanjay Kumar
In a recent decision, the UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has opted to raise the fees for student and tourist visas. These changes will come into effect from the 4th of October. The British government has disclosed that the cost of a UK Tourist Visa for stays under six months will see an increase of ₹1,543 (£15). Additionally, UK Student Visas will become ₹13,070 (£127) more expensive for travelers worldwide, including those from India.
Fee Hike Extends to Multiple Visa Categories
The UK Home Office had previously hinted at a 15% cost increase for most work and tourist visas to the UK, as well as an increment of at least 20% for priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship in the UK.
This fee hike will apply to several visa categories, including:
– Health and care visas
– Applications for British citizenship registration and naturalization
– Various visit visas (ranging from up to six months to 10 years)
– Majority of entry clearance fees and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK, which includes work and study visas
– Fees related to indefinite leave to enter and remain, as well as certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies
New Costs for UK Student and Tourist Visas
Starting October 4th, the fee for applying for a UK Student Visa from outside the UK will increase to ₹50,428 (£490). Meanwhile, the cost of a UK Visit Visa for stays under six months will rise to ₹11,835 (£115).
Changes to UK Work Visa Fees
For those immigrating to the UK with a skilled worker visa (with a certificate of sponsorship issued for three years or less), the fee will be £718 (₹77,147), up from the current £625.
Reasons Behind the UK Visa Fee Hike
The decision to increase visa fees is rooted in a broader strategy outlined by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In July, he announced that fees and health surcharges paid by visa applicants to the UK’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) would rise significantly. These increases are intended to cover the country’s public sector wage growth.
Sunak emphasized that the move is justifiable, given that these fees have not seen an increase in some time and that costs have risen since the last adjustment. The fee increases are expected to generate over £1 billion in revenue, contributing significantly to the overall funding of the NHS and visa application services.
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