The UK government made an announcement on September 15, 2023, regarding an impending increase in immigration fees, set to take effect from October 4, 2023. This decision comes on the heels of a previous announcement made on July 13, 2023, which revealed plans for substantial hikes in both immigration fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees.
While the recent announcement pinpointed the date when visa application fees would rise, the government has yet to disclose the precise timeline for the increase in IHS fees. It is anticipated that these increases may be implemented in either the fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.
Among the most notable changes, visa application fees for students applying from overseas will see the most substantial increase. Both Student and Child Student visa fees will surge to £490 per applicant, representing a 35% increase from the current fee of £363.
However, the table released alongside the announcement confirms that fees for Student and Child Student visa applications made within the UK will remain unchanged at £490. This aligns with the July announcement of equalizing the costs of Student applications, whether made from outside or inside the UK, following the fee increases.
Similarly, priority and Super Priority visa service fees for both non-settlement and settlement visa applications, whether filed from abroad or within the UK, will be standardized. The priority service for overseas non-settlement visa applications will undergo a significant 100% increase, jumping from £250 to £500. In contrast, the priority service for overseas settlement visa applications will decrease from £573 to £500. The priority service for in-country applications will stay at £500, offering a five-working-day turnaround, while the Super Priority service will increase to £1,000 for all applicants, providing a 24-hour turnaround.
How Much Will the New Visa Fees Be Starting from October 4, 2023?
The impending changes will encompass both immigration and nationality fees. Work and Visit visa fees will experience an up to 15% increase, while fees for Certificates of Sponsorship, broader entry clearance visas, Leave to Remain, Settlement, and Citizenship applications will see an increase ranging from 15% to 20%.
Here’s a summary of the anticipated new visa application fees:
- Visit visa – short up to 6 months: Current Fee £100, New Fee £115, Fee Change £15 (15%)
- Skilled worker (3 years or less) from outside the UK: Current Fee £625, New Fee £719, Fee Change £94 (15%)
- Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker: Current Fee £199, New Fee £239, Fee Change £40 (20%)
- Settlement: Current Fee £1,538, New Fee £1,846, Fee Change £308 (20%)
- Citizenship (naturalisation): Current Fee £1,250, New Fee £1,500, Fee Change £250 (20%)
- Priority service – outside the UK (for routes leading to Settlement): Current Fee £573, New Fee £500, Fee Change -£73 (-13%)
- Priority service – outside the UK (for routes not leading to Settlement): Current Fee £250, New Fee £500, Fee Change £250 (100%)
- Super Priority service – inside the UK: Current Fee £800, New Fee £1,000, Fee Change £200 (25%)
When Will Immigration Health Surcharge Fees Be Increased, and How Much Will They Be?
The government has not yet provided a specific date for the increase in IHS fees. Currently, there are two rates for the IHS: a normal rate and a discounted rate applicable to students, individuals under the age of 18, and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders.
Both the normal and discounted rates may increase as follows:
- Normal: Current Fee (per year) £624, New Fee (per year) £1,035, Fee Change (per year) £411
- Discounted: Current Fee (per year) £470, New Fee (per year) £776, Fee Change (per year) £306
For context, if the government proceeds with the announced increases, a migrant seeking a 3-year Skilled Worker entry clearance visa (single applicant) from October 4, 2023, will be required to pay a total of £3,824. This comprises £3,105 for IHS and a visa application fee of £719. This marks a substantial increase from the current total fees of £2,497, which includes £1,872 for IHS and a visa application fee of £625, representing a total increase of 53%.
Conclusion
This increase in fees will result in significantly higher costs for businesses sponsoring migrant workers and their accompanying dependents. Therefore, individuals contemplating future applications may consider accelerating their plans and submitting applications before October 4, 2023, to lock in the current fee rates.
The increase may also translate to businesses becoming less willing to sponsor applicants and make it even more difficult to secure a sponsored job. Our experienced advisors can help you navigate these changes and significantly improve your chances of securing a sponsored job offer.
You can find the original statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-visa-fees-set-to-come-into-effect-next-month and you can check your visa fees here: https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/
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