The UK government has confirmed that visa application fees will increase across most immigration routes from 8 April 2026. Whether you are applying for a work visa, family visa, student visa, or settlement, this change will affect how much you pay. Acting before the deadline could save you a significant amount of money.
Why are UK visa fees increasing?
The fee increases are part of the UK government’s ongoing plan to reduce reliance on public funding for immigration services. The Home Office regularly reviews its visa fee schedule, and these uplifts are intended to recover the operational costs of processing applications and maintaining the immigration system.
This is not the first time fees have risen, and it will not be the last. However, the April 2026 increase affects a wide range of categories, making it one of the more significant updates in recent years.
Which visa categories are affected?
The fee rises cover most major immigration routes, including:
Work visas: Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker (ICT), and other sponsored work routes will see increased application fees both inside and outside the UK.
Student visas:Β Applications made overseas and in-country will both attract higher fees, as will the Child Student visa route.
Family visas: Spouse Visa and partner visas, parent visas, and dependent child visas are all subject to increases, whether applied for from abroad or as an in-country extension.
Settlement and indefinite leave to remain (ILR):Β Fees for ILR applications across various routes are increasing, making it more expensive to secure permanent residency.
British citizenship:Β Naturalisation and registration as a British citizen will also cost more from 8 April 2026.
Visit visas and electronic travel authorisation (ETA):Β Standard visitor visa fees and the ETA fee are also affected.
For the full and exact fee for your specific visa route, please visit our All UK Visa Fees page, which is updated to reflect all current and upcoming charges.
How much will fees increase by?
The percentage increase varies depending on the visa category. Some routes are seeing modest rises, while others are increasing by a more substantial amount. Rather than quoting individual figures that could change or be misread out of context, we strongly recommend checking our UK Visa Fees for precise, up-to-date figures for your route. This ensures you are working with accurate numbers when budgeting for your application.
What about the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a separate payment made by most visa applicants who are not EEA nationals. It is paid at the time of application and gives access to NHS services during your stay. The surcharge is charged per year of leave and is currently set at Β£1,035 per year for most applicants (Β£776 per year for students and under 18s). Any changes to the IHS itself are separate from the April 2026 fee rise, but it is an important cost to factor into your overall application budget.
Can I apply now to avoid the higher fees?
Yes, and this is one of the most important things to be aware of. If your visa fees are paid and your application is submitted before 8 April 2026, you should be charged at the current (lower) rate. This applies even if a decision is not made until after that date.
This means there is a clear window of opportunity if you are planning to apply soon. Submitting before the deadline could save hundreds of pounds depending on your visa category and how many dependants are included in your application.
However, you should only apply early if you are genuinely ready to do so. Submitting an incomplete or premature application to beat a fee increase can cause delays, refusals, or complications that cost far more in the long run.
What if I am applying with dependants?
Visa fees are charged per person, not per application. This means that if you are applying alongside a partner, children, or other dependants, each person’s fee will increase from 8 April 2026. For families with multiple dependants, the total saving from applying before the deadline can be substantial.
What should I do next?
Here is a simple checklist to help you prepare:
- Check the exact fee for your visa route:Β visit our UK Visa Fees for 2026 page or Home Office immigration and nationality fees for current and upcoming fee amounts.
- Assess your readiness to apply:Β do you have all the documents, financial evidence, and supporting information you need?
- Consider the timing:Β if you are close to being ready, it may be worth prioritising your application to submit before 8 April 2026.
- Seek professional advice:Β if you are unsure about your route, eligibility, or documentation, speaking to an immigration adviser before applying can prevent costly mistakes.
Get in touch with LawSentis today
Navigating UK immigration rules can be complex, and fee changes add another layer of pressure to the process. At Lawsentis, our experienced immigration team is here to help you understand your options, assess your eligibility, and submit the strongest possible application – on time and at the right cost.
Whether you are applying for the first time, extending your leave, or working towards settlement or citizenship, we are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to speak with one of our advisers and find out how we can help you before the 8 April 2026 fee increase takes effect.
Don’t leave it too late – act before 8 April 2026 and avoid paying more than you need to.