The Home Office has introduced a new schedule of immigration and nationality fees, effective 8 April 2026. These changes apply to a wide range of visa categories, settlement applications, and related services.
This blog provides a clear overview of the key changes based on the official GOV.UK publication.
From 8 April 2026, most immigration application fees have increased. These updated fees apply to all applications submitted on or after this date.
The changes impact:
According to the Home Office, these revisions reflect ongoing adjustments to the cost of administering the UK immigration system.
Visitor visa fees have increased across all durations:
These increases apply to all applicants applying from outside the UK.
The ETA fee has increased from:
£16 → £20
This applies to non-visa nationals travelling to the UK.
Settlement-related fees have also increased:
These increases are among the highest in absolute terms.
Other notable increases include:
Some application fees have not changed, including:
This indicates that not all areas of the immigration system are affected equally.
These changes affect:
Importantly, the new fees apply based on the date of application submission, not the decision date.
While individual increases may appear modest, the cumulative financial impact is significant particularly for:
Applicants and sponsors should:
The April 2026 immigration fee changes represent a continued trend of rising costs within the UK immigration system. The increases affect most major visa routes and settlement applications, reinforcing the importance of proper planning and professional guidance.
For applicants and businesses alike, understanding these changes is essential to avoid unexpected costs and delays.
The updated Home Office fees apply to all applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026. If your application is submitted before this date, the previous fee structure will apply, even if the decision is made later.
Yes, the revised fees apply to both in-country and out-of-country applications, including visa extensions, switching routes, and settlement applications. The exact fee will depend on the visa category and location of application.
Yes, applicants should be aware that the Home Office fee is not the only cost. Additional charges may include: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Priority or super priority processing fees Biometric enrolment fees Legal or professional representation fees It is important to budget for the total cost of the application, not just the visa fee.
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