UK Visa Fee Increase April 2026
The UK visa fee increase April 2026 brings higher Home Office charges for visit visas, Skilled Worker visas, student visas and citizenship applications from 8 April 2026, although the fee for child British citizenship registration has been reduced to £1,000.
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UK Visa Fee Increase April 2026
The UK visa fee increase April 2026 will affect a wide range of immigration and nationality applications from 8 April 2026. The Home Office has published a revised fee table confirming higher charges for visit visas, work visas, student visas, settlement applications and most nationality applications.
What is changing in the UK visa fee increase in April 2026?
From 8 April 2026, applicants who submit a visa or nationality application will usually pay more than before. GOV.UK states that the revised fees apply from that date, while DavidsonMorris notes that applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026 will be charged at the new rates.
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Which UK visa fees are going up from 8 April 2026?
Several commonly used application routes are becoming more expensive. The standard visit visa for up to 6 months is increasing from £127 to £135. A Skilled Worker visa for three years or less made outside the UK is increasing from £769 to £819, while the Student visa is rising from £524 to £558.
Nationality fees are also increasing in many categories. For example, naturalisation as a British citizen is rising from £1,605 to £1,709, and adult registration as a British citizen is rising from £1,446 to £1,540.
Is any Home Office fee going down in April 2026?
Yes. One notable exception is the child British citizenship registration fee, which is falling from £1,214 to £1,000. Free Movement highlights this as the main fee reduction in the April 2026 changes, while noting that most other fees are increasing by around 6% to 7%.
What applicants should do before submitting a visa application
Applicants should check the exact fee that applies to their route before submitting an application, especially where timing is important. Paying the wrong amount can cause delay or rejection, and the updated fee tables should be checked carefully if the application will be submitted on or after 8 April 2026.
Final thoughts on the UK visa fee increase in April 2026
The UK visa fee increase April 2026 means higher upfront costs for many migrants, families and employers. While the reduction in the child citizenship registration fee is a welcome change, most applicants should expect to pay more from 8 April 2026 and should budget carefully before applying.
UK visa fee increase April 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do the new UK visa fees start?
The revised Home Office immigration and nationality fees apply from 8 April 2026.
Does the UK visa fee increase April 2026 affect all applicants?
It affects many applicants, including people applying for visit visas, work visas, study visas, settlement and nationality applications, although not every single fee has changed.
How much is the UK visit visa fee from 8 April 2026?
The standard visit visa for up to 6 months increases from £127 to £135.
Are long-term visit visa fees also increasing?
Yes. The 2-year visit visa rises to £506, the 5-year visit visa rises to £903, and the 10-year visit visa rises to £1,128
How much is the Skilled Worker visa fee from 8 April 2026?
For applications made outside the UK for 3 years or less, the Skilled Worker fee increases from £769 to £819.
Is the Health and Care Worker visa fee increasing too?
Yes. For 3 years or less, the Health and Care Visa fee rises from £304 to £324.
How much is the Student visa fee from 8 April 2026?
The Student visa fee increases from £524 to £558.
Is the Child Student visa fee changing as well?
Yes. The Child Student fee also rises from £524 to £558.
Are settlement application fees increasing in April 2026?
Yes. GOV.UK shows that the general route to settlement fee outside the UK rises from £1,938 to £2,064.
Is British citizenship naturalisation becoming more expensive?
Yes. Naturalisation as a British citizen rises from £1,605 to £1,709.
Is adult registration as a British citizen also increasing?
Yes. Adult registration rises from £1,446 to £1,540.
Is any Home Office fee going down in April 2026?
Yes. The main reduction is the child British citizenship registration fee, which falls from £1,214 to £1,000.
Why is the child citizenship fee important?
It stands out because most other visa and nationality fees are increasing, while this one is being reduced. Free Movement highlights it as the notable exception in the April 2026 changes.
Are priority visa service fees changing in April 2026?
No. GOV.UK shows the Priority Visa service and Super Priority service remaining unchanged in the published 8 April 2026 table.
Is the ETA fee changing?
Yes. The electronic travel authorisation fee increases from £16 to £20.
Do the new fees apply based on the submission date?
Yes. Applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026 will be charged at the new rates.
Should applicants apply before 8 April 2026 to avoid the higher fees?
Where possible, applying before 8 April 2026 may help applicants avoid the increased charges, provided they are ready to submit a valid application. This is an inference based on the published effective date.
Do sponsors and employers need to check the new fee table too?
Yes. The published Home Office fee table includes a sponsorship section, so sponsors should check the updated charges carefully.
Are all immigration fees increasing by the same amount?
No. The increases vary by route. Some rise by a fixed amount, while a few fees remain unchanged.
Where can applicants check the official April 2026 fee list?
The official source is the GOV.UK publication titled Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026.
Visa Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UK visa fee increase April 2026 | The rise in Home Office immigration and nationality fees that applies to many applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026. |
| Home Office immigration and nationality fees | The official fee table published by the Home Office showing the charges for visa, settlement, nationality and sponsorship applications. |
| Visit visa | A visa that allows a person to come to the UK for a temporary visit, such as tourism, family visits or business activities permitted under the visitor rules. |
| Skilled Worker visa | A work visa route for eligible overseas workers sponsored by a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. |
| Student visa | A visa route for international students who have been offered a place by a licensed student sponsor in the UK. |
| Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) | A form of settlement that allows a person to live in the UK without time restrictions, subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements. |
| Naturalisation | The legal process by which a non-British adult becomes a British citizen after meeting the statutory requirements. |
| Child citizenship registration | The process by which a child may be registered as a British citizen where they qualify under British nationality law. |
| ETA | An Electronic Travel Authorisation that certain travellers must obtain before travelling to the UK if they do not need a visa for short visits. |
| Sponsor licence | Permission granted by the Home Office allowing a UK organisation to sponsor eligible migrant workers or students. |
Visa Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 | Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 |
| UK visa fees collection page | UK visa fees |
| Visas and immigration guidance on GOV.UK | Visas and immigration |
| Enter the UK as a visitor | Standard Visitor visa guidance |
| Skilled Worker visa guidance | Skilled Worker visa |
| Student visa guidance | Student visa |
| Indefinite leave to remain guidance | Indefinite leave to remain |
| Become a British citizen by naturalisation | Apply for British citizenship by naturalisation |
| Register a child under 18 as a British citizen | Child citizenship registration guidance |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) guidance | Apply for an ETA |
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