UK visa fee hike for visitors, students to be effective from October 4, 2023
In a recent update, Britain has announced that a visa hike will go into effect on October 4. The new fee structure, a visit visa for a stay of less than six months will cost GBP 15 (INR 1544) more while student visas will see a GBP 127 (INR 13,080) increase for travellers across the globe, including India.
The news of these changes was confirmed this Friday by the UK Home Office through legislation in Parliament on Friday. It will result in the cost of a visit visa for less than six months rising to GBP 115 (INR 11,845).
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in July had announced that there would be a hike in visa fees and health surcharges. He had said that they will increase the charges that they have for migrants who are coming to the UK when they apply for visas and indeed something called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
All the fees are going to go up and that will raise over GBP 1 billion. The Home Office has said a 15% hike in the cost of most work and visit visas and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.
The Home Office said this week, “Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system. Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all”.
The fee hike applies across most visa categories. It includes health and care visas, applications to register and naturalise as a British citizen, fees for visas of varying durations (up to six months, two, five, and ten years), along with fees for entry clearance.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Trending on TFN
The 23 Best Places To Go In 2023
