On April 9, 2025, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) implemented significant increases in UK visa cost and immigration fees, impacting individuals and businesses alike. By increasing fees, the government aims to cover the operational costs associated with processing applications and maintaining immigration services.
UK Visa Cost 2025
Starting April 9, 2025, the UK Home Office increased fees for various visa categories and related services. Below is a summary of the key changes for UK visa fees 2025.
Standard Visitor Visa
A UK visitor visa allows you to enter the UK temporarily usually for tourism, business meetings or visiting family and friends. This visa typically permits a stay of up to six months. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means, genuine purpose of visit, and intention to leave the UK afterward.
UK visa fees for tourist have increased.
- Short-term up to 6 months: Fee increases from £115 to £127.
- Long-term up to 2 years: Fee increases from £432 to £475.
- Long-term up to 5 years: Fee increases from £771 to £848.
- Long-term up to 10 years: Fee increases from £963 to £1,059
Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK, provided you have a valid job offer from an approved employer. Applicants must fulfil specific criteria, including receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting salary thresholds, and demonstrating English proficiency. This visa typically lasts up to five years and can be renewed.
- Up to 3 years: Fee increases from £719 to £769
- More than 3 years: Fee increases from £1,420 to £1,519
Health and Care Worker
The Health and Care Worker visa allows qualified healthcare professionals to work in eligible health or social care jobs within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), adult social care sector, or approved healthcare providers. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet specific skill and salary requirements.
- Up to 3 years: Fee increases from £284 to £304
- More than 3 years: Fee increases from £551 to £590
Youth Mobility Scheme (Working Holiday)
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Applicants must be aged 18 to 30, or up to 35 for nationals from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea. Eligibility requires £2,530 in savings and a valid passport. Some countries have annual quotas or require a ballot entry. Visa holders can work in most jobs, study, or be self-employed.
- Fee increases from £298 to £319
British National Overseas (BNO)
A British National Overseas (BNO) visa allows eligible individuals from Hong Kong holding BNO status and their dependents to live, work, and study in the UK. Introduced in 2021 following China’s imposition of the National Security Law, it provides a pathway to British citizenship after five years of residence. Visa holders can access healthcare, education, and employment.
- Up to 2.5 years: Fee increases from £180 to £193
- More than 3 years: Fee increases from £250 to £268
Senior or Specialist Worker
Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows skilled overseas employees to temporarily transfer to the UK branch of their existing employer. It’s part of the Global Business Mobility route and replaces the previous Intra-company Transfer visa. Eligible applicants must hold senior managerial or specialist roles, meeting specific salary and skill criteria.
- Up to 3 years: Fee increases from £719 to £769
- More than 3 years: Fee increases from £1,420 to £1,519
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa allows recent graduates from top global universities to live and work in the UK without needing a prior job offer. Introduced in 2022, it’s designed to attract exceptional talent by providing eligibility based on education rather than employment sponsorship. Successful applicants can stay for two years, or three years with a doctoral degree.
Fee increases from £822 to £880
Innovator Founder Visa
A Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs aiming to establish and run innovative businesses in the UK. Applicants must have a unique, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body. Eligibility requires demonstrating English proficiency at CEFR level B2 and maintaining at least £1,270 in personal savings. The visa permits a three-year stay, with the possibility of extension.
Fee increases from £1,486 to £1,590
Scale Up Visa
A Scale Up visa allows highly skilled individuals to work in fast growing UK businesses. It’s designed for employees sponsored by qualifying UK scale-up companies experiencing rapid growth, enabling these businesses to recruit international talent. Initially, holders must work for their sponsor for six months, after which they’re free to switch jobs without sponsorship. The visa initially lasts two years, extendable by three more years.
Fee increases from £822 to £880
Student Visa
A UK Student Visa, officially known as the Student Route visa, allows international students to study at licensed educational institutions in the United Kingdom. To qualify, applicants must have an offer from a recognized sponsor, meet English language requirements, and show proof of sufficient financial support. The visa covers the duration of the academic program.
Fee increases from £490 to £524
Child Student Visa
The Child Student visa allows children aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent school in the United Kingdom. To qualify, the child must have an unconditional offer from a licensed Child Student sponsor and demonstrate enough funds to cover course fees and living costs.
Fee increases from £490 to £524
Study English Visa
A Study English Visa allows you to study English language courses in the UK for periods between 6 and 11 months. This visa is specifically for English language studies and does not permit other types of courses. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited English language program.
Fee increases from £200 to £214
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa in the UK allows international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK university to stay in the country to work, or look for work, for at least two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates). It does not require a job offer, and there are no restrictions on the type of work.
Fee increases from £822 to £880
Sponsorship Fees for Employers:
- Sponsor Licence for large organisations: Increases from £1,476 to £1,579
- Sponsor Licence for small organisations: Increases from £536 to £574
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Workers and Senior or Specialist Worker: Increases from £239 to £525
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