The United Kingdom government has announced a significant increase in visa fees across multiple categories, with the new charges set to take effect from April 8, 2026.
The revised fee structure, introduced by the UK Home Office, will impact visitors, students, skilled workers, and individuals applying for permanent residency and citizenship. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to manage migration and rising asylum applications.
Under the new rates, short-term visit visas of up to six months will rise from £127 to £135. Longer-term visit visas will also see increases, with two-year visas climbing to £506, five-year visas to £903, and ten-year visas to £1,128.
Student visa fees are also affected, increasing from £524 to £558, while skilled worker visa applications for up to three years will rise from £769 to £819.
Applications for British citizenship will become more expensive, with naturalisation fees increasing from £1,605 to £1,709. Similarly, settlement visa costs will rise, with the standard route increasing from £1,938 to £2,064.
In addition, family-related visa applications will see notable hikes, with fees for dependants requiring care rising by £222 to £3,635.
UK authorities said the adjustments follow a surge in asylum claims from certain countries, alongside plans to tighten immigration controls. Measures under consideration include financial incentives for voluntary returns and stricter penalties for illegal employment.
The latest increase follows a similar adjustment in 2025, reflecting a continued upward trend in visa and immigration-related costs.
The new fee regime is expected to affect thousands of applicants worldwide, including Nigerians, who remain among the largest groups seeking visas to the United Kingdom.
