UK visa and immigration fees increase from today April 8, 2026

The UK government has introduced a new round of immigration fee increases effective April 8, 2026, following updates published by the UK Home Office. The changes affect applicants worldwide and apply to most visa categories, including work, study, family, visit, settlement, and citizenship.

The revised fees were set out in updated Home Office regulations and reflect a continued policy of aligning immigration charges with administrative costs.

For travelers and employers planning applications around this date, the timing is important: applications submitted before April 8 are charged at the previous rates, while those submitted on or after the change must pay the higher fees.

Key travel and immigration visa fee increases

Several of the most commonly used routes have seen moderate but notable increases:

• Short-term visit visa (up to 6 months): £127 → £135
• Long-term visit visa (5 years): £848 → £903
• ETA fee: £16 → £20
• Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): now £819 (previously £769)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): now £3,226 per applicant
• Naturalisation (British citizenship): fee increased to over £1,600

While individual increases vary, most fees have risen by roughly 5% to 7%.

What this means for visitors, applicants and employers

The updated fees will affect tourists, business travelers, international students, skilled workers, and families applying for settlement in the UK. For short-term visitors, the increase is relatively modest but still adds to overall travel costs.

“The rise in ETA fees is particularly relevant for visa-exempt travelers who must now obtain pre-travel authorization before entering the UK.”

For employers and long-term migrants, the impact is even more significant. Higher visa and sponsorship costs may influence hiring decisions, relocation budgets, and long-term planning.

Planning ahead for UK travel costs

With fees continuing to rise, careful timing can make a difference. Submitting an application even a few days earlier can result in meaningful savings, particularly for families or long-term work visas.

Those planning travel, relocation, or settlement in the UK should:

• Review updated fees before applying
• Account for additional costs like healthcare surcharges and biometrics
• Ensure employers and sponsors have updated budgets for 2026

The April 2026 increase is part of a broader trend of rising UK immigration costs. Travelers, workers, and employers should expect continued adjustments in line with government cost-recovery policies.