The UK Home Office has announced that from 9 April 2025, changes to immigration and nationality fees will take effect. Most fees will increase by 7%, with some categories substantially increasing. Key changes include a 120% increase in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Workers and Temporary Workers, rising from £239 to £525, and a 60% increase in Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs, from £10 to £16. Most other application categories will see fee increases ranging from 5% to 10%.
What are the main reasons for the increase in visa application fees?
The UK government's decision to increase visa application fees is part of a broader strategy to shift the financial burden of the immigration system from taxpayers to applicants and sponsors. This approach aims to ensure that those directly benefiting from immigration services bear a larger share of the costs, thereby reducing the burden on the general public.
The increased fees, particularly for sponsorship costs like the Certificate of Sponsorship, reflect the rising expenses associated with processing applications and sponsoring foreign workers. This change significantly impacts employers sponsoring international talent, who must now factor higher costs into their recruitment strategies. By implementing these fee increases, the UK government seeks to maintain a robust immigration system that is financially sustainable and responsive to economic and demographic needs, while ensuring that the costs are appropriately distributed among those who directly benefit from these services.
What are the key changes in the new immigration fees?
These changes will impact a wide range of visa categories, settlement applications, and other immigration-related services, affecting both individuals and businesses.
Visitor visa fees will see a 10% increase across the board. The fee for a short-term visit visa (up to six months) will rise from £115 to £127. Long-term visit visas will also experience substantial increases: a two-year visa fee will rise from £432 to £475, a five-year visa from £772 to £848, and a ten-year visa from £963 to £1059.
One of the most significant changes is the 120% increase in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Workers, which will jump from £239 to £525. Temporary Worker CoS fees will also more than double, increasing from £25 to £55. Work visa applications will see a 7% increase, with in-country applications rising from £827 to £885.
Other visa categories affected include:
Global Talent visa fees will also change. For main applicants requiring an approval letter, the fee will increase from £192 to £205, while for those not requiring an approval letter, it will rise from £716 to £766. Dependants under the Global Talent route will see their fees increase from £716 to £766.
The smallest increase of £8.50 will be applied to a Convention Travel Document for a child, raising the cost from £53 to £61.50. However, premium services such as priority processing fees will remain unchanged.
What types of applications are exempt from the fee increases?
Certain immigration applications are exempt from the UK Home Office's new fee increases. These exemptions primarily apply to human rights-based applications, including those for permission to stay under the five-year partner, parent, or private life routes. Additionally, applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) by victims of domestic abuse or bereaved partners are also exempt. Hong Kong BNO visa holders who meet specific conditions may also qualify for fee waivers.
These exemptions aim to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure access to immigration rights for those who cannot afford the fees. Fee waivers are available for applicants facing financial difficulties, provided they can demonstrate an inability to afford the application fee or Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The Home Office assesses each case individually, considering factors such as income, essential expenses, and risk of destitution. Applicants need to look at the official Home Office guidance for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.
What are the implications for employers?
The UK government has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration rules, particularly affecting employers sponsoring foreign workers and migrants seeking to settle in the country. From 9 April 2024, the Home Office will deduct certain payments from a Skilled Worker's salary when assessing whether it meets the minimum salary threshold. These deductions include payments related to immigration costs, business expenses, and investments, such as salary deductions, loan repayments, or investments.
This change means that if an employer provides a loan to cover sponsorship costs or requires visa fees to be repaid through salary deductions, these amounts will be subtracted from the employee's salary when determining eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa. The impact of these changes is likely to be substantial, especially given the recent increase in sponsorship fees. The rise in costs for Skilled Worker Certificates of Sponsorship, now £239 per certificate, is expected to place additional pressure on employer budgets.
These new rules may prove particularly challenging for organisations that rely heavily on overseas recruitment, operate with limited HR resources, or function in high-volume or cost-sensitive sectors. Employers will need to carefully factor these changes into their recruitment budgets, especially as the government continues to tighten immigration rules and intensify scrutiny on sponsor compliance. The full implications of these changes will become clearer once the updated caseworker guidance is released, providing more detailed information on how these new rules will be applied in practice.
The upcoming changes to visa fees have significant implications for prospective applicants. Those who submit their applications before 9 April 2025 will benefit from the current fee structure, whilst applications submitted on or after this date will be subject to the new, increased fees.
For students intending to pursue their studies in the United Kingdom, it is important to plan ahead and prepare applications with these changes in mind. By doing so, one can avoid unexpected expenses and potential delays in the visa process.
Employers might require changes to their recruitment strategies and ensure all applications are submitted prior to the 9 April 2025 deadline to prevent paying the increased fees as a result of these changes. Contact us at 020 3865 6219 or leave a message to discuss the potential impact of these changes on your recruitment planning and strategy.