On 16 January 2025, the UK government set out significant proposed changes before Parliament, which could affect the fees associated with various immigration and nationality services. These changes, if approved, will adjust the maximum fees for several products and services, contributing to a more streamlined and secure immigration system while generating additional revenue for the government.
Key fee increases
The proposed changes which may impact fees in relation to nationality include:
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen: Fee rising to £1,605.
- Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen: Fee increasing to £1,070.
What does this mean for applicants?
For those considering naturalisation as a British Citizen, the proposed increase to £1,605 is a strong incentive to act now. If you qualify, starting your application before the changes are implemented could save you significant costs. The government has emphasised the benefits of the process, which include greater security and efficiency, but these come at a higher price for applicants. Acting promptly ensures you avoid the increased fees and secure your citizenship under the current rate.
Conclusion
The proposed fee increases are part of the UK’s broader efforts to modernise its immigration infrastructure. While these measures promise improvements in security and efficiency, they also highlight the need for applicants to stay informed and plan for these changes.
If you’ve been contemplating applying for British citizenship, please contact us.
Updated: 20 January 2025
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2025