If you are applying for a UK visa, it is important to note that most application fees increased on 9 April 2025. However, these new fees do not affect applications submitted before that date — only those submitted on or after 9 April 2025 will be subject to the updated charges. The increases apply to a wide range of visa types as well as sponsor licences and Certificates of Sponsorship. In this blog, we answer your most frequently asked questions about the recent changes to UK visa fees and what they could mean for your application.
As of 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office has increased application fees for a wide range of visa and immigration routes. Understandably, many applicants are wondering: “Will this change affect my existing or upcoming UK visa application?”
Q: I submitted my visa application before 9 April 2025. Will I need to pay the new, higher fee?
A: No, you will not be required to pay the increased fee. The applicable visa or immigration fee is determined by the rate in force on the date your application is submitted. Provided your application was submitted before 9 April 2025, the previous (lower) fee will apply, even if your application is processed or decided after that date.
Q: What if I started my application before 9 April 2025 but I have not submitted it yet?
A: If your application is submitted on or after 9 April 2025, the new fees will apply, regardless of when you began preparing your application. It is the submission date—not the start date—that determines which fee is payable.
Q: I am applying to extend my visa from within the UK. Do the new fees apply to me?
A: Yes, the fee increases announced on 9 April 2025 apply to both entry clearance applications from outside the UK and applications for leave to remain made from within the UK. Therefore, if you are submitting a visa extension application on or after 9 April 2025, you will be subject to the new fee structure.
Q: I am applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). How have the fees changed?
A: From 9 April 2025, the fee for ILR applications has increased by 5%, rising from £2,885 to £3,029. If your application is submitted on or after this date, you will be required to pay the higher fee.
Q: Will the increase affect Priority or Super Priority services?
A: No, the cost of using premium processing services remains unchanged. The cost of the Priority Visa Service remains at £500 and the Super Priority Service – at £1,000.
Q: Are all visa categories affected by the fee increases?
A: Most UK visa categories have been affected, though there are some exceptions. Below are several examples of the updated fees:
- Visit Visa (6 months): now £127 (up from £115)
- Skilled Worker Visa (submitted outside the UK, for up to 3 years): now £769 (up from £719)
- Skilled Worker Visa (submitted in the UK, for up to 3 years): now £885 (up from £827)
- Spouse/Civil Partner Visa (submitted outside the UK): now £1,939 (up from £1,846)
- Spouse/Civil Partner Visa (submitted in the UK): now £1,321 (up from £1,258)
- Student Visa: now £524 (up from £490)
- ILR: now £3,029 (up from £2,885)
- Naturalisation (British citizenship, not including the ceremony fee): now £1,605 (up from £1,500)
Q: Will I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in addition to my visa fee?
A: Yes, most visa applicants are required to pay the IHS in addition to the standard visa application fee. The IHS is payable at the time of submission, and the amount will depend on the length of your stay and your visa category. The IHS rate did not increase on 9 April 2025 and remains at £776 per year for students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme visa applicants and those under the age of 18 at the time of application; and at £1,035 per year for all other applicants.
Q: I am an employer applying for a sponsor licence. Will these changes impact my costs?
A: Yes. Employers face significant increases, particularly regarding Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS):
- CoS for most skilled roles: now £525 (up from £239)
- Sponsor licence (small sponsors): now £574 (up from £536)
- Sponsor licence (large sponsors): now £1,579 (up from £1,476)
Be sure to factor in these new rates when planning your recruitment budget.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Seek Advice
The 2025 visa fee increases are part of broader changes to the UK’s immigration landscape. Whether you are applying for a visa to make a short visit, take a skilled job or settle in the UK, understanding the correct fees at the time of submission is essential.
If you are unsure how the changes apply to your situation, or if you need assistance submitting your application correctly and on time, we recommend speaking with one of our experienced immigration solicitors.
Updated: 24 April 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.
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