The British government has said how the profits will be spent.
If you are looking to apply for a UK visa in the near future, it may cost more than you might expect.
The country will increase fees for most visas, including those for students and tourists, from October 4, following an announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in July this year. It applies to travelers from around the world who require a visa to enter or stay in the UK.
The move comes ahead of the new product’s launch in the UK Electronic travel authorization visa regime.
What is the price increase for UK visas?
It means the cost of a visit Visa for less than six months, for example, it will increase from £15 (€18) to £115 (€133). Fees for two-, five- and 10-year visit visas will also increase.
Apply as a student Visa those from outside the UK will also become significantly more expensive. Those studying in the country will have to fork out £490 (€569), bringing the cost in line with the amount charged for in-country applications.
Transit visas, which allow you to temporarily enter the country to change flights or take a different form of transportation to your final destination, are not expected to become more expensive.
A comprehensive list of new fees for UK visa and immigration services can be found here. Charges are expected to be brought from October 4, subject to parliamentary approval.
Why is the cost of UK visas increasing?
The British Prime Minister announced it in July Visa costs would rise to accommodate the country’s public sector wage increases.
“All these fees will increase and this will raise over £1 billion, so visa application fees will increase significantly,” he said.
The Immigration Health Surcharge, a tax paid to the UK’s state-funded National Health Service, is also expected to increase. But, the Home Office says, this change will only be introduced later in the autumn.
The UK Home Office says there will be a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas. Priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship are expected to increase by at least 20%.
Applies to most types of Visa including applications to register and naturalize as a British citizen.
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