The UK government has revealed its plans to increase visa fees, affecting visitors and students, starting from October 4. Under the new regulations, the cost of a visitor visa for stays of less than six months will see an additional GBP 15 added, while prospective international students applying for visas will face a GBP 127 increase in fees. These changes come as part of broader efforts to bolster funding for public services, notably the state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

These fee hikes are not limited to specific visa categories; they extend to a wide range, encompassing work visas, priority visas, study visas, and more. The government asserts that these increases are essential for maintaining a sustainable immigration and nationality system, aiming to minimize the financial burden on British taxpayers while continuing to offer an attractive environment for individuals interested in working or studying in the UK. It’s important to note that these adjustments are still pending parliamentary approval but are anticipated to go into effect on October 4, as confirmed by the Home Office.