The UK visa fees will increase across all categories starting April 9, 2025, according to an official announcement from the UK government on March 19. The hikes will affect visitor visas, student visas, work permits, and settlement applications. Fees for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase even earlier—on April 2, 2025.
Visitor and ETA fees see sharp increases
For Indian nationals and other visitors who require a visa to enter the UK, the visitor visa fee will rise by 10%, from $149 to $164. Travellers from visa-exempt countries will now pay $20 for an ETA, up from $12—marking a 60% increase.
The ETA allows pre-arrival screening for visa-free travellers. While not a visa, it functions similarly by allowing UK authorities to conduct background checks before travel.
Breakdown of visit visa fee changes:
• Short-term (up to 6 months): £115 to £127
• Long-term (up to 2 years): £432 to £475
• Long-term (up to 5 years): £771 to £848
• Long-term (up to 10 years): £963 to £1,059
Student visa hikes may impact educational travel
International students will also be affected. The student visa fee will increase to £524 ($677) from the current £490 ($633) for both main applicants and dependants, including child students. Short-term study visas for English courses between 6 and 11 months will rise from $258 to $276.
Emma English, Executive Director of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), warned the increases could worsen the challenges already facing youth travel to the UK. “The government’s post-Brexit passport-only policy has already discouraged group visits. Now, higher ETA costs add another barrier,” she said.
Updated student visa fees:
• Standard student and child student: £490 to £524
• Short-term English language study: £200 to £214
Work visa costs rise significantly
The most significant rise among work visas is for the Health and Care Worker visa, which will jump 28.2%, from $367 to $470. The Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation visa will increase by 26.3%, reaching £470.
Other visa categories will also see increases:
• Temporary Work visa: Up 3.9% (additional $38)
• Innovator Founder visa: £1,191 to £1,274
• Start-up visa: £435 to £465
• Minister of Religion visa: Up 5.6%
Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain fees
For those applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK, the main applicant and dependants will face a new fee of £3,029, up from £2,885—a rise of £144.
The new fee structure reflects the government’s broader immigration strategy, aiming to align visa costs with operational delivery and public funding reductions. However, critics warn the rising costs may limit access for students, skilled workers, and family members wishing to settle in the UK.
