British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that UK visa application fees would rise in order to finance public sector wage increases, following recent strikes.
“We are going to increase the charges that we have for migrants who are coming to this country when they apply for visas and indeed, something called the immigration health surcharge (IHS), which is the levy that they pay to access the country’s National Health Service,” Sunak said.
It is not yet clear when the new fees will be introduced.
According to the Evening Standard, the UK’s work visa fees will be increased by 15% and all other visa fees will rise by a minimum of 20%.
These are the current prices for UK visas according to Sable International:
Ancestry visa - £531 (R12 563)
Partner/spouse visa - £1 538 (R36 388)
Innovator Founder visa - £1 036 (R24 510)
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (more than 3 years) - £1 235 (R29,219)
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (less than 3 years) - £625 (R14 786)
Skilled Worker visa – shortage occupation (less than 3 years) - £479 (R11 333)
Skilled Worker visa – shortage occupation (more than 3 years) - £943 (R22 310)
Health and Care visa (less than 3 years) - £247 (R5 844)
Health and Care visa (more than 3 years) - £479 (R11 333)
Student visa - £490 (R11 593)
Youth Mobility Scheme visa - £259 (R6 128)
Visitor visa (6 months) - £100 (R2 366)
Visitor visa (2 years) - £376 (R8 896)
According to Sable International, the IHS surcharge is currently £624 (R14 763). It applies to those visiting the UK for more than six months. Paying this surcharge gives them access to free basic medical care while in the country.
