UK Immigration Fees Rising April 8, 2026: Skilled Worker, Student & Sponsor Licence Costs Up 6–7% – Full Breakdown & What It Means for Applicants & Employers
- Editorial Team
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
The UK Home Office has confirmed a fresh round of immigration and nationality fee increases that will take effect from 8 April 2026. The adjustments — averaging 6–7% across most visa routes — affect entry clearance applications, in-country extensions, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), sponsor licences and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
While the percentage rises are described as moderate and inflation-linked, they arrive on top of the much larger Immigration Skills Charge hike implemented in 2025 and repeated increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge in recent years. Together, the changes reinforce the UK’s position as one of the more expensive destinations for international talent and students.
Key Fee Increases Coming 8 April 2026
Entry Clearance (Visa Applications from Outside the UK)
Visa Route | Current Fee (GBP) | New Fee from 8 Apr 2026 (GBP) | Increase |
Skilled Worker – Certificate of Sponsorship ≤ 3 years | 769 | 819 | +6.5% |
Skilled Worker – Certificate of Sponsorship > 3 years | 1,519 | 1,618 | +6.5% |
Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist Worker ≤ 3 years | 769 | 819 | +6.5% |
Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist Worker > 3 years | 1,519 | 1,618 | +6.5% |
Student visa | 524 | 558 | +6.5% |
Visit visa (up to 6 months) | 127 | 135 | +6.3% |
In-Country Applications (Extensions & Switching Inside the UK)
Visa Route | Current Fee (GBP) | New Fee from 8 Apr 2026 (GBP) | Increase |
Skilled Worker – ≤ 3 years | 885 | 943 | +6.6% |
Skilled Worker – > 3 years | 1,751 | 1,865 | +6.5% |
Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist ≤ 3 years | 885 | 943 | +6.6% |
Global Business Mobility – Senior/Specialist > 3 years | 1,751 | 1,865 | +6.5% |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / Settlement) | 3,029 | 3,226 | +6.5% |
Sponsor Licence Application Fees
Licence Type | Current Fee (GBP) | New Fee from 8 Apr 2026 (GBP) | Increase |
Worker Sponsor Licence – Large sponsor | 1,579 | 1,682 | +6.5% |
Worker Sponsor Licence – Small/charitable sponsor | 574 | 611 | +6.4% |
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Current: £16
From 8 April 2026: £20 (+25%)
The ETA fee rise applies to visa-national visitors and certain non-visa nationals who previously entered visa-free.
Why Are Fees Going Up Again?
The Home Office states that the increases are necessary to reflect inflation and the rising cost of operating the immigration system. The UK continues to operate a largely user-funded model, meaning fees cover a significant portion of Home Office running costs rather than being heavily subsidised by general taxation.
These latest adjustments follow:
A substantial rise in the Immigration Skills Charge in April 2025
Repeated uplifts to the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2024–2025
The introduction of the ETA scheme itself
Taken together, the cumulative cost burden on employers and individuals recruiting or studying in the UK has grown noticeably over the past 24 months.
Practical Impact & Action Steps
Employers
Businesses planning Skilled Worker sponsorships, Global Business Mobility transfers or new sponsor licence applications should finalise and submit before 8 April 2026 to lock in current rates.
Budgets for 2026/27 recruitment may need revision — especially for longer-duration roles where the absolute increase is larger.
Sponsor licence renewals or upgrades will also cost more from mid-April.
Individuals
Prospective Skilled Workers, students and visitors should apply as early as possible if travel or employment start dates allow.
Anyone close to qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain should aim to submit before the ILR fee jumps from £3,029 to £3,226.
Family dependants are also affected: dependant visa fees usually mirror the main applicant’s increase.
Students The Student visa fee rising from £524 to £558 adds to already high costs when combined with the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for most courses).
Looking Ahead: Further Cost Pressures Expected
The government has signalled that proposed reforms to settlement rules — potentially extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain — could keep many migrants in temporary status longer, multiplying the total fees paid over time. Full details of any changes to settlement pathways are expected before the end of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UK Immigration Fees April 2026
When do the new UK visa fees start?
All listed increases take effect from 8 April 2026.
Will dependant visa fees rise too?
Yes — dependant fees normally follow the same percentage increase as the main applicant route.
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge changing in April 2026?
No change announced for this round; the current rates (£1,035/year standard; £776/year for students) remain in place until further notice.
Can I lock in current fees by applying early?
Yes — applications decided under the old fee schedule (received before 8 April 2026) will be charged the current rates.
Where can I find the official fee table?
The full list is published on the GOV.UK fees page: gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-8-april-2026
Need the latest UK visa fee calculators, Skilled Worker guides & sponsor licence tips? Check our complete collection here: UK Visa & Immigration Updates
The April 2026 fee rise is modest in percentage terms but adds meaningful cost pressure at a time when many businesses and students are already facing higher overall migration expenses. If you have upcoming UK visa needs, reviewing timelines and submitting early could save hundreds — or thousands — of pounds.
Last updated: March 2026 | Based on official Home Office fee regulations published for implementation 8 April 2026.
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