UK Visas and Immigration has introduced new visa application and service fee changes for 2016. These fee changes are said to reflect a self-funding system while simultaneously maintaining a competitive level of service to the general public.
The fees for all sponsorship categories will be kept at the current threshold which is good news for businesses/organisations who want to apply for a sponsor licence under Tiers 1, 2, 4, & 5. However the cost to the individual applicant will increase as follows:
- Visa application processing costs for applicants under Tier 1, 2, 4 and 5 will rise by 2%
- Visa application processing costs for Visit Visas in all categories will rise by 2%
- An increase in fees of up to 25% for Residence, Settlement and Nationality applications made in country
- Up to 33% increase in the optional premium services – Super Premium Services & Priority Visa Services (abroad)
Please note: Historically fee changes have come in to force annually on the 6th April. However, legislation is now in force and it sets out the maximum fee UKVI can charge over the next four years. The new fee structure will commence on 18th March 2016.
