On 13 July 2023 the British government confirmed a raft of immigration fee increases which will are likely to place a significant additional cost burden on sponsors and individuals. Immigration fees have not increased significantly since April 2018 and the magnitude of the announced rises is substantial.
An implementation date has not yet been announced.
According to the brief, work and visitor visa fees will rise by 15%, student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, permission to stay and priority services will rise by at least 20%, student visa fees and those for priority services will be equalised to ensure the fee is the same for entry clearance and permission to stay, and the main Immigration Health Surcharge rate will rise to £1,035, with the lower rate for students and applicants under 18 rising to £776.
Although a full impact assessment has not yet been published, the government anticipates that the additional revenue generated from the new fees will be in excess of £1 billion. The additional funds will be used to contribute to funding pay increases for public sector workers.
