According to the UK Home Office, the cost of a visit visa to the United Kingdom (Uk) for less than six months has increased from £15 (14,592.70) to £115 (approximately N111,878.28).
This represents an increase of almost 667%. The student visa fee has also increased by 286 percent, from £127 (N123,537.58) to £490 (N476,677.59).
The government also stated that the review will take effect on October 4, adding that the increase will allow it to pay for “vital services” and prioritise more funds for public employee pay hikes.
The UK government announced this in a statement titled ‘New visa costs set to go into effect next month,’ which was published on its website, gov.uk, on Friday, following the introduction of legislation in parliament on Friday.
“The changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 (N14,592.70) to £115 (N111,878.28 ), while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 (N123,537.58) to £490 (N476,677.59), to equal the amount charged for in-country applications,’ the statement partly read.
In July, the government announced a 15 per cent increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20 per cent in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.
The statement added, “Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system. Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”
In July, the government announced a 15 per cent increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20 per cent in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.
The statement added, “Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system. Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”