UK: New Immigration and Nationality Fees for 2016/2017

March 4, 2016


On Friday 26th February 2016 UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) announced that the new fees for 2016/2017 will come into effect on 18th March 2016.  The fees will not be active in the Isle of Man until 6th April 2016.

The Government recently confirmed a maximum amount UKVI can charge over the next four year period for immigration and nationality applications. This has been done by establishing “maximum levels” for fees that are vastly above the fees currently in operation. This could lead to significant future cost increases for business and migrants.

The changes have been made by UKVI to try and achieve a system that is self-funded by those who use it, and to provide a better service to individuals.

The main changes are as follows:

  • A small increase of 2% for work, study and visit visas: Applications made outside the UK under Tier 2 of the Points Based System, have increased from £564 to £575 for a three year visa, and from £1128 to £1151 for a visa issued for up to five years. Applications made in-country have increased from £651 to £664 for a three year visa, and from £1,302 to £1,328 for a visa issued for a period of five years. The same fees will apply for each dependant. The cost for assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to an individual has remained the same at £199.

  • Applications submitted via the Priority Postal Service for in-country applications have increased by 25% from £300 to £375.

  • Settlement applications have increased by 25% from £1,500 to £1,875.  The same fees will apply for each dependant.

  • In-country applications made in-person via the same-say service at a Premium Service Centre have increased by 25% from £400 to £500. 

  • The fees for Nationality applications have increased by 25%. Each individual applying will now be required to pay £1156 in place of the previous fee of £1005.

  • Sponsor Licence applications will remain the same as the previous year.
     

For the full list of fee changes for 2016/2017 please click here. For further information please contact us on at [email protected].