Here's How UK Visa Fee Hike Will Impact Students, Workers And Visitors

A visa hike announced by the British government will be effective from today. With this, a visit visa to the United Kingdom for under six months will cost GBP (Great Britain Pound) 15 (around Rs 1,500) more and a student visa will be GBP 127 (approximately Rs 12,750) more expensive for travellers from around the world. The UK Home Office said that changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months will rise to GBP 115 (nearly Rs 11,500) and the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise to GBP 490, which is approximately Rs 50,000.

According to the official site, the hike in visa fees applies to most of the categories, including fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5 and 10-year visit visas; the majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK, including those for work and study; fees for indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain; health and care visa; fees in relation to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies; and applications to register and naturalise as a British Citizen.

"It is right and fair to increase visa application fees so we can fund vital public services and allow wider funding to contribute to public sector pay," a Home Office spokesperson said.