UK Government Announces New Visa and Immigration Fees Effective April 2026

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UK Government Announces New Visa and Immigration Fees Effective April 2026

The United Kingdom government has announced an upward review of visa, residency, and citizenship application fees, with the new charges scheduled to take effect from April 8, 2026. The adjustment will impact Nigerians and other international applicants planning to travel, study, work, or permanently relocate to the UK.

According to the updated fee structure released by the UK Home Office, almost all immigration routes have been affected. The changes apply to applications submitted both within and outside the United Kingdom, covering visit visas, student permits, employment visas, settlement pathways, and citizenship applications.

Nigeria continues to rank among the largest sources of UK visa applicants each year, with thousands of Nigerians applying annually for study opportunities, employment permits, and short-term visits. As a result, the new pricing structure is expected to significantly affect prospective applicants from the country.

For more international career updates, migration opportunities, and job resources, visit CareersNigeria.

Key Highlights of the Fee Changes

  • The standard short-term visit visa increases from £127 to £135.
  • The student visa rises from £524 to £558.
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain now costs £3,226, up from £3,029.
  • British citizenship naturalisation increases from £1,605 to £1,709.
  • The fee for registering a child as a British citizen drops from £1,214 to £1,000.

Updated UK Visit Visa Fees

  • Short-term visit visa (up to 6 months): £135 (was £127)
  • Long-term visit visa (2 years): £506 (was £475)
  • Long-term visit visa (5 years): £903 (was £848)
  • Long-term visit visa (10 years): £1,128 (was £1,059)
  • Visiting academic (up to 12 months): £234
  • Private medical treatment visa: £234
  • Direct airside transit visa: £41.50
  • Landside transit visa: £74.50

Student Visa Fees

  • Student visa (main applicant and dependants): £558
  • Child Student visa: £558
  • Short-term English language study visa: £228

Work Visa Fee Updates

  • Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): £819
  • Skilled Worker visa (over 3 years): £1,618
  • Skilled Worker – Immigration Salary List (up to 3 years): £628
  • Skilled Worker – Health and Care visa (up to 3 years): £324
  • Innovator Founder visa: £1,357
  • Start-up visa: £495
  • Scale-up visa: £937
  • Graduate Route visa: £937
  • Temporary Work routes: £340
  • Global Business Mobility visas: from £340 depending on category
  • High Potential Individual visa: £880 (unchanged)

Settlement and Residency Fees

  • Route to Settlement: £2,064
  • Dependant relative settlement route: £3,635
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain: £3,226
  • Visitor extension (within UK): £1,172
  • Leave to remain (other categories): £1,407

Travel Document Fees

  • Certificate of travel (adult): £320
  • Certificate of travel (child): £161
  • Convention travel document (adult): £102
  • Convention travel document (child): £66.50

Citizenship and Nationality Fees

  • Naturalisation as British citizen: £1,709
  • Registration as British citizen (adult): £1,540
  • Registration as British citizen (child): £1,000 (reduced)
  • Renunciation of nationality: £513
  • Nationality review: £513
  • Status or Non-acquisition nationality letters: £489

What This Means for Nigerian Applicants

With application costs rising across most categories, prospective applicants are encouraged to plan early and budget accordingly before the April 2026 implementation date. Individuals considering UK study, employment, or migration pathways may benefit from submitting applications ahead of the new pricing deadline where possible.

As global mobility policies continue to evolve, staying informed about visa requirements and opportunities remains essential for Nigerians seeking international education and career advancement.

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