The UK government will increase immigration and nationality fees by up to 45% starting April 8, 2026, affecting thousands of international students and researchers applying for visas and settlement.
Student visa fees will jump from £490 to £719 for applications made outside the UK — a 47% increase. PhD and research visa costs will rise from £490 to £719 as well, while settlement applications will cost £3,250, up from £2,885.
Key Fee Changes for Students and Researchers
The Home Office published the revised fee structure that will hit international students particularly hard. Student route applications made from outside the UK will see the steepest increases.
Other significant changes include:
Tier 2 (General) and Skilled Worker visas: Rising from £719 to £1,035 for out-of-country applications
Indefinite Leave to Remain: Increasing to £3,250 from £2,885
British citizenship applications: Climbing to £1,630 from £1,580
Priority visa services: Premium processing will cost an additional £1,000
The increases represent the largest fee hike in recent years, with some categories seeing costs nearly double since 2019.
What This Means for International Students
These fee increases will add significant financial pressure to your UK study plans. A PhD student applying from overseas will now pay £719 instead of £490 — an extra £229 just for the visa application.
The timing is particularly challenging as universities have already increased tuition fees for international students. Combined with rising living costs, studying in the UK becomes more expensive across the board.
If you're planning to settle in the UK after your studies, the path becomes costlier too. The route from student visa to settlement could now cost over £4,000 in visa fees alone, not including the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Current students on existing visas won't face immediate increases, but renewals and extensions after April 2026 will be subject to the new rates. This affects students extending their post-study work visas or transitioning to skilled worker status.
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What You Should Do Now
If you're planning to apply for a UK visa, timing your application before April 8, 2026, could save you hundreds of pounds. Here's your action plan:
For 2026 applicants: Submit your student visa application before the deadline if you have a confirmed university place. The current £490 fee saves you £229 compared to post-April rates.
Budget accordingly: Factor these higher costs into your financial planning. Don't forget the Immigration Health Surcharge, which remains separate from visa fees.
Consider alternatives: Research other English-speaking countries with lower visa costs if the UK fees strain your budget. Ireland, Australia, and Canada offer competitive study options.
Plan your settlement timeline: If you're already in the UK on a student visa, map out your route to settlement and budget for the increased costs.
Quick Facts: New UK Immigration Fees
Student visa (outside UK): £719 (was £490)
PhD/research visa: £719 (was £490)
Skilled Worker visa: £1,035 (was £719)
Settlement application: £3,250 (was £2,885)
Citizenship application: £1,630 (was £1,580)
Effective date: April 8, 2026
Related ApplyKite Resources
Need help planning your UK study journey? Check out our complete UK student visa guide for step-by-step application advice.
Considering alternatives? Our funding guide covers scholarship opportunities across multiple countries to help offset rising costs.
