UK Immigration Fees Are Among the World's Highest
- Burcu Köroğlu
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
New House of Commons research reveals just how expensive the UK system has become.
The House of Commons Library just published new research on UK immigration fees.
UK immigration costs are among the highest in the developed world.
The Numbers
A UK Skilled Worker visa (5 years, large employer) costs around £12,500 total:
Application fee: £769
Health surcharge: £3,105
Immigration Skills Charge: £6,600
Certificate of Sponsorship: £525
Compare that to:
Germany: Under £200
Canada: £700
Switzerland: £900
US (H1B): £8,200
The UK charges 1,000% more than the average across comparable countries.
Even without the health surcharge, UK costs remain significantly higher than most developed nations.
How Did This Happen?
Until 2003, fees were modest or free:
Student visa: £36
Naturalisation: £155
Leave to remain applications: Free
The Blair government started charging above processing costs to fund wider immigration activities. Later governments added the health surcharge (2015) and immigration skills charge (2017).
Fee income growth:
2003: £184 million
2024: £6,200 million (fees + surcharges + levies combined)
The “Self-Funding” Model
The Home Office wants the immigration system funded by migrants, not taxpayers.
In 2024-25, UK Visas and Immigration had a cost recovery target of 241% — for every £100 spent processing, it aimed to raise £241 in fees.
Example:
Settlement (ILR) costs £523 to process
Fee charged: £3,029
Markup: 478%
The surplus funds Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, and asylum processing.
Recent Changes
Sunak government (October 2023):
Work and visitor visas: +15%
Family visas, settlement, citizenship: +20%
Student visas: +35%
Health surcharge: +66% (£624 → £1,035/year)
Starmer government (2024-present):
Immigration Skills Charge: +32%
Certificate of Sponsorship: +120%
Further 6.5% increase planned for 2026
Who’s Exempt?
Some groups don’t pay:
Asylum applicants
EU Settlement Scheme applicants
Armed forces personnel (6+ years service)
Fee waivers are available for:
Family visa applicants who can’t afford the fee
Children applying for British citizenship
Bereaved partners
Why This Matters
High fees create a competitiveness problem.
If the UK charges significantly more than Canada, Germany, or France, it becomes harder to attract:
International students
Skilled workers
Researchers
Tourists
The Royal Society report cited in the Commons research specifically raised concerns about attracting scientific talent.
Parliamentary interest is growing: multiple debates, Early Day Motions, and cross-party concern about the impact on families and workers.
What’s Next?
The government plans to raise some fees by 6.5% in 2026.
More significantly: proposed ILR changes would extend the qualifying period from 5 to 10 years for most applicants. This means more visa renewals and significantly higher lifetime costs.
UK immigration fees have risen 1,500% over two decades, creating one of the most expensive systems in the developed world.
If you’re planning to apply for a visa, settlement, or citizenship, factor in the full cost early.
Read the full Commons research: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9859/
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Point B Legal is authorised and regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority.
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