The United Kingdom with its rich heritage, culture, tourism and thriving economy is one of the popular destinations for the individuals seeking work, study or to travel. However the process of obtaining a UK Visa is complex and a long process with a lot of requirements and varied visa fee depending on your objective.
In this article we read everything related to the UK Visa and it’[s recent changes which you should know before applying for it.
Understanding UK Visa Types
Before discussing about its recent changes it’s necessary to know about the different visa types of UK
- Tier 1 Visa: These visas are provided to individuals which have exceptional talent or significant investment in the UK.
- Tier 2 Visa: These visas are offered to skilled workers, this visa requires a job offer from a licensed employer in the UK.
- Tier 4 Visa: Offered to International students seeking to study at UK University or College.
- Tier 5 Visa: This visa is for temporary work categories such as mobility schemes, and creative and cultural occupation.
- Family Visa: For spouse, partner, or children of UK citizens having a settled status in the UK.
- Visitor Visa: For short term purposes like tourism, medical or any business work.
Recent changes to UK Visa Regulations
- Increased Application fees: In recent years the UK Aernment increased the application fee for visa. This fee is increased for both initial applications and the extended ones.
- Changes to the Skilled worker visa: The minimum salary requirements for skilled workers has increased in recent times and the list of eligible occupations have been revised in recent times.
- Introduction of Global Talent Visa: UK designed a special Global Talent visa to attract the individual who have exceptional talent in the field of Science, Technology, Mathematics or Engineering.
- Changes to Health Surcharge: The health surcharge for the individuals of Non EEA nationals (not a citizen of the European Union or European economic area) to access the NHS is also increased.
- Impact of Brexit: The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union resulted in the change in visa rules for the individuals from the European Union.
- Digital Transformation: In recent times the UK government is improving the digitalization of the visa process to make the visa process more easy and comfortable so it improves the customer experience.
- Priority Visa Service: This service is offered to those who want their visa urgently, this service speeds up their visa application and there will be some extra charges as well.
- Changes to the point based system: The UK’s immigration system works on a point based system, in which applicants receive points on the basis of their skills, qualification and other factors. The UK Government made changes in these points based systems to meet evolving requirements.
Factors affecting Visa Costs:
- Visa Type: Application fee for different visa types should be different.
- Duration of Stay: If anyone wants to stay longer in the UK then there will be more fee and less duration have less fee.
- Application Method: Applying online or in person may affect the cost.
- Additional Services: Priority visa or biometric enrollment incur extra charges.
- Health Surcharge: This is a mandatory fee for non-EEA nationals.
- Dependants: If anyone applying for themselves and their dependents then the fee will be higher.
- Current Exchange Rates: Fluctuation in Currency exchange rates affect the visa fee when it is paid in the foreign currency.
UK Visa Cost:
Visa cost depends on the Visa types here are the different costs for UK Visas.
| Visa type | Application made outside the UK | Application made in the UK |
| Spouse / Civil Partner / Unmarried Partner / Fiance / Parent / Child | £1,846 | £1,048 |
| Adult Dependent | £3,250 | £1,048 |
| Student | £363 | £490 |
| Graduate | £822 | £822 |
| Visitor – for up to 6 months | £115 | £115 |
| Visitor in Transit | £64 | £64 |
| Ancestry | £637 | £637 |
| British National (Overseas) | £180 | £180 |
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | £719 | £719 |
| Skilled Worker (more than 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,420 |
| Health and Care Worker (up to 3 years) | £284 | £284 |
| Health and Care Worker (more than 3 years) | £551 | £551 |
| Temporary Work (Seasonal Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, Creative Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, International Agreement) | £298 | £298 |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | £637 | £637 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years) | £719 | £719 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker (more than 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,420 |
| Global Business Mobility (Graduate Trainee, Secondment Worker, Service Supplier, Expansion Worker | £298 | £298 |
| International Sportsperson (up to 12 months) | £298 | £298 |
| International Sportsperson (more than 12 months) | £719 | £827 |
| Minister of Religion | £719 | £827 |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | £719 | £827 |
| Scale-up | £822 | £822 |
| Innovator Founder | £1,191 | £1,486 |
| Global Talent | £716 | £716 |
| Indefinite leave to remain | £2,885 | £2,885 |
Note: Please note these fees are not fixed. It may change when you are going to apply as there are several factors which affect the visa fee.
Additional cost to consider:
In addition to your visa application fee there may be other cost also which you have to prepared for-
- Biometric Enrollment: This involves providing fingerprints and a photograph.
- HealthcareSurcharge: As discussed this is a mandatory fee for non EEA nationals which have to be paid.
- Accommodation and Living Expenses: Once in the UK you have to bear the cost of rent, food and other day to day expenses.
- Travel Expenses: If you are overseas then you have the expenses of fights and other travel arrangements.
- Language Testing: For some visas you have to take a language proficiency test.
- Financial Evidence: You may need to provide the financial evidence of yours to support your stay in the UK.
Tips for a successful Visa Application:
To increase your chances of successful visa application you can consider following tips:
- Plan Early: You should start your application early so that you have enough time for the necessary preparation.
- Gather all required documents: Collect all your necessary and needed documents and the evidence which is needed such as identity proof, financial evidence, supporting letter etc. so that there will be no issue at time of visa application.
- Provide accurate information: Provide accurate and correct information, don’t try to mislead the authorities as it may cause you a huge penalty or visa ban.
- Read and follow instructions: Read and follow visa instructions carefully and adhere to the specific requirements which are needed.
- Seek professional advice if needed: If you are unsure about any process or have any doubt then you should consult the immigration advisor.
- Consider using a Visa Consultant: A Visa consultant helps you in your visa application process from start to end and it will help you to save your time and energy.
- Check for updates: Regularly check the UK government website to get up to date with new changes or any other new information regarding Visa.
The UK Visa changes process can be challenging, but with careful planning and preparation it is possible to successfully obtain the UK Visa which you need. Be updated with the recent changes in UK visa regulations and associated cost, it will help you to make an informed decision and increase your chances for successful visa application.
FAQs:
- How much is the UK Visa fee now?
Ans: It depends on the UK Visa type which you need, like for student visa the fee varies between £350 to £800 and for skilled workers the cost varies between £700 to £1650.
- Is a UK Visa easy for Indians?
Ans: The UK Visa process is a complex process but if you do proper planning then it will be easy to get a UK Visa for Indians.
