Migrants from India will be affected majorly, with the British government increasing the visa application fees across-the-board from March 18. A large segment of entrants seeking to live and work in the UK come from India.
The increase in fees “linked most closely to economic growth” such as those offered to workers and students will increase by 2%, along with tourist visas.
Settlement, residence and nationality fees will be increased by 25%; while optional premium services offered by the Home Office such as the super premium service and priority visa services overseas will be increased by 33%.
From India, tourist visas to the UK will go up from £85 to £87 (six months); £324 to £330 (two years); £588 to £600 (five years); and £737 to £752 (10 years).
According to a report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), of the top 10 nationalities who were granted entry clearance visas (that excludes visitor and transit visas) to the UK in 2015, Indians were the second highest at 85,403 following China which had the largest number at 93,076.
The Home Office notification says the aim of the increase is to achieve a “self-funding system, whilst continuing to provide a competitive level of service, and a fees structure that remains attractive to businesses, migrants and visitors”.
Full list can be found on Home Office website.
