UK Visa Fee Increase 2026: What Indian Travellers and Applicants Need to Know

Planning a trip, job, study programme, or even a permanent move to the United Kingdom in 2026? You may want to submit your application sooner rather than later.

The UK government has announced a new round of immigration and nationality fee changes that will take effect from 8 April 2026. While some increases are relatively small, others could add hundreds of pounds to the overall cost of your application. The biggest impact will be felt by applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), British citizenship, UK work visas, and family settlement visas.

There is one piece of good news, though. Families applying to register children as British citizens will actually pay less under the new rules. Whether you're applying for a UK tourist visa, UK spouse visa, UK work visa, or planning a long-term move, here's everything you need to know about the latest UK visa fee changes.

UK Visa Fees 2026 at a Glance

The table below highlights some of the most commonly searched UK visa categories and their updated fees.

• UK Tourist Visa (6 Months): £135 (Approx. ₹18,069)

• UK Visitor Visa (2 Years): £506 (Approx. ₹67,724)

• UK Visitor Visa (5 Years): £903 (Approx. ₹1,20,859)

• UK Visitor Visa (10 Years): £1,128 (Approx. ₹1,50,974)

• Skilled Worker Visa: From £819 (Approx. ₹1,09,000)

• UK Spouse Visa: £1,938 (Approx. ₹2,58,000)

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,226 (Approx. ₹4,30,000)

• British Citizenship (Naturalisation): £1,709 (Approx. ₹2,28,000)

• Child Citizenship Registration: £1,000 (Approx. ₹1,33,000)

Note: The final amount payable in India may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) at the time of application.

The Biggest UK Visa Fee Changes Coming in April 2026

The upcoming changes affect several major immigration categories.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Is Becoming More Expensive

For many migrants, obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the final step towards permanent settlement in the UK. Unfortunately, it is also becoming more expensive.

From 8 April 2026, the ILR application fee will increase by £197, bringing the total cost to £3,226 (₹4,30,000 approx.) per applicant.

If you've spent years working and building a life in the UK, this increase is worth factoring into your long-term immigration plans.

British Citizenship Fees Are Rising

Applicants seeking British citizenship through naturalisation will also face higher costs.

The application fee will increase to £1,709 (₹2,28,000 approx.), representing a rise of £104 compared to current charges.

For many applicants, citizenship is the final milestone after obtaining permanent residency, making this another important expense to consider.

UK Tourist Visa Fee Increase

The UK Standard Visitor Visa, commonly used for tourism, family visits, and short business trips, will also see a fee increase.

From April 2026, the fee for a six-month visitor visa will rise to £135 (₹18,069).

Although the increase is relatively modest compared to other visa categories, it will affect thousands of travellers visiting the UK each year.

Good News for Families

Not every fee is increasing. In a rare move, the UK government has reduced the fee for registering a child as a British citizen. The application fee will drop by £214, bringing the total cost down to £1,000 (₹1,33,000 approx.).

For families with eligible children, this change provides welcome financial relief.

What Do These Changes Mean for Indian Applicants?

For Indian travellers and migrants, the updated fee structure means higher overall costs for moving to or settling in the UK.

While the increase for a UK tourist visa remains manageable at £135 (₹18,069), long-term immigration routes such as work visas, spouse visas, and settlement applications will require more careful financial planning.

For example, the Skilled Worker Visa now starts from £819 (approximately ₹1.09 lakh), the UK Spouse Visa costs around £1,938 (approximately ₹2.58 lakh), and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) costs £3,226 (approximately ₹4.30 lakh).

Families applying together may face significant upfront expenses once visa fees, healthcare surcharges, flights, accommodation, and supporting documentation costs are added together.

If you're considering relocating to the UK, now is a good time to review your budget and application timeline.

Impact on UK Employers and Sponsored Workers

Businesses that rely on overseas talent should also prepare for higher immigration costs.

Several sponsored immigration routes, including categories under the UK's business mobility framework, will see application fees increase to £819 (approximately ₹1.09 lakh).

Employers holding a sponsor licence may need to adjust recruitment budgets to accommodate these changes.

True Cost of a 3-Year Skilled Worker Visa

Many applicants focus on the visa application fee alone. However, the total cost is significantly higher when the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is included.

• Skilled Worker Visa Application: £819 (approximately ₹1.09 lakh)

• Immigration Health Surcharge (3 Years): £3,105 (approximately ₹4.14 lakh)

• Priority Processing (Optional): £500 (approximately ₹66,500)

• Estimated Total Cost: £4,424 (approximately ₹5.89 lakh)

Additional costs such as the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee and Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) may also apply.

UK Spouse Visa Costs in 2026

For couples planning to build a life together in the United Kingdom, the UK spouse visa remains one of the most expensive immigration routes.

Estimated UK Spouse Visa Cost

• UK Spouse Visa Application Fee: £2,064 (approximately ₹2.75 lakh)

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £3,105 (approximately ₹4.14 lakh)

• Priority Service (Optional): £500 (approximately ₹66,500)

• Total Estimated Upfront Cost: Approx. £5,669 (approximately ₹7.54 lakh)

This means couples should prepare for a substantial financial commitment before beginning the application process.

What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

One of the most commonly misunderstood UK immigration costs is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The IHS is a mandatory fee paid alongside most visa applications. It allows eligible migrants to access healthcare services through the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Currently, most adult applicants pay £1,035 per year (approximately ₹1.38 lakh per year). Depending on the length of your visa, this charge can easily exceed the actual visa application fee.

For many applicants, the IHS represents the largest single immigration expense.

UK Visa Processing Times

If you're planning a UK visa application, it's important to understand the expected processing timelines.

Typical processing times from India include:

• UK Tourist Visa: Around 3 weeks

• Skilled Worker Visa: Around 3 weeks

• Student Visa: Around 3 weeks

• UK Spouse Visa: Up to 12 weeks

• Priority Processing: Usually within 5 working days where available

Processing times may vary depending on application volumes and document verification requirements.

Can You Avoid the UK Visa Fee Increase?

In many cases, yes. Applicants who submit and pay for their application before 8 April 2026 can generally benefit from the current fee structure.

However, submitting an incomplete application simply to beat the deadline can be risky. Missing documents, incorrect information, or eligibility issues may lead to delays or even refusals.

A well-prepared application remains far more important than rushing to meet a fee deadline.

A Quick Tip Before You Apply

Visa fees are only one part of the overall cost of travelling, studying, working, or settling in the UK.

Before starting your application, calculate your complete budget, including:

• Visa fees

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Flight tickets

• Travel insurance

• Accommodation expenses

• Proof of funds requirements

• Document preparation costs

Many applicants focus only on the application fee and overlook the additional expenses involved.