UK Raises Visa, Residency, Citizenship Fees Ahead of April Implementation

The UK Home Office has announced a sweeping increase in visa, residency, and citizenship fees set to take effect from April 8, 2026, impacting Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking entry or settlement in the United Kingdom.

Global Mirror News gathered that the revised pricing structure affects nearly all visa categories, including visit, student, work, and settlement applications, with only a few exceptions where fees remain unchanged or are reduced.

Nigeria continues to rank among the highest sources of applicants to the UK, with thousands applying annually for study, work, and travel opportunities. The new adjustments are therefore expected to significantly affect prospective applicants from the Country.

Key Changes Across Categories
Under the new regime, short-term visit visas (up to six months) will rise from £127 to £135, while student visas increase from £524 to £558. Applications for indefinite leave to remain will now cost £3,226, up from £3,029.

Similarly, the cost of naturalisation as a British citizen increases to £1,709 from £1,605.

In contrast, the fee for registering a child as a British citizen has been reduced from £1,214 to £1,000 — one of the few downward revisions in the updated schedule.

Breakdown of Major Fee Adjustments

Visit Visas
Short-term (6 months): £127 → £135

2-year visa: £475 → £506

5-year visa: £848 → £903

10-year visa: £1,059 → £1,128

Student Visas
Main applicant/Dependants: £524 → £558

Child student: £524 → £558

Work Visas
Skilled Worker (≤3 years): £769 → £819

Skilled Worker (>3 years): £1,519 → £1,618

Health & Care Visa (≤3 years): £304 → £324

Innovator Founder: £1,274 → £1,357

Start-up: £465 → £495

Graduate Route: £880 → £937

Some visa types, including the High Potential Individual visa, remain unchanged at £880.

Settlement and Residency

Indefinite Leave to Remain: £3,029 → £3,226

Route to Settlement: £1,938 → £2,064

Citizenship
Naturalisation: £1,605 → £1,709

Adult registration: £1,446 → £1,540

Child registration: £1,214 → £1,000 (reduced)

Broader Implications
Global Mirror News reports that the increase comes amid ongoing migration policy adjustments in the UK, with authorities aiming to manage application volumes and administrative costs.

With the new fees taking effect in less than two weeks, prospective applicants—particularly from Nigeria—are expected to reassess timelines and financial commitments associated with relocation or travel to the UK.