Starting April 9, 2025, foreign nationals planning to work, study, or settle in the UK will face higher visa application fees and stricter income thresholds. These changes form part of a larger overhaul of the UK’s immigration policy, aimed at managing labor inflow and ensuring preference for local employment.
Key Changes to Visa Applications
Foreign nationals across work, student, and visitor visa categories will see application costs rise. Applicants for naturalization and sponsor licenses will also face increased charges. The most notable revisions affect the Skilled Worker visa route.
Updated Salary Requirement
The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has been raised from £23,200 to £25,000 annually. Employers hiring from abroad must now demonstrate that they attempted to fill vacancies with UK-based candidates before turning to international hiring.
Revised Visa Fees (Outside the UK)
| Visa Category | Previous Fee | New Fee (From Apr 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (≤ 3 years) | £719 | £769 |
| Skilled Worker (> 3 years) | £1,420 | £1,519 |
| Immigration Salary List (≤ 3 years) | £551 | £590 |
| Immigration Salary List (> 3 years) | £1,084 | £1,160 |
| Health & Care Visa (≤ 3 years) | £284 | £304 |
| Health & Care Visa (> 3 years) | £551 | £590 |
| Temporary Worker Visas | £298 | £319 |
Revised Visa Fees (Within the UK)
| Visa Category | Previous Fee | New Fee (From Apr 9) |
| Skilled Worker (≤ 3 years) | £827 | £885 |
| Skilled Worker (> 3 years) | £1,636 | £1,751 |
| Immigration Salary List (≤ 3 years) | £551 | £590 |
| Immigration Salary List (> 3 years) | £1,084 | £1,160 |
| Health & Care Visa (≤ 3 years) | £284 | £304 |
| Health & Care Visa (> 3 years) | £551 | £590 |
| Temporary Worker Visas | £298 | £319 |
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
- Higher Costs: Both employers and foreign workers must budget for increased costs in 2025.
- Documentation: Employers must meet more stringent documentation and justification requirements before hiring from abroad.
- Sector Impact: Industries heavily reliant on foreign labor, such as health care and seasonal work, will be significantly impacted.
Conclusion
The new fee structure and salary rules taking effect on April 9, 2025, are designed to tighten the UK’s labor and immigration policies. Prospective migrants and sponsoring employers are advised to plan accordingly and prepare documentation in line with the latest regulations.
FAQs
When will the new UK visa fees take effect?
The revised visa fees and salary thresholds will be implemented from April 9, 2025.
What is the new minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas?
The threshold has increased from £23,200 to £25,000 per year.
Are the changes applicable to in-country applicants too?
Yes. Both overseas and in-country applicants will face revised fee structures.
Does this affect all visa categories?
Primarily, work-related visas are impacted, but fee changes also apply to student, visitor, and sponsorship categories.
Where can I check the official visa fees?
Visit the UK Home Office official site for the most current fee and eligibility details.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.