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In a recent announcement, the British government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has decided to increase the charges for student and tourist visas. This revision will be effective from October 4th.The fee for a UK tourist visa for a stay of less than six months will increase by ₹1,543 (£15), it has been revealed by UK authorities. Additionally, the UK student visa price will see an increase of ₹13,070 (£127) for applicants from around the world, including Indian citizens.
Surge in Pricing Across Numerous Visa Types
Earlier, the UK Home Office had indicated a 15% increase in fees for most work and tourist visas to the UK, as well as about 20% for priority visas, educational visas and UK sponsorship certificates.
The increased charges will be applicable to a range of visa categories, comprising:
- – Health and care visas
- – Processes for British nationality registration and assimilation
- – Several tourism visas (varying from less than six months to a decade)
- – Most of the initial entry charges and specific requests for extended stay in the UK, encompassing work and academic visas
- – Fees related to entry and indefinite leave to remain, as well as certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance to study
Updated Fee Structure for UK Student and Tourist Visas
From October 4th onwards, the charge for seeking a UK Student Visa from nations outside the UK will be ₹50,428 (£490). At the same time, the UK Tourist Visa for durations not exceeding six months will cost ₹11,835 (£115).
Modifications to UK Work Visa Charges
For individuals relocating to the UK on a professional worker visa (with a sponsorship certificate valid for three years or less), the fee will be £718 (₹77,147), up from the current £625.
Rationale for the Surge in UK Visa Charges
The motivation for the visa charge escalation is anchored in a wider plan detailed by British PM Rishi Sunak. In a declaration in July, he stated that the visa applicants' fees and health surcharges for the UK's taxpayer-funded National Health Service (NHS) would experience a considerable hike. These augmented charges aim to account for the nation’s civil service wage increment.
Sunak underlined that the amendment is necessary, noting that these charges had remained unchanged for some time and spending had increased since the last amendment. The fee increase is estimated to exceed £1 billion, playing a vital role in the financial support of the NHS and visa processing services.
