🚨 Home Office fees are going up from 8 April 2026; here’s what it means for you.
The Home Office has confirmed that new immigration and nationality fees will take effect on 8 April 2026. Most are rising by 6–7%, and some of these increases will hit hard.
Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re applying for a visa or settlement: → Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): up £197 to £3,226 → Naturalisation as a British citizen: up £104 to £1,709 → Visit visas: up to £135 (from £127) → ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): up 25% to £20
If you’re a business sponsoring workers: → Sponsor licence (medium/large): up to £1,682 (from £1,579) → Sponsor licence (small/charity): up to £611 (from £574) → No change to the Certificate of Sponsorship fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, or Immigration Skills Charge for now
One bit of good news: → Child citizenship registration is dropping from £1,214 to £1,000 a welcome reduction of £214
What does this mean in practice?
For individuals, the cost of settling in the UK keeps climbing. An ILR application with the health surcharge already runs into thousands, and that’s before legal fees.
For businesses, sponsoring overseas talent is getting more expensive. If you’re planning to hire internationally, factor these increases into your budgets now.
My advice? Don’t wait.
If you’re considering an ILR application, citizenship, or a visa extension and you’re eligible to apply before 8 April, you could save hundreds by submitting now.
If you’re a business looking to apply for or renew a sponsor licence, the same applies.
I advise individuals and businesses across immigration, corporate, and commercial law. If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, get in touch.
This blog is authored by Sajjad Hussain, Solicitor in our Immigration and Conveyancing Department. Contact him at sajjad@faranitaylor.com.