The Home Office announced its proposed changes to the Immigration fees from 6 April 2016

The Home Office announced its proposed changes to the Immigration fees from 6 April 2016, some of the fees may increase by 25%. Although the government has set maximum levels of fees that can be charged by the Home Office over the next four years, there are no plans to increase the fees to maximum levels, the objective is to reduce taxpayer contributions towards the border, immigration and citizenship system and ensure that by 2019–2020 the system is self funded by those who use it.

The main changes are:

  • Same day processing services (in country) will increase by 25% – from the current £400 to £500
  • Priority postal processing services (in country) will increase by 25%, from the current £300 to £375
  • Fees for settlement application will increase by 25%, the fees will rise from £1,500 to £1,875 for each applicant.
  • Fees for nationality application will increase by 25%, the fees will rise from £1,005 to £1,156 for each applicant.
  • Small increases (2%) for visit, study and work visas

 

The fees for all sponsorship categories will stay at the current rates.This further indicates that the government intends to reduce the family migration, rather than business migration.

We would strongly suggest any applicant who can meet the requirements to submit their application before 6 April 2016 to avoid additional cost.

If you have any other enquiries, please contact us for professional legal advice.

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.