UKBA fees change 2014 – update

The Home Office plans to introduce new visa fees from 6 April 2014. The new fees proposal is currently discussed at the Parliament and will be finalised upon approval.

The general tendency is to see a 4% fees increase for most of the visa categories. The increase is motivated by government’s will to improve the general service in terms of speed of application processing, flexibility and more fees options. On a more positive note the fees for certain working visa categories will be reduced.

Some of the proposed changes include:

-Applications made in person at Premium Service Centre: the fees are increased from £375 to £400;

-A super priority service will be available for the fees of £600 and implies a quicker decision making usually within 24h for out of country applications;

-A Passport passback service for the fee of £40 will be introduced at more locations;

-A 3-5 day priority visa service for settlement applications will be available for a fee of £600.

Fees reduction may be expected in the following visa categories:

-Tier 2 shortage occupations visa fee is reduced from £601 to £428 for in country applications and from £514 to £428 for overseas applicants; and

-Fees reduction for Tier 2 large sponsor licences.

In addition new measure will permit to the Tier 2 General Intra Company Transfer visa holders to apply for leave for up to 5 years.

We can also expect an introduction of a new Registered Traveller scheme which will allow non EEA visitors of specific countries to access expedited border clearance. The scheme is subject to annual fee of £50 and will be open to travellers who visit the UK at least 4 times a year.

If you have any questions, please contact us on +44 20 3384 3075 or via email [email protected] .

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