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Home Office Announces Immigration Fees Increase

The UK government has announced proposals to increase immigration and nationality fees, aiming to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the UK’s migration and borders system. The draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2025 was laid before Parliament on 16 January 2025. If approved by both Houses, the new fees will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

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Concerned about rising immigration fees? Contact our team today for expert advice on navigating the changes.

A breakdown of the new immigration fees

The proposed amendments will affect a wide range of immigration and nationality products and services, with substantial increases planned for certain fees:

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and Sponsor a Worker (SaW)

Employers sponsoring workers on Skilled Worker and other work visa routes will see fees rise from £239 to £525. Temporary worker sponsorship fees will also increase, from £25 to £55.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The maximum fee for the ETA will increase from £15 to £16, aligning with similar systems in countries like the USA and Australia.

Naturalisation and Citizenship Applications

Fees for applying for British citizenship will rise from £1,500 to £1,605. Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories citizen will increase from £1,000 to £1,070. 

Additional increases

Other nationality-related fees set to rise include:

  • Renunciation of British Citizenship: The maximum fee will increase from £450 to £482.
  • Amendments to Citizenship Certificates: Maximum fee will rise from £400 to £428.
  • Administrative Reviews: Maximum fee will increase from £450 to £482.
  • Right of Abode Documentation: Fees will rise from £550 to £589.

These adjustments are expected to generate significant funds for the Home Office in the coming fiscal year.

Temporary exemptions and industry feedback

Responding to feedback from the aviation sector, the Home Office has introduced a Temporary Airside Transit Exemption from the ETA requirement. Effective 16 January 2025, this applies to passengers transiting airside at UK airports, such as Heathrow and Manchester, who do not pass through UK border control. 

Rationale behind the changes

The proposed fee increases are part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at modernising and streamlining the UK’s immigration system while reducing its financial burden on taxpayers. By generating an estimated additional £269 million annually, these measures are intended to ensure the system’s sustainability and enhance border security.

What these changes mean for employers

If you rely on overseas workers, you should factor in these increased costs when planning recruitment and budgeting. The more than 100% rise in the cost of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) means businesses will need to reassess their recruitment budgets and plan for higher upfront costs when sponsoring workers. 

For HR teams, this is also a good time to review your sponsorship processes and compliance with Home Office requirements, as any misstep can lead to costly delays or penalties.

What’s next?

The draft legislation will be debated in Parliament and, if approved, the new fees will be implemented through amendments to the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. Although no official date has been announced for the proposed fee increases, they will likely take effect in April based on historical patterns. If you’re considering submitting an application early to avoid potential fee increases, we are happy to assist.

If you have questions about how these changes might impact your immigration plans or require legal assistance, contact our team of expert immigration solicitors today. We are here to help you navigate these changes with confidence.

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