Indian applicants headed to Britain face higher upfront costs across almost every immigration category after the UK Home Office’s revised fee schedule took effect on 8 April 2026. Visitor visas are up to £135, Student visas £558, and a three-year Skilled Worker visa now costs £819 when applied for from overseas. Even the India Young Professionals Scheme fee has climbed from £319 to £340. The Home Office says most fees have risen by 6–7 per cent to “keep pace with inflation and maintain a sustainable immigration system” while a steeper 25 per cent hike applies to the ETA, bringing it in line with Australia’s AUD 20 ETA charge. Passport fees also increased separately by about 8 per cent. For Indian corporates the bigger bill comes on two fronts. Employers that sponsor talent under the Skilled Worker route must budget an additional £50–£100 per application, while employees themselves shoulder higher dependants’ fees. Sponsors also face ancillary rises in licence maintenance costs. Universities are urging incoming Indian students to lock in deposits early so that Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letters can be issued in time to beat further inflationary adjustments. Education consultants estimate that total first-year cost of attendance for an Indian master’s student now averages £35,400, of which visa and Immigration Health Surcharge together make up about four per cent. Travel agents meanwhile warn leisure visitors who booked flights months ago but delayed their visa applications that they will have to pay the new rates. With sterling hovering near ₹105, the rupee cost of a six-month visitor visa is now close to ₹17,000—up from ₹15,700 last summer.
Source: Business Standard
