UK, Australia, EU to raise visa fees by up to 13% for Indians from April 2025
Starting April 1, 2025, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union will implement significant increases in visa fees for Indian nationals, with hikes reaching up to 13%. This change will affect various visa categories, including visitor, student, and work visas.
UK Visa Fee Changes:
Visitor Visas:
Six-month standard visitor visa: Increased from £115 (approximately ₹12,700) to £127 (approximately ₹14,000).
Two-year visa: Increased from £432 to £475.
Five-year visa: Increased from £771 to £848.
Ten-year visa: Increased from £963 to £1,059.
Student and Study Visas:
Student visa fee: Increased from £490 to £524.
Short-term study visas for English language courses (6-11 months): Increased from £200 to £214.
Work Visas:
Skilled Worker visa (up to three years): Increased from £719 to £769.
Innovator Founder visa: Increased from £1,191 to £1,274.
Employer Sponsorship Fees:
Certificate of Sponsorship: Increased from £239 to £525.
Large business sponsorship licence fees: Increased from £1,476 to £1,579.
New ETA Fee:
Introduction of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee of £16 for visa-exempt travelers.
Australia Visa and Tuition Fee Changes:
In Australia, several universities are set to raise tuition fees for international students by over 7%, with specific courses experiencing even higher increases. While detailed visa fee changes were not explicitly outlined in the sources, the overall trend indicates a rise in costs for international applicants.
European Union Visa Changes:
The EU will also see an increase in its visa fees starting April 1. A new digital entry permit for visa-exempt travelers will cost €7, valid for three years. However, Indian nationals will still need a Schengen visa for travel within EU countries.
These increases reflect a broader trend in immigration policy adjustments across these regions and are expected to impact Indian students, workers, and travelers significantly as they plan their international engagements.
