Proposed changes to UK immigration fees
On 16 January 2025, the government laid changes before parliament that, if adopted, will increase certain immigration fees.
Through the immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2025, the government proposes to increase the maximum amounts that can be charged (‘fee maxima’) for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), for approval of sponsorship by a sponsor on work visa routes, and for naturalisation as a British citizen or a British Overseas Territories citizen and certain nationality related services.
The government aims to implement the following fee increases:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee rising to £16;
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee rising to £525;
- Naturalisation as a British citizen rising to £1605;
- Naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen rising to £1070.
Separately, following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption to the ETA requirement for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control. This move will primarily affect Heathrow and Manchester airports, as the only UK airports which currently offer transit facilities. The exemption will be kept under review.
Next steps
The legislation will now be debated in Parliament and is subject to approval by both Houses. If approved, the proposed new fees will be introduced by amending separate legislation, the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018, as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
A list of current UK immigration and nationality fees can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
If you have questions or require support with any aspect of UK immigration and visa sponsorship, please contact Smith Stone Walters.
