UK visitor visa fee increases to N249,000, other changes

The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has released new fees for its various visa categories to take effect from April 8, 2026.

Under the new pricing, a short-term visit visa, one of the most popular amongst Nigerians, will increase from £127 to £135 (N249,000) approximately).

Others are student visas, which will increase from £524 to £558, and for those seeking permanent residency, will now pay £3,226 (up from £3,029), and naturalisation as a British citizen will cost £1,709 (up from £1,605).

Notably, the fee for registering a child as a British citizen is being reduced from £1,214 to £1,000, a saving of £214. Other categories, such as the High Potential Individual visa, remain unchanged at £880.

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This price hike will affect Nigerians and other foreign nationals planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the UK.

According to the revised fee schedule published by the UK Home Office, the increases apply to almost all application categories made both inside and outside the UK. These include visit, student, and work visas, as well as settlement and naturalisation applications.

Key changes at a glance

Visit visas
Short-term (up to 6 months): £135 (Was £127)

Long-term (up to 2 years): £506 (Was £475)

Long-term (up to 5 years): £903 (Was £848)

Long-term (up to 10 years): £1,128 (Was £1,059)

Visiting academic (6–12 months): £234 (Was £220)

Transit (Direct airside): £41.50 (Was £39)
Student Visas

Student (Main applicant & dependants): £558 (Was £524)

Child student: £558 (Was £524)

Short-term student (English language): £228 (Was £214)

Work visas
Skilled worker (up to 3 years): £819 (Was £769)

Skilled worker (over 3 years): £1,618 (Was £1,519)

Health and Care visa (up to 3 years): £324 (Was £304)

Graduate route: £937 (Was £880)

Scale-up: £937 (Was £880)

High Potential Individual: £880 (Unchanged)

Innovator founder: £1,357 (Was £1,274)

Read also:US raises visa fees, tightens rules for African travelers 2026

Settlement and Residency
Indefinite Leave to Remain: £3,226 (Was £3,029)

Route to settlement: £2,064 (Was £1,938)

Visitor extension (In-country): £1,172 (Was £1,100)

Nationality and Citizenship
Naturalisation (Adult): £1,709 (Was £1,605)

Registration (Adult): £1,540 (Was £1,446)

Registration (Child): £1,000 (Reduced from £1,214)

Renunciation of Nationality: £513 (Was £482)