The UK government has raised visa, residency and citizenship fees effective April 8, 2026, impacting Nigerians seeking travel, study and work opportunities
UK Hikes Visa Fees: Nigerians to Pay More for Travel, Study, Work from April 8
The United Kingdom government has announced a sweeping increase in visa, residency, and citizenship application fees, a move set to impact Nigerians and other foreign nationals from April 8, 2026.
The revised fee structure, released by the UK Home Office and seen on Thursday, introduces higher costs across nearly all visa categories — including visit, student, work, settlement, and naturalisation applications.
The increases come into effect in less than two weeks and are expected to significantly affect Nigerians, who remain among the largest groups of applicants for UK visas each year.
Under the new rates:
- Short-term visit visas rise from £127 to £135
- Student visas increase from £524 to £558
- Indefinite leave to remain climbs from £3,029 to £3,226
- British citizenship (naturalisation) rises from £1,605 to £1,709
In a notable exception, the UK government reduced the cost of registering a child as a British citizen.
The fee drops from £1,214 to £1,000 — a £214 reduction — while most other charges either increase or remain unchanged.
Some visa categories, including the High Potential Individual route and Tier 1 (Investor), remain unchanged at £880 and £2,000 respectively.
Breakdown of Key Visa Changes
Visit Visas
- Short-term (6 months): £127 → £135
- 2-year visa: £475 → £506
- 5-year visa: £848 → £903
- 10-year visa: £1,059 → £1,128
Student Visas
- Student (main & dependants): £524 → £558
- Child student: £524 → £558
- Short-term English study: £214 → £228
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker (≤3 years): £769 → £819
- Skilled Worker (>3 years): £1,519 → £1,618
- Health & Care Visa (≤3 years): £304 → £324
- Health & Care Visa (>3 years): £590 → £628
- Start-up visa: £465 → £495
- Innovator Founder: £1,274 → £1,357
- Graduate Route: £880 → £937
Settlement & Residency
- Route to settlement: £1,938 → £2,064
- Indefinite leave to remain: £3,029 → £3,226
Citizenship
- Naturalisation: £1,605 → £1,709
- Adult registration: £1,446 → £1,540
- Child registration: £1,214 → £1,000 (reduced)
With Nigeria ranking among the top sources of UK visa applicants, the fee hike is expected to increase the financial burden on thousands seeking education, employment, or relocation opportunities.
Despite the increases, demand for UK visas among Nigerians remains strong, driven by opportunities in education, healthcare, and skilled employment.
The latest adjustment underscores the UK government’s broader immigration policy direction — tightening costs while maintaining key migration routes.
For many Nigerians, the new fees could reshape travel and relocation plans, particularly for students and families navigating already high living and tuition costs in the UK.
As the April 8 deadline approaches, prospective applicants are likely to rush submissions under the current fee structure before the new charges take effect. Read More
