Major Changes to UK Immigration Rules: Visa Fees Increase and Youth Mobility Scheme

 Government Implements Significant UK immigration updates, Affecting Visa Fees and Youth Mobility Programs

In an effort to adapt to the evolving global landscape and prioritize immigration policies, the United Kingdom has introduced major changes to its immigration rules, impacting visa fees and youth mobility schemes for specific countries. UK immigration updates, set to take effect in the coming months, aim to streamline processes, enhance border security, and address economic needs.

Visa Fee Increase and Changes to Visa Routes:

The Home Office announced that UK visa fees will undergo an increase, alongside changes to specific visa routes. While the exact fee adjustments will be announced later in autumn by the 

UK Parliament upon its return from summer recess, the following key points have been released:

• Immigration Health Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge will experience a significant increase, rising to £1,035 per annum (previously £624) for migrants staying in the UK for six months or more, including family members of migrants and British citizens. The discounted rate for students, dependents, youth mobility schemes, and under-18s will rise to £776 per annum (currently £470).
• Work and Visit Visas: Most work and visit visa fees will increase by 15%.
• Other Visa Categories: Student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain visas, and priority visas will increase by at least 20%.
• Equalized Fees: Fees for applications made inside and outside the UK, as well as priority services, will be equalized, eliminating the current cost advantage of applying from within the UK for certain visa types.

Furthermore, the UKVI will remove the £19.20 fee for biometric enrolment and the £161 fee for a Transfer of Conditions in-country applications. Additional fees for amending details on immigration status evidence and replacing expired BRPs will also be removed.

The UK government justifies these increases as a means to cover more of the costs associated with migration and border security, enabling the Home Secretary to allocate more funding to police forces for the police pay rise.

Changes to Student Visa Route:

Starting from July 17, 2023, international students will no longer be able to switch out of the student route into work routes before completing their studies or spending at least 24 months pursuing a PhD. 

However, students meeting specific conditions may still switch to a Skilled Worker route:

• Condition A: Completed the course of study or have a start date on the Certificate of Sponsorship no earlier than the course completion date.
• Condition B: Enrolled in a full-time degree-level or higher course with a compliant higher education provider, and the Certificate of Sponsorship’s start date is no earlier than the course completion date.
• Condition C: Enrolled in a full-time PhD course with a compliant higher education provider, and the Certificate of Sponsorship’s start date is no earlier than 24 months after the course’s start date.

Dependant Family Members of Students:

From January 1, 2024, the right for international students to bring dependant family members will be removed, except for postgraduate courses designated as research programs. The government intends to explore alternative options to accommodate dependants of students attending the UK’s world-leading universities.

Additions to UK Visa Nationals List:

As of July 19, 2023, new countries, including Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, have been added to the UK Visa nationals list. Nationals of these countries will now require a UK visitor visa or Direct Airside Transit Visa if they wish to transit through the UK to another country. The move comes as a response to concerns over abuse of the “golden passport” scheme, fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications, and asylum claims.

Ukraine Extension Scheme Deadline Extended:

The deadline for the Ukraine Extension Scheme, which allows Ukrainian nationals to extend their stay in the UK if they had leave to remain between March 18, 2022, and May 16, 2023, has been extended to May 16, 2024.

Youth Mobility Visa Upgrades for New Zealand and Australia:

Starting June 29, 2023, changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme will impact New Zealand nationals, with the age requirement increased to 18-35 years. They will also have the option to apply for an in-country extension after their initial entry clearance, allowing them to stay for up to a year, with a total maximum stay of 3 continuous years. Similar changes are expected to be implemented for Australian nationals from January 31, 2024.

The UK government emphasizes its commitment to optimizing immigration policies while ensuring effective management of the UK’s borders and national interests. Prospective migrants and international students are encouraged to stay informed about the UK immigration updates and plan their immigration journeys accordingly.