UK : In a significant move set to impact several Indian students, the fee for applying for a study visa from outside the UK is set to increase by £127 beginning next month, following legislation being laid in the British Parliament.
UK & Home Office
The UK Home Office made this announcement on Friday, stating that the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the country will rise to £490, equaling the amount charged for in-country applications.
These changes, subject to Parliamentary approval, will come into effect on October 4, the Home Office announced. Alongside the student visa fee increase, adjustments have also been made to the cost of a visit visa for less than six months, which is rising by £15 to £115.
With more than 120,000 Indian students studying in the UK during the 2021-2022 academic year, according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, Indian students comprise one of the largest international student communities in the country.
The government’s rationale for these changes is to secure funding for vital services and prioritize funding for public sector pay rises.
The adjustments also encompass increased fees for indefinite leave to enter and remain, convention travel documents, stateless person’s travel documents, health and care visas, as well as fees related to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies. The in-country and out-of-country fees for super-priority and priority services have also been raised.
It’s worth noting that these changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn.
The IHS, which has seen several increases in recent years, plays a crucial role in covering health-related expenses for visa applicants.
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system,” the Home Office stated. “Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”
The fee adjustments come at a time when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government has faced intense pressure over public sector pay, leading to a series of strikes in schools and hospitals over the past year.
As these changes take effect, they will undoubtedly have a direct impact on the thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK, prompting discussions about the accessibility and affordability of education for international students in the country.
Also Read : UAE Visa Company : Is no longer required to stay