UK and Australia Increase Visa Fees for Indians: New Costs & Impact
Visa Fee Hike: UK & Australia Raise Costs for Indian Travelers
Starting April 1, Indians planning to travel to the United Kingdom or Australia will face increased visa fees. This hike follows the recent adjustments made by the United States and is expected to impact students, professionals, and visitors. The visa fee increase is reportedly around 13% across multiple categories, including tourist visas, student visas, and work-related permits.
Who Will Be Affected by the Visa Fee Hike?
The new visa fee structure will directly affect Indian students aspiring to study abroad, professionals seeking employment opportunities, and travelers planning vacations or business trips. Employers sponsoring foreign workers in the UK will also experience significant cost increases.
UK’s New Visa Fee Structure
The UK government has officially revised its visa fees, impacting multiple visa categories:
Visitor Visas:
- A six-month standard visitor visa will now cost approximately ₹14,000 (£127), up from £115.
- A two-year visit visa will now be ₹52,392 (£475), up from £432.
- A five-year visa will now be ₹93,533 (£848), up from £771.
- A ten-year visa will now be ₹116,806 (£1,059), up from £963.
Student Visa Fees:
- A regular student visa will now cost ₹57,796 (£524), up from £490.
- A short-term study visa (6-11 months English language course) will rise to ₹23,604 (£214), up from £200.
Work-Related Visa Fees:
- Skilled Worker visa (up to three years): ₹84,820 (£769), up from previous rates.
- Innovator Founder visa: ₹140,520 (£1,274), a significant rise.
Sponsorship Costs for Employers:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: ₹57,907 (£525), more than double the previous cost of £239.
- Sponsor licence fees for large companies: ₹174,162 (£1,579), up from £1,476.
- Sponsor licence fees for small businesses and charities: ₹63,311 (£574).
- A new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee of ₹1,765 (£16) has been introduced for visa-exempt travelers.
Australian Visa and Tuition Fee Hikes
Australia has also adjusted visa fees and tuition costs for international students.
Australia University Fee Increases:
- University of Melbourne:
- Engineering programs: AUD 56,480 (approx. ₹30.36 lakh) per year.
- Clinical Medicine: AUD 112,832 (approx. ₹60.66 lakh) per year.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW):
- Most courses will cost around AUD 58,560 per year.
How Will This Impact Indian Aspirants?
This visa fee hike will directly impact students planning to pursue education abroad, professionals seeking jobs, and families reuniting with loved ones. The increase in tuition fees in both the UK and Australia may also discourage international applicants, forcing them to reconsider their study-abroad plans.
While these changes reflect global economic shifts and inflationary pressures, they place additional financial burdens on Indians seeking international opportunities. Experts suggest that students and professionals should plan their applications in advance and explore scholarships or sponsorship options to mitigate costs.
Also Read : Overseas Indians Boost India’s Economy with $129.4 Billion in 2024 Remittances