UK Raises Visa Fees, Tightening Travel and Migration Options for Nigerians

The United Kingdom government has announced an increase in visa, residency, and citizenship application fees, with the new charges set to take effect from April 8, 2026.

The adjustment, introduced by the UK Home Office, affects nearly all visa categories, including those for visitors, students, workers, and individuals seeking permanent residency or citizenship.

Nigerians—among the largest groups of applicants each year—are expected to be significantly impacted by the new fee structure.

Under the revised rates, the cost of a short-term visit visa will increase from £127 to £135, while student visa fees will rise from £524 to £558. Applications for permanent residency will now cost £3,226, up from £3,029, and the fee for British citizenship through naturalisation has been raised from £1,605 to £1,709.

However, in a rare adjustment, the fee for registering a child as a British citizen has been reduced from £1,214 to £1,000.

Some visa categories remain unchanged, including the Tier 1 (Investor) visa, which stays at £2,000, and the High Potential Individual visa, still priced at £880.

With thousands of Nigerians applying annually for study, work, and travel opportunities in the UK, the increase is expected to make migration more expensive and potentially limit access for many.

Prospective applicants may now need to review their plans or make additional financial arrangements ahead of the new fee regime.