UK Visa Cost Update
UK Visa Cost Update
The UK Government made the decision to increase the cost of gaining a UK Visa to work there in 2023 and the changes came into effect in early 2024. Along with increasing the visa cost, the UK Government has also upped the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that needs to be paid at the time of applying for any UK visa.
The IHS allows visa holders to access the National Health Service (NHS) while they are in the UK, so effectively you are bulk-billed for Dr and Hospital and some dental treatment.
Here are the current costs ( as of April 2024), for some the most popular visas for the overseas workers we support:
The Youth Mobility Scheme
The Immigration Health Surcharge has increased from £470 per year to £776 per year, bringing the IHS cost to a total of £1552 for 2 years. This is paid upfront, in full, at the time of the application.
The IHS charge is on top of the visa application fee which from October 2023 increased from £259 to £298.
Total cost: £1850 (2 years) You also need to prove you have £2,530 in your everyday bank account for a month before you apply for this visa.
Some good news is that the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is now available to applicants from Australia, New Zealand and Canada who are up to 35 years of age, rather than the previous 30 year age limit. Those eligible, can also extend their two year visa for a third year in the final month of the second year, but they will need to pay the visa and one year of IHS again.
Read more about the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa here.
The UK Ancestry Visa
Previously the Immigration Health Surcharge for the Ancestry Visa was £3,120 for a five year visa (£624 per year, paid up front), but this cost has now been increased to £5,175 (£1035 per year) for five years. This is on top of the visa application fee which in October 2023 increased from £531 to £637.
Visa total: £5812 (5 years) The Ancestry visa how now become financially out of the reach of most travelers. Hopefully the extension of the YMS Visa will allow many more teachers to use this pathway to work in the UK.
Read more about the Ancestry Visa here.
There are several other visa categories that may offer a pathway for international teachers to live and work in the UK. Read more about the following options:
High Potential Individual Visa
Do you have a question about gaining a visa to teach in the UK?
We can help. Click here to contact our expert team today.
