On January 16 2025, the Home Office announced significant changes to immigration fees, impacting various services including worker sponsorship, naturalisation, and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). The draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2025, laid before Parliament, outlining these proposed increases, which will come into effect once approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Increased Fees for Worker Sponsorship

Employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker and other work visa routes will experience a substantial fee hike. The fee for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) will rise from £239 to £525, while the fee for temporary workers will increase from £25 to £55. These changes are expected to generate an additional £111 million by the 2025/26 fiscal year, easing the financial burden on taxpayers by shifting more of the cost to employers.

Changes to Naturalisation Fees

Applicants seeking British citizenship will also see an increase in fees. The cost for naturalisation as a British citizen will rise from £1,500 to £1,605. For those applying for naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories citizen, fees will increase from £1,000 to £1,070. These adjustments are projected to bring in an additional £18 million in revenue in the next fiscal year.

Adjustments to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Fees

The maximum fee for the UK’s ETA will increase from £15 to £16. Initially introduced in Autumn 2023 with a fee of £10, this increase aligns with the Government’s aim to reduce taxpayer reliance. The revised ETA fees are anticipated to generate £140 million in additional income for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Additional Fee Increases

Other nationality-related services will also see fee increases, including:

  • Renunciation of British citizenship: from £450 to £482
  • Amendments to citizenship certificates: from £400 to £428
  • Review of decisions through administrative reviews: from £450 to £482
  • Right of abode documentation: from £550 to £589

These changes are estimated to generate an additional £1 million in revenue for the Home Office in the coming fiscal year.

Temporary ETA Fee Exemption for Airside Transit

Responding to feedback from the aviation industry, the Home Office introduced a temporary exemption from ETA fees for passengers transiting airside at UK airports, without passing through border control. This exemption primarily affects Heathrow and Manchester airports, the only UK airports currently offering airside transit facilities. The exemption will remain under review to ensure it does not lead to misuse.

Rationale Behind the Fee Increases

The Government’s rationale for these fee increases is to reduce the reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and borders system. By increasing fees, the Home Office aims to ensure that the costs associated with immigration services are more closely aligned with the benefits received by the users of these services.

Next Steps

The proposed changes will be debated in Parliament and, if approved, will be implemented in the coming months. Employers, immigration applicants, and other stakeholders should prepare for these changes and consider the potential financial implications.

For those needing assistance or more detailed information, consulting with legal experts or immigration advisers is recommended. Arlingsworth Solicitors is here to provide guidance and support for individuals and businesses navigating these upcoming changes.

This article contains general information about the Home Office and their recent plans to increase fees, and does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated or relied upon as such. It is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The information contained within this article is correct as of 21st January 2025.