Foreign nationals, including Nigerians applying for UK visas, residency, or citizenship will face higher fees from April 8, 2026, as the United Kingdom adjusts charges across most immigration categories. The increase affects those seeking to visit, study, work, or settle in the UK.
The UK Home Office’s revised schedule shows that almost all applications, from short-term visitor visas to naturalisation fees, will cost more. The changes come at a time when Nigeria remains one of the largest sources of UK visa applicants, with hundreds of thousands submitting applications every year.
For short-term visitors, fees will rise from £127 to £135, while student visas increase from £524 to £558. Permanent residency applicants will now pay £3,226, up from £3,029. Those applying for British citizenship through naturalisation will see fees rise from £1,605 to £1,709.
In a rare exception, registering a child as a British citizen will become cheaper, dropping from £1,214 to £1,000. Some visa categories, including the Tier 1 (Investor) and High Potential Individual visas, remain unchanged at £2,000 and £880, respectively.
Selected Fee Changes for Nigerians:
Visit Visas
Short-term (up to 6 months): £127 → £135
Long-term (up to 2 years): £475 → £506
Long-term (up to 5 years): £848 → £903
Long-term (up to 10 years): £1,059 → £1,128
Visiting academic (>6 months, up to 12 months): £220 → £234
Student Visas
Student (main applicant & dependants): £524 → £558
Child Student: £524 → £558
Short-term student (6–11 months): £214 → £228
Work Visas
Skilled Worker (up to 3 years): £769 → £819
Skilled Worker (over 3 years): £1,519 → £1,618
Innovator Founder: £1,274 → £1,357
Start-up: £465 → £495
Graduate Route: £880 → £937
Settlement & Indefinite Leave to Remain
Route to Settlement: £1,938 → £2,064
Indefinite leave to remain: £3,029 → £3,226
Citizenship & Nationality
Naturalisation: £1,605 → £1,709
Registration as British citizen – adult: £1,446 → £1,540
Registration as British citizen – child: £1,214 → £1,000
Experts say the increases may affect thousands of Nigerians planning travel, education, or long-term settlement in the UK. Applicants are advised to factor in the higher costs when planning submissions from early April.
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