UK announces higher visa, citizenship fees for Nigerians, others starting April 2026

Nigerians and other foreign nationals 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.