The Immigration, Nationality and Passport (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Immigration, Nationality and Passport (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 increase fees for various immigration, nationality, and passport services across multiple schedules.
These amendments, effective April and May 2025, adjust numerous fees in the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 and the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022.
Amendments also clarify references to updated appendices within Immigration Rules.
Furthermore, regulations remove fee entries for assessment of overseas qualifications not operational from 1 May 2025.
Arguments For
Increased Revenue for Government Services: Higher fees generate additional revenue to fund immigration and passport processing, potentially improving service efficiency and infrastructure.
Cost Recovery for Public Services: Argues that increased fees better reflect the true cost of providing these services, moving towards a more sustainable funding model.
Addressing Inflationary Pressures: Fee adjustments may help offset rising operational costs associated with immigration and passport services, preventing a decline in service quality.
Legal Basis in Existing Legislation: The amendments are explicitly grounded within the powers conferred by sections of the Immigration Act 2014 and 2016, along with the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order 2016, ensuring legal compliance.
Arguments Against
Increased Burden on Applicants: Higher fees represent a significant financial barrier for some individuals applying for immigration, nationality, or passport services, potentially impacting access to these services and disproportionately affecting low-income individuals.
Potential for Reduced Applications: Increased fees might deter individuals or families from pursuing legal immigration or passport applications, potentially leading to delays and complications.
Lack of Transparency in Cost Breakdown: If the fee increase isn't sufficiently justified or explained, it could erode public trust and confidence in governmental transparency regarding financial administration and resource allocation.
Alternative Funding Mechanisms: The government may explore alternative funding strategies to support these services, like streamlining internal processes or seeking additional budget allocations, to avoid burdening applicants with higher costs.
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations with the consent of the Treasury1 in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 68(1) and (7) and 74(8)(a), (b) and (d) of the Immigration Act 20142 and sections 86(1) and (3), 87(2) and 93(6)(a) of the Immigration Act 20163. These Regulations are made further to the provision in the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order 20164.
The Secretary of State, with Treasury approval, created these regulations.
This action is authorized by specific sections of the 2014 and 2016 Immigration Acts and supported by the 2016 Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order.
Part 1 Introductory
Citation, commencement, extent and interpretation 1. (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Immigration, Nationality and Passport (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025. (2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), these Regulations come into force at 9.00 a.m. on 9th April 2025. (3) Regulations 5(3), 7, 8, 10(3), (6) and 11(3) and (4) come into force on 1st May 2025. (4) Part 3 and paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 come into force on 10th April 2025. (5) Subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), these Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. (6) (a) this regulation; (b) regulation 2 in so far as it relates to regulation 10; (c) regulation 10. (7) (a) this regulation; (b) regulation 2 in so far as it relates to regulation 11; (c) regulation 11. (8) In these Regulations, “the principal Regulations” means the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 5.
This part introduces the regulations.
It provides the official title (Immigration, Nationality and Passport (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025), states the effective dates (April 9th and May 1st, 2025, for various sections), clarifies the geographical scope (UK, with specific extensions to Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey), and defines "the principal Regulations" as the 2018 Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations.
Part 2 Amendment of the principal Regulations
Amendment of the principal Regulations 2. The principal Regulations are amended in accordance with this Part.
This part outlines changes to the 2018 Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations, detailing the amendments in subsequent sections.
Amendment of Schedule 1 3. (1) Schedule 1 (applications for entry clearance to enter, and leave to enter, the United Kingdom) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) Table 1 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter or leave to enter the United Kingdom) is amended by Schedule 1 to these Regulations. (3)(a) for “Appendix Child staying with or joining a Non-Parent Relative (Protection)” substitute “Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection)”6; (b) for “the child of a relative, who is not a parent” substitute “a child joining a close relative”. (4) In Table 2 (specified fees for dependents), for “£716”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£766”. (5) In Table 3 (fee for applications for entry clearance and indefinite leave to enter the United Kingdom – dependants of HM Armed Forces service leavers and members of HM Armed Forces), for “£2,885” substitute “£3,029”. (6)(a) in entry 4.2.1, for “Appendix Family Reunion (Protection)” substitute “Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection)”7; (b) in entries 4.6 and 4.6.1, for “Part 7 of”, both times it occurs, substitute “Appendix Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) to”8. (7)(a) for “£435”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£465”; (b) for “£869”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£929”; (c) for “£267”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£286”; (d) for “£533”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£570”.
This section modifies Schedule 1 of the principal regulations, updating fees in Table 1 for various entry clearance applications.
This also changes terminology relating to children and family reunification within the Immigration Rules.
Specific fee increases in Tables 2, 3, and 4 are also included, along with amendments to wording in Table 4 to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules.
Amendment of Schedule 2 4. (1) Schedule 2 (applications for leave to remain in the United Kingdom) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2)(a) in the definition of “Article 3 or Refugee Convention application”, in paragraph (d), for “Appendix Family Reunion (Protection)” substitute “Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection)”; (b) in the definition of “specified human rights application”, in paragraph (ca), for “Appendix Child staying with or joining a Non-Parent Relative (Protection)” substitute “Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection)”. (3) Table 6 (fees for applications for limited leave to remain in the United Kingdom and connected applications) is amended by Schedule 2 to these Regulations. (4) In Table 7 (fees for specified applications for limited leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a dependant), for “£716”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£766”. (5) In Table 8 (fees for applications for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and connected applications), for “£2,885” substitute “£3,029”. (6) In Table 9 (exceptions and waivers in respect of fees for applications for, or in connection with, leave to remain in the United Kingdom), in entry 9.14.2, for “Part 7 of” substitute “Appendix Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) to”. (7)(a) for “£543”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£581”; (b) for “£1,085” substitute “£1,161”; (c) for “£267”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£286”; (d) for “£533”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£570”; (e) for “£949”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£1,161”.
This section amends Schedule 2, which covers applications for leave to remain in the UK. Similar to the previous segment, it updates fees in Table 6 and revises wording in Tables 7, 8 and 9 to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules.
Fee adjustments are also made for various categories of applications in the tables.
Amendment of Schedule 3 5. (1) Schedule 3 (documents and administration) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) Table 10 (fees for miscellaneous documents and services) is amended by Schedule 3 to these Regulations. (3)(a) 10.10.1; (b) 10.10.2; (c) 10.10.4.
Schedule 3, concerning documents and administration, is amended.
Table 10, covering fees for miscellaneous documents and services, is updated, and specific entries (10.10.1, 10.10.2, and 10.10.4) are removed.
Amendment of Schedule 4 6. (1) Schedule 4 (sponsorship) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) Table 14 (fees in relation to sponsor licences, premium services for sponsors, certificates of sponsorship and confirmations of acceptance for studies) is amended by Schedule 4 to these Regulations. (3)(a) in entry 15.1.1, for “£536” substitute “£574”; (b) in entry 15.2.1, for “£1,476” substitute “£1,579”.
This section updates Schedule 4, focusing on sponsorship.
Table 14, which lists fees for sponsor licenses and related services, is modified, with specific fee adjustments outlined for entries 15.1.1 and 15.2.1.
Amendment of Schedule 6 7. In Schedule 6 (premium services in the United Kingdom), in Table 17, omit from entry 17.8 to the end of the table.
This section removes entries from 17.8 onwards in Table 17 of Schedule 6 concerning premium services in the UK.
Amendment of Schedule 7 8. In Schedule 7 (premium services outside the United Kingdom), in Table 18, omit from entry 18.5 to the end of the table.
Entries from 18.5 to the end of Table 18 in Schedule 7, related to premium services outside the UK, are deleted.
Amendment of Schedule 8 9. In Schedule 8 (nationality), Table 19 (fees for applications relating to nationality) and Table 20 (fees for applications, processes and services in connection with nationality) are amended by Schedule 5 to these Regulations.
Schedule 8, dealing with nationality, is modified.
Tables 19 and 20, which detail fees for nationality applications and related processes, are updated via Schedule 5.
Amendment of Schedule 9 10. (1) Schedule 9 (applications in relation to entry clearance to enter the Isle of Man and premium services) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) Table 21 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter the Isle of Man) is amended by Schedule 6 to these Regulations. (3)(a) 21A.1; (b) 21A.2; (c) 21A.4. (4)(a) in entry 22.1.1, for “£716” substitute “£766”; (b) in entry 22.1.1A, for “£1,191” substitute “£1,274”; (c) in entry 22.1.1B, for “£435” substitute “£465”. (5) In paragraph 3A(3) (reduction of fees for Health and Care Visa applications and related applications by dependants), for “£435” substitute “£465”. (6) In Table 25 (premium services outside the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man) omit from entry 25.4 to the end of the table.
Schedule 9, covering applications for entry clearance to the Isle of Man and premium services, is updated.
Table 21 is amended (via Schedule 6), and several entries are removed from Table 21A. Specific fee changes are made in Table 22, and another fee adjustment is made in paragraph 3A(3).
Finally, entries 25.4 onwards are removed from Table 25.
Amendment of Schedule 10 11. (1) Schedule 10 (applications for entry clearance to enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Bailiwick of Jersey and premium services) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) Table 26 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Bailiwick of Jersey) is amended by Schedule 7 to these Regulations. (3)(a) 26ZA.1; (b) 26ZA.2; (c) 26ZA.4. (4) In Table 27 (premium services outside the United Kingdom and the relevant bailiwick) omit from entry 27.4 to the end of the table.
Similar to the previous segment, this modifies Schedule 10, addressing applications for entry clearance to Guernsey and Jersey.
Table 26 is updated via Schedule 7, with entries 26ZA.1, 26ZA.2, and 26ZA.4 removed from Table 26ZA. Entries from 27.4 onwards in Table 27 are also removed.
Part 3 Amendment of the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022
Amendment of the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022 12. The Passport (Fees) Regulations 20229 are amended in accordance with this Part.
Amendment of regulation 3 13. In regulation 3 (fees), in paragraph (2), for “£30” substitute “£32”.
Amendment of the Schedule 14. (1) The Schedule (fees for passport applications etc.) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this regulation. (2) The table in paragraph 2 is amended by Schedule 8 to these Regulations. (3)(a) for “£78”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£83.50”; (b) for “£119”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£127.50”. (4) In paragraph 4, for “£23.50” substitute “£25”. (5) In paragraph 7, for “£12” substitute “£13”. (6)(a) for “£90” substitute “£96.50”; (b) for “£131” substitute “£140.50”. (7) In paragraph 9, for “£23.50” substitute “£25”. (8) In paragraph 10, for “£12” substitute “£13”. (9) In paragraph 11, for “£12” substitute “£13”. (10) In the table in paragraph 12, for “£12”, in each place it occurs, substitute “£13”.
This part details changes to the 2022 Passport (Fees) Regulations.
Regulation 3 is amended, increasing a fee.
The schedule's fees for passport applications are modified (via Schedule 8), with numerous specific adjustments across the schedule's paragraphs and the table in paragraph 2.
Schedules Schedule 1 Amendment of Schedule 1 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 1 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter or leave to enter the United Kingdom), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 1]
Schedule 1 provides a detailed table showing specific fee increases for applications for entry clearance or leave to enter the UK. The table lists the old and new fees for several application categories.
See the table within the original document for the full details of the fee changes.
Schedule 2 Amendment of Schedule 2 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 6 (fees for applications for limited leave to remain in the United Kingdom and connected applications), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 2]
Schedule 2 similarly details fee increases but this time for applications relating to limited leave to remain in the UK. The table lists the old and new fees for several application types.
Refer to the table in the original document for the exact fee modifications.
Schedule 3 Amendment of Schedule 3 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 10 (fees for miscellaneous documents and services) at 10.3 (fees for applications for travel documents), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 3]
- In Table 10, in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 4]
Schedule 3 presents two tables illustrating fee adjustments to Table 10 within Schedule 3 of the main regulations.
That involves updated fees for miscellaneous documents and services, specifically travel documents.
Refer to both tables in the original document to understand the specific changes.
Both tables outline existing and updated fees for various applications/services.
Schedule 4 Amendment of Schedule 4 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 14 (fees in relation to sponsor licences, premium services for sponsors, certificates of sponsorship and confirmations of acceptance for studies), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 5]
Schedule 4 contains a table that shows increased fees for various services related to sponsorships, like sponsor licenses and certificates of sponsorship.
It breaks down changes into old fees and updated fees against each application type.
Consult the table in the original document for the full breakdown of changes.
Schedule 5 Amendment of Schedule 8 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 19 (fees for applications relating to nationality), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 6]
- In Table 20 (fees for applications, processes and services in connection with nationality), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 7]
Schedule 5 details fee increases for applications related to nationality.
Two tables show updated fees for applications regarding nationality.
Refer to the tables in the original document for comprehensive insights into specific fee modifications.
Schedule 6 Amendment of Schedule 9 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 21 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter the Isle of Man), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 8]
Schedule 6 updates fees for entry clearance applications to the Isle of Man.
The table indicates the fee increases for various categories.
See the table in the original document for specific fee changes.
Schedule 7 Amendment of Schedule 10 to the principal Regulations
- In Table 26 (fees for applications for entry clearance to enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Bailiwick of Jersey), in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 9]
Schedule 7 shows fee adjustments for entry clearance applications to Guernsey or Jersey.
Consult the table in the original document for the exact figures related to these adjustments.
Schedule 8 Amendment of the Schedule to the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022
- In Part 1 (standard passport applications), in the Table in paragraph 2, in relation to the fee number in that table specified in column 1 of the table below, for the fee specified in relation to that fee number in column 2 of the table below, substitute the fee specified in column 3 of the table below. [Table 10]
Schedule 8 details fee increases for standard passport applications as outlined in the table.
Refer to the table in the original document for the specific fee changes listed.
Explanatory Note (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations amend the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/330) (“the principal Regulations”) (which set fees for the exercise of various functions in connection with immigration and nationality) and the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/660) (which set fees for the exercise of various functions in connection with passports). Regulations 2 to 11 and Schedules 1 to 7 amend Schedules 1 to 4 and 6 to 10 to the principal Regulations, replacing existing fee amounts with increased fee amounts. Regulations 3 and 4 amend certain references the Immigration Rules in Schedules 1 and 2 to the principal Regulations. This is because Part 7 of the Immigration Rules was replaced by Appendix Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), Appendix Family Reunion (Protection) was renamed as Appendix Family Reunion (Sponsors with Protection) and Appendix Child staying with or joining a Non-Parent Relative (Protection) was renamed as Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection). Regulations 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11 omit entries which provide for functions, relating to assessment of overseas qualifications, which will no longer be in operation, in Schedules 3, 6, 7, 9 and 10 to the principal Regulations. The functions which will no longer be in operation are those relating to downloadable digital statements and priority services and the recognised appropriate language level of overseas qualification service. Part 3 and Schedule 8 set out amendments which increase various fees in the Passport (Fees) Regulations 2022. A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs to business has been produced. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.
The explanatory note summarizes the regulations' purpose: updating fees for various immigration and passport services in 2018 and 2022 regulations.
It also details the specific changes made, referencing sections and schedules, and mentions the removal of obsolete entries and changes to references in the Immigration Rules to reflect updates in policy.
The note also points out that a full impact assessment is available.