Out of the 1.2 million people who migrated into the UK in the last year, only 5% of them came in using the UK Spouse Visa. The figure shows that the increase in spouse visa cost could be the cause of reduced application for UK spouse visa.
The UK Spouse Visa is given to non-UK residents who wish to relocate to the UK to live with their spouses/partners. On April 10, 2024, the cost of getting the UK spouse visa was increased, and many believe that this may impact family immigration.
In 2025, more UK residents or British citizens may either not be able to reunite with their family or their plan to reunite will be delayed because of the increased costs.
To fully understand the potential impact of the UK visa cost changes on family immigration, read till the end.
What Families Need to Know About Rising UK Spouse Visa Costs in 2025
There have been a lot of questions and speculations as to what could have influenced the cost of a UK Spouse Visa. Immigration experts believe that other fees attached to the UK spouse visa could be the cause.
Here is a detailed breakdown of all the current costs associated with the UK spouse visa:
Application fee: The UK application fee for a spouse visa increased by 15% on October 4, 2023. It was further increased to 1,846 (for those applying outside of the UK) and 1,258 for those applying from within the UK in 2024.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): On January 16, 2024, the IHS increased by 66% making it 1035 annually for adults and 776 annually for children.
Biometrics enrollment fee: This is a crucial part of your application process and it involves providing your fingerprints and photographs. You will be directed on where to pay as you book your biometric appointment.
Potential legal fees: The charges attached to this are left to the choice and discretion of the applicant.
Translation costs: These charges only apply if the person is a non-speaking applicant who cannot speak, read or write in English.
Other potential expenses: Such as travelling for biometrics, lodging in a hotel during the biometrics, and courier services (if you want your documents sent to you after processing).
The figures written above are the current stated price by the time this article was written. This means that it is subject to change based on changes to the UK immigration policy.
Hence, applicants are strongly advised to stay updated on recent UK immigration policies and to consult/hire immigration experts/lawyers to guide them.
Potential Changes to UK Spouse Visa Costs in 2025
Before you begin applying for and processing your UK Spouse Visa, there are some important things to understand about the rising cost of a UK Spouse Visa in 2025.
What families need to know about rising UK Spouse Visa Costs in 2025
What determines the cost of a visa or the factors for its approval are government policy changes, economic factors and administrative adjustments.
When the government changes their rules regarding immigration, it can impact the UK spouse visa cost and requirements. The economic situation of the country can also be the reason why the government decides to increase the visa cost.
Another deciding factor could be that the government is trying to reduce the number of people coming into the UK. It is an administrative adjustments to ensure that only those who really qualify for it are allowed entrance into the UK.
The recent trends following spouse visa is that grants for partner visas fell by 12% in 2024, but grants for other family visas tripled from 6,222 to 19,883.
The speculation is that the Home Office’s decision to cut net migration prompted lots of residents and British nationals to apply for visas before the change came into effect.
In Spring 2024, some changes were made by the UK government which included an increase in the Minimum Income Requirement from 18,600 to 29,000 for civilians and 23,496 for members of the armed forces.
How Changes in UK Spouse Visa Cost Will Impact Family Immigration in 2025
After the price changes made to the UK Spouse Visa, there have been lots of speculations about what this could mean for families in the coming year (2025).
Will increased UK Spouse Visa fees divide families in 2025?
The increase in the UK spouse visa fees only affected first time spouse visa applicants who started their applications on or after 11th April, 2024.
Hence, there’s a speculation whether this increase will keep families seeking to reunite away from each other. This will specially affect low-income families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Some people are of the opinion that the increase in UK Spouse Visa Cost is making family immigration or reunification harder. Even families who later meet up with the financial requirement will be strained money-wise.
Some may never recover financially from such heavy expenses and others that do, will find it difficult to adjust for a while.
Looking at these changes and the effect it is having on its residents, most immigrants will no longer be willing to migrate into the UK for work. In the long run, there will be a shortage of skilled workers in the UK which will affect the country’s economy.
For instance, economic sectors that rely on lower-skilled workers will not have access to the labour pool they need for their businesses. This will lead to low productivity and output for such businesses which will in turn affect what they contribute to the UK economy negatively.
Opinion From Immigration Experts on UK Spouse Visa Cost Changes in 2025
The best way forward for immigrants is not to completely avoid the UK neither should UK residents/British citizens give up on reuniting with their family.
Immigration experts have given their opinions on how immigrants, UK residents and British nationals can prepare for the higher UK spouse visa fees in 2025.
How to prepare for higher UK spouse visa fees in 2025
Immigration experts give an insight into what families should do as UK immigration costs keep increasing. They let you know whether the UK Spouse Visa cost hikes will affect your ability to sponsor your spouse in 2025.
Click here to find out what they have to say.
Furthermore, applicants are advised to start their application process as early as possible. If the applicant(s) can afford it, they should seek professional legal advice/services who will work with them to ensure that all their documentation is in order.
Immigration Advice Service is committed to providing expert guidance throughout the whole visa application process.
Conclusion
Immigration experts give their opinion on the consequences of the change in UK spouse visa fees and what this could mean for immigrants.
It is important to stay updated with new immigration rules and contact immigration consultants/lawyers for help with the immigration process.