How much does it cost to immigrate to the UK: Comprehensive analysis of the latest fees and hot topics in 2024
In recent years, British immigration policies have been adjusted frequently, and fees have also changed accordingly. This article will combine the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a structured analysis of the various costs of British immigration and provide you with the latest data for reference.
1. Popular visa types and fees for British immigrants in 2024

| Visa type | Basic application fee | Health Surcharge (IHS) | Total cost (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work visa (Skilled Worker) | £625-£1,423 | £624/year | £1,249-£2,047 |
| student visa | £363 | £470/year | £833 |
| Innovator Visa | £1,021 | £624/year | £1,645 |
| Spouse visa | £1,048 | £624/year | £1,672 |
2. Recent hot topics of discussion
1.Controversy over skyrocketing medical surcharges: According to the latest policy, starting from January 16, 2024, IHS fees will rise from £624/year to £1,035/year, an increase of 66%, triggering strong reactions from the immigrant community.
2.Graduate visa prospects: According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 98,394 graduate visas were issued in 2023, but recent discussions in parliament may reduce the duration of this visa, and searches for related topics increased by 320% week-on-week.
3.Investment immigration alternatives: Since the cancellation of the T1 investment visa in 2022, the number of innovator visa applications has increased by 45% year-on-year, and the minimum investment amount of £50,000 has become a popular choice.
3. Details of additional charges
| Project | Fee standard | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| language test | £150-£200 | IELTS/SELT test |
| Tuberculosis testing | £100-£150 | designated clinic |
| Lawyer service fee | £800-£3,000 | Depending on the complexity of the case |
| Biometric information entry | £19.20 | Fingerprint collection |
4. Comparative Analysis of Living Costs
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, immigrants also need to consider the following living expenses (average monthly):
| city | Rent (1 bedroom) | Living expenses (single person) | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| london | £1,500-£2,200 | £800-£1,200 | £2,300-£3,400 |
| Manchester | £700-£1,100 | £600-£900 | £1,300-£2,000 |
| birmingham | £650-£950 | £550-£850 | £1,200-£1,800 |
5. Early warning of policy changes
1.Increased salary threshold: From April 2024, the minimum annual salary standard for technical work visas will increase from £26,200 to £38,700, an increase of 48%.
2.Dependent visa restrictions: Student visas for postgraduate courses and below will no longer be allowed to bring dependents, which is expected to affect tens of thousands of applicants.
3.Full implementation of electronic visas: The BRP card will be gradually canceled before the end of 2024 and converted to digital management. Please pay attention to the additional time cost of the system transition period.
Summary suggestions: The actual cost of UK immigration should include visa fees, medical surcharges, living expenses and the risk of potential policy changes. Applicants are advised to set aside an initial capital of £3,000-£5,000 (£8,000+ in London) and pay close attention to the progress of the Illegal Immigration Bill being considered by Parliament, which may lead to more fee adjustments.
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