Immigration matters: Electronic travel authorisation & Visa fees
Stephanie Pote · Posted on: March 20th 2025 · read
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Visa nationals have to gain “Leave to Enter” the UK, even as visitors. Non-visa nationals previously did not have to do this and were granted “Entry Clearance at the Border”.
This included nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU countries and Caribbean islands. Nationals of these countries still had to apply for visas if they were wishing to work in the UK.
In order to give the government more control and oversight over individuals entering the UK, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETAs) began to be introduced in for non-visa nationals in November 2023 and have been phased in over the last eighteen months.
The new system is designed to help prevent illegal immigration, thwart organised crime syndicates, and identify potential threats to national security before they arrive in the UK. From the individual’s point of view, ETAs should also streamline the process for entry to the UK at the border.
The last phase of this was for EU nationals who, as of 2 April 2025, now have to apply for an ETA in order to enter the UK. From 9 April 2025, the cost of a UK ETA increased to £15. It generally takes three days for a decision on an ETA application.
In the same way as a visit visa, an ETA is valid for short-term stays for tourism, short-course study, visiting friends and family, permitted business activities, and medical treatments.
Human Capital
Read more about Human CapitalRead moreEU nationals with an approved ETA can freely travel between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; however, an ETA does not allow entry to the Republic of Ireland.
EU nationals planning to stay in the UK for more than six months or to work will need an appropriate UK visa. The new ETA system is not appropriate for these purposes.
Our HR specialist final thought
"HR Solutions can advise you / your clients on the process of applying for an ETA or can assist with the application if required. HR Solutions can also advise you / your clients on visa requirements for those wishing to come to the UK to work."
Increases to Certificate of Sponsorship and Visa Fees
Businesses sponsoring migrant workers now face higher costs. On 9 April 2025, the Government implemented significant increases to immigration-related fees as set out below.
Key Fee Increases
- Sponsor Licence application fee (small employer): increased from £536 to £574
- Sponsor Licence application fee (large employer): increased from £1476 to £1579
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for both the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker): increased from £239 to £525.
- CoS Fee for Temporary Worker routes (including Global Business Mobility (UK Expansion Worker): Increased from £25 to £55.
- Visa Application Fees for both the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) : increased from £719 to £769 (out-of-country application for up to three years); from £1,420 to £1,519 (out-of-country application for three to five years); from £827 to £885 (in-country application for up to three years); from £1,636 to £1,751 (in-country application for three to five years);
- Naturalisation (British Citizenship): increased from £1,500 to £1,605
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement): increased from £2,885 to £3,029
Employers are reminded that they are strictly prohibited from passing any of these costs or any costs associated with a Sponsor Licence application, including legal fees, onto sponsored workers.
Our HR specialist final thought
"HR Solutions are Level 1 Immigration Advisors, authorised and regulated by the IAA (Immigration Advice Authority). We can assist you with applying for Sponsor Licences, Certificates of Sponsorship, and Visas under both the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes. We can also advise and assist you on private applications for Spouse / Partner visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), or British Citizenship."
