The United Kingdom and Canada have announced new increases in visa, immigration and citizenship fees for 2026, a development expected to raise the cost burden on Nigerians seeking to travel, study, work or settle abroad.
The revised fees released by the UK Home Office and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will take effect at different dates, with the UK changes commencing on April 8, 2026, while Canada’s updated permanent residence and citizenship charges will begin on April 30, 2026.
Analysts say the new fee structures reflect tightening immigration systems and rising administrative costs, with Nigerians—who constitute a large share of international applicants—likely to feel the financial impact.
Canada raises permanent residence charges
Canada’s revised permanent residence fees affect multiple categories, including provincial nominees, business immigrants and family sponsorship applicants.
Under the new rates, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase from CA$575 to CA$600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme principal applicant fee will rise from CA$950 to CA$990.
Similarly, Business Class immigration fees will increase from CA$1,810 to CA$1,895, while Family Class sponsorship applications will rise from CA$545 to CA$570.
Applicants under Protected Persons and Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds categories will pay CA$660, up from CA$635, while permit holders will see fees increase from CA$375 to CA$390.
In addition, Canada raised its Right of Citizenship Fee from CA$119.75 to CA$123, effective March 31, 2026. However, processing fees for minors and citizenship certificates remain unchanged.
UK settlement and residency costs increase sharply
In the United Kingdom, immigration settlement costs remain significantly higher across several categories.
The fee for indefinite leave to remain has increased from £3,029 to £3,226, while the route to settlement now costs £2,064, up from £1,938.
Dependent relatives on the settlement route will now pay £3,635, while refugee dependent relatives will pay £452.
Other leave-to-remain applications now cost £1,407, while visitor extensions made within the UK have increased to £1,172.
Visitor visa charges compared
The UK also revised several visitor visa categories, with short-term visit visas of up to six months now costing £135, up from £127.
Long-term visit visas now cost £506 for two years, £903 for five years, and £1,128 for ten years.
By contrast, Canada maintained its visitor visa fee at CA$100 per person, while families of five or more benefit from a capped total fee of CA$500.
Experts note that the stable Canadian visitor visa rate may make it relatively more attractive to short-term travellers compared to the UK.
Student visa costs differ significantly
For international students, the UK student visa fee has increased from £524 to £558 for both main applicants and dependent children.
Short-term English language study visas lasting up to 11 months now cost £228.
Canada, however, maintained its study permit fee at CA$150, making it considerably cheaper in comparison.
Education consultants say this difference could influence student decisions, particularly among Nigerians seeking affordable study destinations abroad.
Work visa fees rise in UK
Work visa categories in the UK recorded notable increases across several programmes.
The Skilled Worker visa now costs £819 for employment lasting up to three years and £1,618 for longer durations.
Health and Care visas cost £324 for up to three years and £628 for longer periods, while Innovator Founder visas now cost £1,357.
Other categories, including Graduate Route and Scale-up visas, now cost £937 each.
Canada retained its work permit fee at CA$155 per person, maintaining relative stability compared to UK increases.
Additional charges remain in place
The UK continues to impose an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year on most visa categories, separate from the main visa application fee.
Canada, on the other hand, charges a biometrics fee of CA$85 per individual or CA$170 per family, as well as the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, which is paid separately from other processing charges.
Rising migration costs may affect demand
Migration experts say the combined increases in visa fees, processing charges and exchange rate pressures could significantly affect Nigerians planning to relocate abroad.
With currency conversions placing additional strain on applicants, the rising costs may influence destination choices, particularly between the UK and Canada.
Observers note that while the UK continues to record higher overall visa charges across most categories, Canada’s relatively lower fees—especially for student and visitor visas—may continue to attract Nigerians seeking education and employment opportunities overseas.
