UK visa update: changes in October and November 2023

There are some changes to UK visa applications coming into effect in October and November that will impact students coming to the UK for English language courses.

These are:

• Visa application fee increase
• Short-term study visa applications: changes to document requirements
• Qatari nationals and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you have any questions about these changes, please email our compliance manager Naadiya Rawat. 

Visa application fees increase on Wednesday 4 October 2023

Fees for Visitor visa and Student visa applications will increase from Wednesday 4 October 2023.

• The Visitor visa application fee will increase from GBP 100 to GBP 115
• The Student visa fee will increase by GBP 127 to GBP 490 (it was GBP 363)
• The Short-term study visa fee stays the same

• Visit the GOV.UK visa fee page for full details  

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Short-term study visa applications - changes to document requirements

Prior to October, all applicants for a short-term study visa must submit evidence of funds using bank statements in their own name.

From Thursday 5 October 2023, bank statements in the name of the applicant's parent or legal guardian will be accepted. The applicant must provide proof of the relationship and written consent from the parent or legal guardian to use the funds.

This is a positive change that English UK has requested from The Home Office. We hope the change will simplify the application process for students who receive financial support from their families. 

Also from Thursday 5 October 2023, consent forms from under 18s must include contact details for the parent/ legal guardian.

• See more details on Short-term study applications on the UKCISA website

Qatari nationals are the first nationality to require ETAs to travel to the UK without a visa (from 15 November)

Qatari students travelling to the UK before Wednesday 15 November 2023 can continue to travel on an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). If travelling on or after Wednesday 15 November they need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Applications for an ETA open on Wednesday 25 October 2023. 

ETAs will cost GBP 10 and last for two years, allowing multiple visits.

Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK on or after Thursday 22 February 2024. More nationalities will be added to the ETA scheme later. 

Anyone with a visa to enter the UK, or permission to live, work or study in the UK, will not need to apply for an ETA.

• See more information on GOV.UK

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If you're not sure if a student needs a visa before travelling, we recommend you use the GOV.UK visa check tool.