New charges for UK visas have come into force this week (December 19th), following their approval by the government's Ministry of Justice.
The new policy means that paper considerations will now be charged at £80, while those who are looking to appeal decisions through an oral hearing will be charged £140. These charges will only apply to UK visa and immigration decisions taken on or after the above date.
According to the UK immigration authorities, the fees are at a level that “should be affordable for people who are required to pay”, although they will only recover around 25 per cent of the full cost of administration in the appeals system.
In addition to the implementation of appeal fees, appeals must now be submitted directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) in Leicester and applicants will no longer be able to send their appeal to the visa application centre overseas that made their initial decision.
Payments will be taken through an online payment facility that will be online shortly and payment can be made through a MasterCard or a Visa credit or debit card. Alternatively, applicants can request another person to pay the fee on their behalf with their permission if they do not have access to the required payment method.