visa applications--submitting documents.

Big shock this morning when BRP card arrived and expiry date was 31/12/2024! Quick google calmed nerves

Hey Max--good to see you on here again.

@Drunken Max congratulations

I think those hoping for a reversal in visa application fees under a different or any UK government will be disappointed.

A reduction in the Minimum Income Threshold/requirement (back to the previous level) would be a positive step...

Increasing IHS as a deliberate fundraiser is a big signpost

Some info on history and how much it brings in.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9859/

Fees have increased significantly above inflation in recent years
Until 2003, the UK charged nothing at all for visa extensions, work permits and settlement. Fees for initial visas and citizenship were relatively modest. A student visa cost £36.

The Blair Government began charging above the processing cost in order to fund wider immigration activities. Later governments continued that process and added the health surcharge (2015) and employer levy (2017). Government income from immigration and nationality fees rose from £184 million in 2003 to £2,200 million in 2022, not including another £1,700 million in health surcharge and £600 million in employer levies.

Interesting stats -

Another example of Con-servative 'cashing-in' on fair and reasonable ideas from a Labour administration... think university fees, tripled and then tripled again by the Con-servatives!