The United Kingdom today announced plans to increase immigration and visa fees for all those applying to visit, study, work or stay in the UK from autumn 2010 with effect from October 01, 2010.

A statement posted by the UK Border Agency said the increment will help meet 'budgetary pressures.'

The statement posted on its website said; "In line with broader announcements about reductions to public spending, the agency has considered how best to meet budgetary pressures, and the proposals for in-year fees increase will help to offset some of these pressures (alongside efficiency savings).

"Regulations to set application fees at or below the cost of processing are subject to the negative parliamentary procedure, and these fees will increase from 1 October 2010. Where a fee is charged that is set above the cost of processing, the regulations are subject to the affirmative parliamentary process; these fees are due to come into effect in November, subject to parliamentary timetabling.

"The date when the increased fees will come into effect will be published on this website nearer the time.

"The UK Border Agency believes that the proposals to increase fees continue to strike the right balance between maintaining secure and effective border controls and ensuring that our fees structure does not inhibit the UK's ability to attract migrants and visitors who make a valued contribution. This will help to support the immigration system, maintain public confidence and ensure that migration is managed for the benefit of the UK.

"Details of the proposed fees are set out in a written ministerial statement by Immigration Minister Damian Green. You can find the statement, and assessments of the new fees' likely impact, in our Fees for

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