Migrants who are already living in the UK are at risk of losing their rights as the Government vows to increase visa fees by at least 15 per cent to help pay for public sector pay increases, charities have warned.

Foreign NHS workers and academics will be among those hit by the new visa costs, which will see families charged thousands more per year to remain in the UK. 

On Thursday, Downing Street announced a new public sector pay offer, raising wages by at least 6 per cent for teachers, junior doctors, police and prison officers.

The pay award is set to cost the Government around £2bn, £1bn of which is to be raised by increasing the cost of visa applications.

Work visas and visit visas are to be increased by 15 per cent, while the cost of study visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain and priority visas will increase by at least 20 per cent.

The Government is also planning to increase the NHS surcharge charged to migrants in the UK from £624 to £1,035 per year. This cost is paid upfront when an individual applies for a visa and is in addition to any visa fees.

Visa costs vary depending on the type of visa a person is applying for, for example it costs £1,048 for a partner, parent or child to apply to join a family member in the UK, with this visa often having to be renewed every few years.  By Story by Lucie Heath, Microsoft Start