UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost Calculator
Calculate the total costs for UK Skilled Worker visa applications, including government fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and employer sponsorship costs. Updated for May 2026.
Recent Fee Changes (2025-2026)
The UK government increased several immigration fees again on 8 April 2026:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £525 per worker (increased from £239 in April 2025; unchanged on 8 April 2026)
- Immigration Skills Charge: Large sponsors £1,320/year, Small/charitable £480/year (16 Dec 2025 rates, unchanged on 8 April 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Remains at £1,035/year for adults (£776 under-18)
- Visa application fees (from 8 April 2026): Outside UK £819 (≤3 years) / £1,618 (>3 years); inside UK £943 / £1,865
- Sponsor licence fees (from 8 April 2026): Large £1,682 (was £1,579); small/charitable £611 (was £574)
Understanding UK Skilled Worker Visa Costs
The total cost of a UK Skilled Worker visa depends on multiple factors including visa duration, whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List, the number of dependants, and whether your employer already holds a sponsor licence. Use our calculator to get a detailed breakdown for your specific situation.
The costs are split between the visa applicant (employee) and the sponsoring employer. While the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa application fee are paid by the applicant, the employer typically pays the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee. Some employers also cover visa fees as part of their relocation packages.
Employee/Applicant Costs
| Fee Type | Standard Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | £819 - £943 | £819 outside UK, £943 UK extension |
| Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,618 - £1,865 | £1,618 outside UK, £1,865 UK extension |
| ISL Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | £628 | Jobs on Immigration Salary List |
| ISL Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,235 | Jobs on Immigration Salary List |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | Per applicant (£776 for under 18s) |
| Maintenance Funds | £1,270 | 28 days in bank (waivable by A-rated sponsor) |
| English Test (if needed) | £150-200 | IELTS for UKVI or equivalent |
Employer/Sponsor Costs
| Fee Type | Large Sponsor | Small/Charitable |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Licence (first time) | £1,682 | £611 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | £525 per worker | |
| Immigration Skills Charge (per year) | £1,320 | £480 |
| Immigration Skills Charge (5-year visa) | £6,600 | £2,400 |
Note: ISC exemptions apply for scientists, researchers, higher education teaching roles, and some switching applicants.
Dependant Costs (Per Person)
| Fee Type | Adult (18+) | Child (under 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | £819 | £819 |
| Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,618 | £1,618 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | £776/year |
| Maintenance Funds | £285 | £285 |
Example: 3-Year Visa Costs
Single applicant, standard job (not on ISL), applying from outside UK with large employer:
Employer costs (one-off per worker):
Additional Costs to Consider
- English Language Test: IELTS for UKVI or equivalent tests cost £150-200. You may be exempt if you're from an English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.
- TB Test Certificate: Required for applicants from certain countries. Costs typically £50-150 depending on location.
- Document Translation: Any non-English documents must be officially translated. Costs vary (£20-50 per document).
- Priority Service: Priority visa processing (5 working days) costs £500; Super Priority (next working day) costs £1,000.
- Immigration Advice: Solicitors/advisors typically charge £500-3,000+ for Skilled Worker visa applications.
- Biometric Residence Permit: No additional charge - included in visa fee when applying from outside UK.
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Exemptions
According to GOV.UK guidance, the ISC is NOT required for:
- Workers sponsored for PhD-level occupations (SOC code suffix /1)
- International students switching from Tier 4/Student visa to Skilled Worker
- Workers on the EU Settlement Scheme or under the Withdrawal Agreement
- Higher education institutions for teaching and research roles
- Workers switching to Health and Care Worker visa
How Fees Are Paid
Applicant Pays (via GOV.UK):
- Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometric appointment fee (if applicable)
- Priority processing (optional)
Employer Pays (via SMS):
- Sponsor Licence fee (initial application)
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Skills Charge (upfront)
Note: Employers are prohibited from recovering sponsorship costs (CoS, ISC, sponsor licence fees) from sponsored workers.
Official Government Sources
This information is for guidance only and reflects official Home Office fees effective 8 April 2026. Fees are subject to change and may be updated without notice. Some costs like English tests, TB tests, and document translation vary by provider and country. Always refer to the official GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa costs page for definitive fee information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Skilled Worker visa fees in 2026.
How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost in 2026?
Home Office fees from 8 April 2026: application fee £827-£1,751 (up to 3 years) or £1,636-£3,502 (over 3 years) depending on whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List. Add the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £1,035/year per applicant and dependant, plus biometrics, priority services and English testing.
Who pays the Immigration Skills Charge - employer or employee?
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is paid by the sponsoring employer only - it is unlawful to recoup it from the worker. ISC is £480/year for small/charitable sponsors and £1,320/year for medium/large sponsors, covering the full sponsorship period on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge per year?
IHS is £1,035 per year per adult and £776 per year for children under 18 and students, paid upfront in full for the whole visa period (rounded up to the nearest 6 months).
Can an employer legally pass visa costs to the applicant?
Sponsors cannot pass on the Immigration Skills Charge or the Certificate of Sponsorship fee to the worker. Other costs (application fee, IHS, biometrics, English test) may legally be paid by the applicant, but many employers reimburse them as part of the relocation package.
Do I have to pay for dependants separately?
Yes. Each dependant pays their own application fee (same tier as the main applicant) plus IHS, biometrics and priority services where selected. Dependants do not add Immigration Skills Charge or Certificate of Sponsorship costs.
Are there discounts for shortage-listed occupations?
Roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL) pay reduced application fees (£551-£1,084 depending on duration). Both lists sunset on 31 December 2026, after which the standard fee tier applies regardless of occupation.
Calculate Your Total Visa Costs
Use our interactive calculator to get a personalised breakdown of employee and employer costs for your Skilled Worker visa application, including dependants.
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