Section A: Planning for Self Sponsorship Visa Costs
The self sponsorship visa route enables individuals to apply for a Skilled Worker visa by establishing or working within a UK company that holds a sponsor licence.
Unlike traditional employer-led sponsorship, the applicant arranges for the sponsoring entity to be set up or controlled by themselves, provided all compliance rules are met. While this route can offer flexibility and independence, it comes with substantial financial commitments that applicants and businesses must plan for from the outset. Costs arise at multiple stages, from securing the sponsor licence to maintaining it and applying for the visa itself. Understanding these outlays in detail is vital, as miscalculations can lead to budget shortfalls, compliance breaches or failed applications.
Unlike other visa routes, self sponsorship requires both the business and the visa applicant to incur costs. The business must pay the sponsor licence fee and related charges, while the individual faces visa application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge and other outlays. The upfront nature of many of these costs, particularly the Immigration Skills Charge which is calculated across the visa period, means cash flow planning is central to a successful application. Where dependants are included, costs rise sharply, making financial preparation unavoidable.
Fees under the self sponsorship visa can be grouped into distinct categories: sponsor licence fees, Certificate of Sponsorship costs, the Immigration Skills Charge, Skilled Worker visa application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and legal or professional fees. Each category carries different rates depending on the size of the business, the length of the visa, and the applicant’s family circumstances. Additional expenses such as English language testing, document certification and biometric enrolment also need to be factored into the overall budget.
| Category | Small/Charitable Sponsor | Medium/Large Sponsor |
| Sponsor Licence Application Fee | £574 | £1,579 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | £525 per certificate (Skilled Worker and main work routes) / £55 (Temporary Worker) | |
| Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) | £364 first year + £182 for each additional 6 months (e.g. £1,820 for 5 years) | £1,000 first year + £500 for each additional 6 months (e.g. £5,000 for 5 years) |
| Visa Application Fee (Outside UK) | £719 (up to 3 years) / £1,420 (over 3 years). Reduced rate: £284 / £551 if on shortage occupation or health & care list. | |
| Visa Application Fee (Inside UK) | £827 (up to 3 years) / £1,636 (over 3 years). Reduced rate: £551 (shortage occupation or health & care list). | |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year (standard rate) / £776 per year (children, students, Youth Mobility). Paid upfront for full visa term. | |
| Priority Service | +£500 per applicant (5 working days) | |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 per applicant (next working day) | |
| Legal/Professional Fees | Variable – typically £1,000–£5,000+ depending on complexity and number of applicants | |
| Other Costs | Translations, English language tests (£150–£250), TB testing (£65–£120), biometric appointments (£50–£200), travel costs | |
The Home Office requires all mandatory fees to be paid in full at the point of application. Failure to meet the financial requirements results in refusals or invalid applications, leaving applicants without immigration status and businesses without their intended worker. The financial risks of getting cost planning wrong are significant. Applicants and companies need to account not only for the headline charges but also for hidden and repeat costs that may arise over time. A detailed understanding of the fee structure is therefore the foundation of any self sponsorship application.
Section B: Sponsor Licence Application Fees
Any business seeking to sponsor a Skilled Worker under the self sponsorship route must first secure a sponsor licence from the Home Office. The licence is the legal authority that allows a company to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to migrant workers. Without it, no application can proceed. The fee payable depends on the size and type of the organisation, and the Home Office applies strict rules in determining which category a business falls into. The cost of the licence should therefore be factored into any self sponsorship planning at the very outset, as the classification has a direct impact on the financial outlay.
1. Small or charitable sponsors
For small or charitable sponsors, the application fee is £574. To qualify as a small sponsor, an organisation must meet at least two of the following criteria: annual turnover of £15 million or less, total assets worth £7.5 million or less, or no more than 50 employees. Charitable status follows the definitions set out in UK charity law. The lower fee is intended to reduce the burden on smaller organisations, but all compliance duties are identical to those imposed on larger companies. Even at the reduced rate, the sponsor licence still represents a significant up-front cost that applicants must take into account when budgeting for self sponsorship.
2. Medium or large sponsors
Where a business does not fall within the small or charitable category, it is classed as a medium or large sponsor. The application fee in these cases is £1,579. The higher fee reflects the assumption that larger organisations are better resourced to absorb administrative costs. For individuals pursuing the self sponsorship route through their own company, the fee payable will depend entirely on how the company is categorised at the date of application, and it is therefore important to check the thresholds carefully.
3. Renewal and validity periods
Until April 2024, sponsor licences had to be renewed every four years. That requirement has now been removed, meaning that in most cases a sponsor licence remains valid indefinitely unless it is revoked or surrendered. There are exceptions: licences granted under the UK Expansion Worker route and the Scale-up route continue to be time-limited to four years. For self sponsorship applicants, this change offers greater certainty and reduces long-term costs, but it also places a premium on compliance. If a licence is revoked for breach of duties, the company will lose its ability to sponsor, regardless of how much has been paid in fees.
Section C: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees
Once a business has secured a sponsor licence, it must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant. The CoS is an electronic document generated through the Sponsor Management System that confirms the job role, salary and applicant details. Without a valid CoS, a Skilled Worker visa application cannot be submitted. The CoS is not a physical certificate but a digital reference number that links the visa application to the sponsoring business. Each certificate carries a fee payable to the Home Office at the point of assignment.
1. Defined vs undefined CoS
The Home Office distinguishes between defined and undefined CoS. A defined CoS is required when the applicant is applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK. An undefined CoS applies where the applicant is already in the UK and eligible to switch to the Skilled Worker route. Both types of certificate are generated and managed via the Sponsor Management System, but the distinction determines which allocation process applies. For self sponsorship, the correct type must be selected carefully to avoid application refusals or delays.
2. Current CoS fee
The fee for assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker and certain other work routes is £525 per certificate from April 2025, increased from the previous £239. For temporary worker routes the fee is £55. This charge must be paid each time a new CoS is issued, meaning repeat applications or multiple sponsored family members can result in further costs. While the CoS fee itself is modest compared with other charges, it remains a mandatory step in every Skilled Worker application.
Section D: Skilled Worker Visa Application Fees
After a Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued, the applicant must pay the Home Office fee to apply for their Skilled Worker visa. The fee amount depends on whether the application is made from outside the UK or from within the UK, the length of the visa requested, and whether the job falls on the shortage occupation or health and care list. These fees are payable in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge and other associated costs, making them an important part of the overall budget for self sponsorship.
| Application Type | Visa Length | Fee |
| Outside UK – Standard Application | Up to 3 years | £769 |
| Outside UK – Standard Application | More than 3 years | £1,519 |
| Outside or Inside UK – Immigration Salary List or Health & Care Role | Up to 3 years | £590 |
| Outside or Inside UK – Immigration Salary List or Health & Care Role | More than 3 years | £1,160 |
| Inside UK – Standard Application (Switch/Extend) | Up to 3 years | £885 |
| Inside UK – Standard Application (Switch/Extend) | More than 3 years | £1,751 |
| Priority Service (optional add-on) | — | +£500 |
| Super Priority Service (optional add-on) | — | +£1,000 |
1. Applying from outside the UK
For Skilled Worker applications made from overseas, the fee is £769 if applying for up to three years, or £1,519 if applying for more than three years. If the role is on the Immigration Salary List or the health and care list, the fee is reduced to £590 for up to three years or £1,160 for more than three years. These fees must be paid for each applicant, so where family members apply as dependants the costs multiply.
2. Applying from inside the UK
For Skilled Worker applications made from within the UK, including visa switches and extensions, the fee is £885 for up to three years and £1,751 for more than three years. Where the job is on the Immigration Salary List or the health and care list, the fee is £590 regardless of the visa length. As with overseas applications, these charges apply to each individual applicant, including dependants, and must be paid in full when submitting the application.
3. Priority and super priority services
Applicants can pay extra for faster processing. The priority service costs an additional £500 and typically delivers a decision within five working days. The super priority service costs an additional £1,000 and usually provides a decision by the end of the next working day. These optional services are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed at every application centre, but they can be important where timing is critical, such as for start dates or urgent travel.
Section E: Additional Self Sponsorship Visa Costs
Beyond the sponsor licence, CoS and visa application fees, applicants should expect to face further additional costs. These expenses can be smaller individually but add up quickly, especially where dependants are included. They are also often overlooked in initial budgeting, leading to last-minute financial pressures. For self sponsorship applicants, careful preparation must account for these ancillary charges to avoid delays or complications in the application process.
1. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
When a business assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker or certain Global Business Mobility routes, it must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). The ISC is a significant cost that applies in most cases and is payable before the visa application can be made. It is designed to encourage employers to invest in the domestic workforce while still allowing recruitment of overseas talent. For self sponsorship applicants, the ISC represents one of the largest outlays and must be budgeted for carefully, as the amount is calculated upfront based on the length of the visa.
The sponsoring organisation pays the ISC when assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship. The charge applies whether the applicant is applying from overseas or from within the UK. It is not applied to dependants and does not need to be paid if the sponsored role is for less than six months. Failure to pay the ISC results in the certificate being invalid, which in turn prevents the visa application from progressing.
The fee is set according to the size and type of the sponsoring business. Small or charitable sponsors pay £364 for the first 12 months and £182 for each additional six months. Medium or large sponsors pay £1,000 for the first 12 months and £500 for each additional six months. Over a five-year visa, this equates to £1,820 for small sponsors and £5,000 for medium or large sponsors. These amounts are charged per sponsored worker and must be paid in full at the point of assigning the certificate.
The ISC does not apply in certain circumstances. Workers sponsored under specific occupation codes in research or education, such as scientists and higher education teaching professionals, are exempt. The charge is also waived when a worker is switching from a Student visa to the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK. Family members are never subject to the ISC. Sponsors should check the exemptions carefully as claiming an exemption incorrectly can lead to compliance issues.
Refunds are available in a number of cases. If the visa application is refused, or if the worker does not take up the role, the ISC is refunded in full. Partial refunds are issued where the worker is granted less time than the period sponsored, where they leave employment earlier than expected, or if they switch to another sponsor. Refunds are usually issued automatically once the Home Office is notified, but businesses should maintain accurate records to ensure entitlements are not missed.
| Category | Licence Fee | ISC Rate | Notes |
| Small or Charitable Sponsor | £574 | £364 for the first 12 months, then £182 for each additional 6 months | Qualify if at least two apply: turnover ≤ £15m, total assets ≤ £7.5m, ≤ 50 employees. Same compliance duties as larger sponsors. |
| Medium or Large Sponsor | £1,579 | £1,000 for the first 12 months, then £500 for each additional 6 months | Applies where small/charitable criteria are not met. Higher fees but the same sponsor duties and compliance standards. |
Read our comprehensive guide to the Immigration Skills Charge here >>
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This charge is collected by the Home Office at the point of application and grants access to the National Health Service on broadly the same basis as a UK resident. The amount payable depends on the length of the visa, the applicant’s category, and whether any dependants are included in the application. For self sponsorship applicants, the IHS often represents one of the largest upfront costs, particularly when family members are applying at the same time.
The standard IHS rate is £1,035 per year for each applicant. The amount is calculated across the full period of the visa and must be paid in advance at the time of application. For example, a five-year Skilled Worker visa will require a payment of £5,175 per person. This charge applies to both main applicants and dependants, which means the total cost increases sharply where partners and children are included in the application.
A reduced rate of £776 per year applies to children under 18, students, and applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme. The reduced rate also extends to dependants in these categories. This distinction is important for families as it means child dependants are subject to lower charges than adult applicants. Even so, for longer visas the cumulative costs remain significant and should be factored into the financial planning for self sponsorship.
Where dependants are applying at the same time as the main applicant, each family member must pay the IHS according to their category and visa length. For example, a family of four consisting of two adults and two children applying for a five-year visa would face an IHS outlay of £15,902 in addition to visa fees and other charges. The Home Office requires full payment upfront at the point of application, meaning families must prepare for this large one-off cost to avoid the risk of refusal.
Read our comprehensive guide to the Immigration Health Surcharge here >>
3. Legal and Professional Fees
Alongside the official Home Office charges, many applicants and businesses incur legal and professional fees when pursuing the self sponsorship route. While these fees are not mandatory, they are often a practical necessity given the complexity of sponsor licence applications and Skilled Worker visa requirements. Professional input can help ensure applications are accurate, fully evidenced and compliant, reducing the risk of refusal or future compliance action. The cost of this support can vary considerably depending on the scope of work and the level of expertise involved.
Legal advisers or immigration consultants typically charge for supporting sponsor licence applications. Services may include assessing eligibility, preparing supporting documents, drafting compliance policies and providing guidance on key personnel responsibilities. Fees for sponsor licence support usually range from several hundred pounds for basic guidance to several thousand pounds for comprehensive, end-to-end representation. For self sponsorship applicants establishing their own company, these services can prove particularly valuable given the importance of securing the licence at the first attempt.
Professional assistance with Skilled Worker visa applications often covers document checks, preparing representations, advising on English language and financial requirements, and supporting dependants’ applications. The cost will vary according to the number of applicants, the complexity of the case and whether premium services are requested. For families applying together under the self sponsorship route, the cumulative cost of legal support can be substantial, but it provides reassurance that the application is prepared correctly and submitted in line with the rules.
| Scenario | Visa Fees | IHS Fees | Total (Excluding ISC & Licence) |
| Single Applicant – 3 years (Outside UK) | £719 | £3,105 (£1,035 × 3 years) | £3,824 |
| Single Applicant – 5 years (Outside UK) | £1,420 | £5,175 (£1,035 × 5 years) | £6,595 |
| Applicant + Partner – 3 years (Outside UK) | £719 × 2 = £1,438 | £3,105 × 2 = £6,210 | £7,648 |
| Applicant + Partner – 5 years (Outside UK) | £1,420 × 2 = £2,840 | £5,175 × 2 = £10,350 | £13,190 |
| Family of Four (2 adults + 2 children) – 5 years | £1,420 × 4 = £5,680 | £5,175 × 2 (adults) + £3,880 × 2 (children) = £18,910 | £24,590 |
4. Document translations and certifications
Where documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be translated by a certified translator. Translations typically require a statement of accuracy and contact details for the translator. Certified copies of key documents, such as passports or company records, may also be required. Fees vary but should be factored in for every applicant relying on foreign language documents.
5. English language test and TB testing
Applicants who cannot meet the English language requirement through nationality or qualifications must sit a Secure English Language Test with an approved provider. The cost depends on the provider and location but is usually between £150 and £250. Applicants from certain countries also need to take a tuberculosis test at a Home Office approved clinic before applying. TB tests generally cost £65 to £120 per person.
6. Biometric enrolment appointments
Biometric data must be provided as part of the application process. In the UK, applicants attend a UKVCAS service point and may pay extra for premium slots, weekend appointments or additional services such as document scanning. Overseas applicants attend a visa application centre, where fees for appointment upgrades or optional services may apply. These costs are variable but can add £50 to £200 per applicant.
7. Travel costs to attend UKVCAS or visa centres
Applicants and dependants must travel to the relevant biometric or visa application centre. Depending on location, this may involve significant travel expenses, particularly if overnight accommodation is required. While not an official fee, these practical costs can be considerable for families or applicants located far from the nearest centre.
Section I: Cost Examples and Scenarios
To appreciate the true financial impact of self sponsorship, it helps to see how the different charges accumulate in practice. The following scenarios set out typical costings based on the current Home Office fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and related expenses. These examples are illustrative only, but they highlight how quickly costs rise when dependants are included or longer visa terms are chosen. They also show how the size of the sponsoring company directly affects the Immigration Skills Charge.
1. Single applicant, small sponsor, three-year visa
A sole applicant establishing a small company and applying for a Skilled Worker visa for three years would face the following: sponsor licence fee of £574, one CoS at £525, ISC of £1,092 (£364 for year one and £182 for each of the next two six-month periods), visa fee of £719, and IHS of £3,105 (£1,035 per year). The total is around £6,015 before considering professional support, biometrics or tests.
2. Single applicant, large sponsor, five-year visa
For a larger company, the same Skilled Worker visa over five years would include a sponsor licence fee of £1,579, one CoS at £525, ISC of £5,000 (£1,000 for year one and £500 for each subsequent six-month period), visa fee of £1,420, and IHS of £5,175. The total is approximately £13,699, again excluding professional or ancillary costs.
3. Family of four, small sponsor, five-year visa
For an applicant with a partner and two children, all applying for five years through a small sponsor, the cost escalates considerably. Sponsor licence fee of £574, one CoS at £525, ISC of £3,640 (calculated across the five-year term), main applicant visa fee of £1,420, and dependant visa fees of £1,420 each. The IHS would add £5,175 for each adult and £3,880 for each child. The combined outlay reaches over £23,000 before considering additional expenses such as English tests, translations or legal support.
Section I: Summary
The self sponsorship route offers flexibility for Skilled Worker applicants but it comes with significant financial commitments. From the sponsor licence and Certificate of Sponsorship to the Immigration Skills Charge, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, each stage carries mandatory payments that must be met in full.
When dependants are involved or longer visa terms are chosen, the total outlay can climb sharply, often reaching tens of thousands of pounds.
For applicants establishing their own sponsor company, these costs fall entirely on the business they control, making accurate budgeting and planning critical. Factoring in additional expenses such as translations, tests and potential legal support ensures there are no surprises. Careful financial preparation is therefore central to a successful and sustainable self sponsorship application.
Section I: Need Assistance?
If you are considering the self sponsorship route, professional advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your applications are compliant and complete. With so many fees payable upfront and strict rules on exemptions and refunds, you will need to plan carefully before you commit. Contact our specialist immigration advisers today to discuss your circumstances and receive tailored guidance on the costs and process for securing a Skilled Worker visa through self sponsorship.
Section J: FAQs
Do I have to pay all the fees upfront?
Yes, the Home Office requires sponsor licence fees, Certificate of Sponsorship fees, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge to be paid in full at the point of application. Instalment payments are not accepted.
Are Immigration Skills Charge payments refundable?
Refunds are issued if the visa application is refused, the worker does not start the role, or they leave employment earlier than the sponsored period. Partial refunds may also apply where less time is granted than originally sponsored.
Do dependants pay the same fees as the main applicant?
Dependants must pay the same visa application fee as the main applicant, except where reduced rates apply for children. Each dependant must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge based on their age and visa length.
Can professional fees be avoided?
It is possible to submit sponsor licence and visa applications without professional help, but many applicants choose to use advisers due to the complexity and risks involved. Legal and professional fees vary depending on the level of support required.
What happens if I cannot afford the costs?
If you cannot meet the required fees in full, your application will not proceed. It is important to budget accurately before beginning the process and consider whether the self sponsorship route is financially viable for your circumstances.
Section K: Glossary of Key Terms
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | A digital reference number issued by a licensed sponsor that links a Skilled Worker visa application to the sponsoring business. Required for every application. |
| Sponsor Licence | Authorisation granted by the Home Office allowing a UK business to sponsor migrant workers. Without a valid licence, a CoS cannot be assigned. |
| Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) | A levy that sponsoring organisations must pay when assigning a CoS for a Skilled Worker or certain Global Business Mobility roles. Amount depends on company size and visa length. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A mandatory payment made at the point of visa application that provides access to NHS services. Charged per applicant per year of the visa. |
| Small or Charitable Sponsor | A business that meets at least two size criteria set by the Home Office or is registered as a charity. Qualifies for lower sponsor licence fees and reduced ISC rates. |
| Priority and Super Priority Services | Optional fast-track visa processing services available for an additional fee. Priority usually delivers a decision within five working days, super priority within one working day. |
Section L: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
| Home Office Guidance: Sponsor a Skilled Worker | Official guidance for UK employers on sponsoring Skilled Workers | gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers |
| Skilled Worker Visa Fees | Current Home Office visa application fees for Skilled Worker applicants | gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/fees |
| Immigration Health Surcharge Rates | Details of the IHS rates payable per year for visa applicants and dependants | gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| Immigration Skills Charge Rules | Home Office guidance on when the ISC applies and current rates | gov.uk/immigration-skills-charge |
| Check Visa Processing Times | Tool to check expected processing times for different UK visa applications | gov.uk/visa-processing-times |
| Approved English Language Tests | List of approved Secure English Language Test providers for visa purposes | gov.uk/approved-english-language-tests |
