Skilled Worker Visa Fees & Sponsor Costs 2025

skilled worker visa fees

SECTION GUIDE

There are a number of Skilled Worker visa fees that will be payable when making an application. The UK employer will also have to factor in the costs of sponsoring the skilled worker.

In this guide, we set out how much the Skilled Worker visa application costs, along with the related fees and charges that sponsors will need to budget for when sponsoring workers.

 

Section A: Skilled Worker Visa Fees

 

The cost of making the skilled worker visa application itself will depend on whether the application is being made in the UK or from overseas. For example, a three-year Skilled Worker visa application made outside the UK will cost £769, while the same type of application made from within the UK will cost £885.

The full fees are set out in the following tables:

 

Applications Made Outside the UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee from 1 July 2025
Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £769
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £1,519
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants for the applications £590
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants for the applications £1,160
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £304
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £590
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £304
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £590

 

 

Applications Made in the UK  Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee from 1 July 2025
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less  main applicant and dependants £885
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £1,751
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £590
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £1,160
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £304
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years -main applicant and dependants £590
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List- Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants £304
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants £590

 

 

Section B: Additional Costs for the Skilled Worker Visa Applications

 

Additional fees will apply when applying for the In addition to paying the application processing fee for the Skilled Worker visa, the applicant will also have to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge per year of leave. They may also opt to pay for priority processing, which is available for a further fee.

 

1. Immigration Health Surcharge

 

The Immigration Health Surcharge is payable by most UK visa applicants. It allows the visa holder to access the National Health Service (NHS) without further charge, although certain services will still need to be paid for if used. The immigration health surcharge costs £1,035 per main applicant per year of leave granted. A discounted IHS rate of £776 is available for students and child applicants.

The charge is paid upfront when making the visa application.

Visa holders must have paid enough IHS to cover the duration of their leave in the UK. This means the total IHS payable is calculated on the basis of how much leave has been granted to the individual. For example, under the current rate, a five-year visa will cost 5 x £1,035 = £5,175 for a single applicant for the duration of their visa.

 

Example Immigration Healthcare Surcharge Total Fees
Skilled Worker Visa Duration Number of Applicants IHS Amount
3 years Single applicant £3,105
3 years Two adult applicants £6,210
3 years Family of four (2 adults, 2 children) £10,866
5 years Single applicant £5,175
5 years Two adult applicants £10,350
5 years Family of four (2 adults, 2 children) £18,110

 

Where the application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months, the applicant pays half the relevant yearly rate for that period.

If the application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months, the whole year must be paid for.

 

Read more about the UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge here >> 

 

2. Priority Services

 

For visa and settlement applications, applicants may be able to pay for expedited processing under the priority and super priority services.

The standard processing time for visas varies between countries and service centres, and the type of visa being applied. Typically, applications can take anywhere between several weeks to several months.

If a visa applicant has secured employment and needs to arrive in the UK within a set period, priority service may be available for an additional fee.

 

 

Premium Services for Outside UK Applications Fee
Priority visa service – non-settlement £500
Super priority visa service £1,000
User-pay visa application centre £76.50
International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query) £2.74
International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute) £0.69

 

Premium Services for Inside UK Applications Fee
Super Priority service £1,000
Expedited processing – Priority service £500
On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) (per hour per representative of the contractor providing the service) £650
The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, to a Government Department, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom £72.27
The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom £150
Premium status checks and advice – Administrative Officer (per minute) £0.80
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) £0.88
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) £1.10
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute)  £0.97
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute)  £1.23

 

Read more about UK Visa Application Processing Times here >> 

 

 

Section C: Fee Reductions

 

Individuals whose job roles are listed on the Immigration Salary List may qualify for reduced application fees. For instance, the application fee for a Skilled Worker visa application for ISL roles made outside the UK with a CoS for up to three years is to £590, compared to £769 for non-ISL roles, while the fee for a visa with CoS over three years is £1,160 for ISL roles, compared with £1,519 for non-ISL roles.

The Health and Care Visa also offers reduced fees; where a CoS has been issued for three years or less, it costs £304 to apply from outside the UK, or £590 if the CoS is 3 years or more.

 

 

Section D: Sponsorship Licence Costs for Employers

 

UK employers are required to hold a valid sponsor licence to hire non-UK resident workers under sponsored work visa routes. For employers, being a sponsor licence holder imposes costs which must be factored into recruitment and ongoing employment budgets.

 

1. Sponsorship Licence Application Fee

 

The Home Office operates a tiered fee system for sponsorship licence applications, based on the size and type of organisation. The full list of Home Office sponsor licence application fees are as follows:

 

Skilled worker visa costs of sponsorship

Fee

Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors £25,000
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors £8,000
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Student sponsors £8,000
The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor £200
Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications £500
Worker sponsor licence and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) £1,579
Skilled Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor) £574
Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) £1,579
Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) £1,579
Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) £1,579
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence £1,005

 

 

a. Sponsor Licence Application Fee 

 

Small businesses and charitable organisations pay a reduced fee, which for the Worker licence is £574, while all other organisations pay £1,579.

To qualify as a small sponsor, an organisation typically needs to satisfy at least two of these conditions: an annual turnover of no more than £15 million, total assets valued at £7.5 million or less, or a workforce of 50 or fewer employees. For charitable sponsor status, the organisation must be a registered charity in England or Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, with unregistered Northern Irish charities providing evidence of their charitable tax status from HMRC. Other qualifying charitable entities include excepted charities, exempt charities, and ecclesiastical corporations set up for charitable objectives.

 

b. Priority Processing 

 

Under the Sponsor Licence Application Priority Service, applicants can pay an additional £500 for fast-tracked processing of their application and a decision within 10 working days. This service is generally of interest to employers who have already identified a candidate and who wish to expedite the recruitment and onboarding of their new recruit.

 

 

2. Cost to Assign Certificates of Sponsorship

 

In addition to the licence application, sponsors will also have to pay to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to each sponsored worker.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is a mandatory requirement for skilled worker visa applicants to make their visa application.

The cost of assigning each Certificate of Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa is £525. This cost will apply each time you recruit a sponsored worker.

 

3. Immigration Skills Charge

 

Also payable by the employer when the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued is the Immigration Skills Charge. This is a levy on all sponsors, payable on an annual basis for each sponsored worker.

The Immigration Skills Charge is £1,000 per year per migrant worker sponsored under the skilled visa, and an additional £500 for each subsequent 6 month period of leave. A reduced rate of £364 per annum applies to small businesses and charities, with a further £182 per additional 6-month period.

 

Period Small or charitable sponsors Medium or large sponsors
First 12 months £364 £1,000
Each additional 6 months £182 £500

 

The fee must be paid by the sponsor, and not the worker.

There are limited exemptions for PhD level roles in science and research, UK graduates switching from a Tier 4 visa and the Intra Company Transfer Graduate Trainee Visa category.

 

4. Premium Sponsor Scheme

 

The premium sponsor scheme is available to sponsors with an A-rated licence and a clear compliance record. For a fee, it offers an “enhanced level of support” through a dedicated account manager for tailored advice and support.

 

Application category Fee
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – large sponsors £25,000
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Worker sponsor and Temporary worker sponsor – small sponsors £8,000
Premium Sponsor Service (12 months) Student sponsors £8,000
The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor £200
Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications £500

 

 

5. Sponsor Action Plan

 

Where the Home Office alleges a sponsor has failed to meet their compliance duties, that may take enforcement action. Early-stage sanctions can include imposing an action plan. This will cost the sponsor £1,579.

 

Section E: Summary

 

The Skilled Worker visa application process encompasses various costs, including the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge and optional priority services. Certain applicants, such as certain health and care professionals, may qualify for fee exemptions or reductions.

Employers will also need to factor in the fees associated with sponsorship and hiring Skilled Worker visa holders.

 

Read our full guide to the Skilled Worker visa here >> 

 

Section F: Need Assistance?

 

We are specialist UK immigration lawyers, with substantial experience and recognised expertise in advising on the Skilled Worker visa route, including guidance to employers on the sponsorship regime, and recruiting from overseas to meet their talent needs, and to applicants on making their application.

With in-depth insight into the visa application and visa sponsorship process, we can provide a full appraisal of the Skilled Worker visa costs you can expect to have to pay to support effective budget planning. For specialist immigration advice, contact us.

 

Section G: Skilled Worker Visa Fees FAQs

 

What is the basic fee for a Skilled Worker visa application in 2025?

 

The fee for a Skilled Worker visa application varies depending on the length of stay and where the applicant is applying from. For example, an application made from overseas with a CoS of up to 3 years costs £769.

 

Are there any additional fees associated with a Skilled Worker visa application beyond the application fee?

Applicants will typically need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS and the sponsor will pay a fee to assign each CoS and will be liable for the Immigration Skills Charge.

 

What are the costs involved for an employer sponsoring a Skilled Worker?

Employers sponsoring a Skilled Worker must obtain a Sponsor Licence, which involves fees. They also need to pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship for each employee and pay to the Immigration Skills Charge.

 

How much does it cost to become a sponsor?

The employer will have to pay a number of fees to sponsor a skilled worker visa, including the sponsor licence application fee and the fee to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker.

 

Can you hire migrant workers without sponsoring them?

Migrant workers can only work in the UK if they have permission. While most of the work visa routes under the points-based system require sponsorship by a licensed employer, there are some immigration routes which do not need sponsorship, but other eligibility criteria apply, such as under the Global Talent route.

 

Can I get a refund if my Skilled Worker visa application is refused?

Generally, visa application fees are non-refundable. However, there might be exceptions in specific circumstances, such as if the Home Office made an error.

 

 

Section H: Glossary

 

Term
Definition
UK Skilled Worker Visa
A visa that allows skilled workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Visa Application Fee
The fee required for processing the visa application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
A mandatory fee that allows visa holders to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Biometric Enrolment
The process of providing fingerprints and a photograph for the creation of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Priority Visa Service
An optional service that expedites visa application processing within 5 working days for an additional fee.
Super Priority Visa Service
An optional service that expedites visa application processing within 24 hours for an additional fee.
Health and Care Visa
A visa category designed for certain healthcare professionals and their families, offering reduced fees.
Employer Sponsorship
Financial support provided by an employer to cover visa application fees and related costs.
Currency Conversion
The process of exchanging one currency for another, which can impact the total cost of visa fees when paid in a foreign currency.
Fee Waiver
An exemption from paying certain visa fees, usually granted under specific circumstances such as financial hardship or humanitarian grounds.

 

 

Section I: Additional Resources

 

UK Government Official Visa Information
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

 

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Contact Information
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

 

NHS Immigration Health Surcharge Information
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/overview

 

Home Office Official Guidance on the Skilled Worker Visa
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa

 

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
https://www.cipd.co.uk/

 

 

Author

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility.

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Read more about DavidsonMorris here

 

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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