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 February 2026.
Recent Fee Changes (2025-2026)
The UK government has increased several immigration fees:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Increased from £239 to £525 (April 2025)
- Immigration Skills Charge: Large sponsors: £1,320/year (was £1,000), Small/charitable: £480/year (was £364)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Remains at £1,035/year for adults
- Visa application fees: Standard rates from £769 (up to 3 years) to £1,519 (over 3 years)
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) | £769 - £885 | £769 outside UK, £885 UK extension |
| Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,519 - £1,751 | £1,519 outside UK, £1,751 UK extension |
| ISL Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | £590 | Jobs on Immigration Salary List |
| ISL Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,160 | 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) | £1,476 | £536 |
| 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) | £769 | £769 |
| Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £1,519 | £1,519 |
| 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 government fees as of January 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.
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.
Access UK Sponsor Companies
Register to view our comprehensive database of UK sponsor companies hiring professionals.
Register Now
