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 vis application made outside the UK will cost £719, while the same type of application made from within the UK will cost £827.
The full fees are set out in the following tables:
| Applications Made Outside the UK | Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee |
| Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £719 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,420 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| 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 made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £551 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,084 |
| 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 made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £1,084 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| 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 for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| 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 for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £551 |
| Applications Made in the UK | Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £827 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,636 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| 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 made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £551 |
| Skilled Worker, shortage occupation where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,084 |
| 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 made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £1,084 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years -main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £284 |
| 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 for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £284 |
| Skilled Worker – Shortage Occupation – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £551 |
| 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 for the applications made with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued on or after 4 April 2024 | £551 |
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 | £57.33 |
| The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom | £77.40 |
| 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: Exemptions & Fee Reductions
While the UK Skilled Worker Visa involves several fees, certain applicants may be eligible for fee waivers or reductions. These exemptions and reductions aim to support specific categories of individuals and circumstances, making the visa process more accessible and affordable.
1. Categories of Applicants Eligible for Fee Waivers or Reductions
Several categories of applicants qualify for fee waivers or reductions, typically based on occupation, financial hardship, or humanitarian grounds.
Individuals whose job roles are listed on the Immigration Salary List may qualify for reduced application fees. For instance, the standard fee for a visa up to three years is reduced to £551, while the fee for a visa exceeding three years is reduced to £1,084.
Health and care workers constitute another significant category. Certain healthcare professionals and their families may qualify for a Health and Care Visa, which offers reduced fees. This visa is designed to attract skilled healthcare workers to the UK, acknowledging their essential contributions to the country’s health system.
Additionally, applicants granted humanitarian protection or refugee status in the UK may be exempt from certain fees. This exemption recognises the unique circumstances and challenges faced by individuals in these categories, providing them with necessary support to establish their lives in the UK.
2. Specific Circumstances Where Fees May Be Reduced
Fees for the UK Skilled Worker Visa may also be reduced under specific circumstances, often related to the applicant’s financial situation or personal circumstances. It’s essential to note that fee reductions are discretionary and not guaranteed.
Financial hardship is a primary consideration. Applicants experiencing significant financial difficulties may apply for a fee waiver, assessed on a case-by-case basis. To qualify, applicants must provide comprehensive evidence of their financial situation, demonstrating their inability to pay the required fees.
Individuals facing specific humanitarian challenges, such as victims of trafficking or domestic abuse, could potentially qualify for fee reductions.
Applicants seeking fee exemptions or reductions must provide robust evidence to support their claim. Each case is evaluated on its own merits, and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. If you believe you might be eligible for a fee reduction, it is advisable to seek professional immigration advice.
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) | £1,476 |
| Skilled Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor) | £536 |
| Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,476 |
| Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence | £940 |
a. Small Businesses & Charities Sponsor Licence Application Fee
If the organisation comes within the Companies Act definition of a small business, or is a charity, they will pay the small company application fee, which is £536.
The Companies Act states an organisation will be deemed a small company if two of the following apply:
- The company must have a turnover of no more than £10.2 million.
- The company must have a balance sheet total of no more than £5.1 million.
- There must be no more than 50 employees.
b. Larger Business Sponsor Licence Application Fee
Companies that do not fall within the definition will be charged the large business fee of £1,476.
c. 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 £239. 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.
A reduced rate of £364 per annum applies to small businesses and charities.
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 £1,476.
Section E: Summary
The Skilled Worker visa application process encompasses various costs, including the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric enrolment fees, and optional priority services. Certain applicants, particularly those in occupations on the Immigration Salary List or 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 2024?
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 for a three-year Skilled Worker visa costs £719.
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 National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, there might be biometrics fees for capturing fingerprints and a photograph.
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 contribute to the Immigration Skills Charge.
How much does it cost to sponsor a visa UK?
The fee to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to a sponsored worker is £239 under the Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker routes. The Immigration Skills Charge of £1000 (reduced rate applies in limited circumstances) will also be payable when the CoS is issued.
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.
|
|
Shortage Occupation List
|
A list of jobs for which there are not enough workers in the UK, resulting in reduced visa fees for applicants in these roles.
|
|
Health and Care Visa
|
A visa category designed for certain healthcare professionals and their families, offering reduced fees.
|
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Financial Hardship
|
A situation where an individual has significant financial difficulties, potentially qualifying them for fee waivers.
|
|
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
|
An identity document that contains personal details and biometric information of visa holders.
|
|
Demand Draft
|
A type of check used for payment, accepted at some visa application centres outside the UK.
|
|
Employer Sponsorship
|
Financial support provided by an employer to cover visa application fees and related costs.
|
|
Crowdfunding
|
Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via online platforms, to support visa-related expenses.
|
|
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 a 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
