UK Skilled Worker visa fees are not one payment. There is the application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, the certificate of sponsorship, and in most cases proof of maintenance funds on top – and the health surcharge is usually the largest of them. This page separates what you pay, what your employer pays, and where the cost can legitimately be reduced.
Navigating the UK immigration landscape can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the financial commitments involved. The UK Skilled Worker Visa, a popular route for professionals seeking employment in the UK, comes with a series of fees that can add up quickly. This comprehensive guide aims to break down these costs and provide actionable tips to help you save money during the application process.
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. Introduced to replace the Tier 2 (General) work visa, it forms part of the UK’s points-based immigration system. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor, meeting the required skill level, and earning a minimum salary threshold.
The application fee for the Skilled Worker Visa varies depending on the length of stay and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list:
Up to 3 years:
Standard fee: £719
Shortage occupation: £551
More than 3 years:
Standard fee: £1,420
Shortage occupation: £1,084
These fees apply to both the main applicant and each dependent.
The IHS grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and is mandatory for most visa applicants:
£1,035 per year for adults
£776 per year for students and children under 18
For a 5-year visa, an adult applicant would pay £5,175 in IHS fees.
A CoS is a unique reference number issued by the employer, confirming the job offer:
Fee: £525 per certificate
Employers are responsible for this cost, which has increased from the previous £239 fee.
This charge is levied on employers to contribute to the development of the UK’s workforce:
Small or charitable sponsors:
£364 for the first year
£182 for each additional 6 months
Medium or large sponsors:
£1,000 for the first year
£500 for each additional 6 months
For a 5-year sponsorship, a large employer would pay £5,000.
Applicants can expedite their visa processing by opting for these services:
Priority Service: £500 – decision within 5 working days
Super Priority Service: £1,000 – decision by the end of the next working day
English Language Test: £150–£200
Tuberculosis Test (if required): £50–£150
Document Translation: Varies by document and language
Legal Assistance: £1,000–£2,500 for basic applications
For a single applicant applying for a 5-year visa:
Application Fee: £1,420
IHS: £5,175
Total: £6,595
For a family of four (two adults and two children):
Application Fees: £1,420 x 2 (adults) + £1,420 x 2 (children) = £5,680
IHS: £5,175 x 2 (adults) + £3,880 x 2 (children) = £18,110
Total: £23,790
Some employers offer to cover visa-related expenses, including the application fee, IHS, and legal costs. It’s advisable to discuss this during the job offer negotiations.
Applying for a job on the shortage occupation list can significantly reduce your application fee.
Applying for a longer visa duration initially can save money in the long run by avoiding multiple application fees and IHS payments.
Only opt for priority or super priority services if necessary, as they add substantial costs to your application.
Ensure all your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections, which can incur additional costs.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a fee that allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service. It’s £1,035 per year for adults and £776 for children under 18.
Can my employer pay for my visa fees?
Yes, employers can choose to cover visa-related expenses, but they are not obligated to do so. It’s best to discuss this with your prospective employer.
Are there any discounts for jobs on the shortage occupation list?
Yes, applicants for jobs on the shortage occupation list benefit from reduced application fees.
Is legal assistance necessary for the visa application?
While not mandatory, legal assistance can help ensure your application is complete and accurate, potentially avoiding costly mistakes.
Can I bring my family with me on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, dependents can accompany you, but each will have to pay separate application and IHS fees.
How long does the visa application process take?
Standard processing times vary, but priority services can expedite the process to 5 working days or even 24 hours for super priority.
Understanding the financial aspects of the UK Skilled Worker Visa is crucial for effective planning. By being aware of the various fees and exploring potential cost-saving measures, applicants can navigate the process more confidently and economically. Always consult official resources or legal experts to ensure you have the most current and personalized information.
Applicants plan for the visa fee and are then caught out by the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually the largest single line on the bill. It is charged per person, for every year of the visa, and it is payable up front as a lump sum – not annually.
A five-year visa for a family of four means twenty person-years of surcharge, all due at the point of application. This is the item that most often forces people to shorten the visa length they request.
| Cost | Who normally pays |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship | The employer – they cannot lawfully pass this to you |
| Immigration Skills Charge | The employer – also cannot be recovered from you |
| Visa application fee | Usually you, though many employers reimburse it |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually you, unless your contract says otherwise |
| Dependants | You, for each family member |
| Priority processing | Optional, and only if you need speed |
Ask about reimbursement during the offer negotiation, not after you have paid. Many employers cover the visa fee and surcharge for skilled hires but do not volunteer it.
Fees and the surcharge rate are set by the Home Office and revised periodically. Check the current figures on the official service before you budget, because these are among the most frequently updated numbers in UK immigration.
No. The Immigration Skills Charge and the sponsor licence costs cannot lawfully be passed to the worker. The visa fee and health surcharge can be, unless your contract says otherwise.
It is refunded where the application is refused or withdrawn. The application fee generally is not.
Each dependant pays their own application fee and their own health surcharge for the full visa period.
Yes – a reduced application fee and no health surcharge, for the applicant and their dependants.
Our UK team in Hyderabad can work out your total cost including dependants before you commit, and tell you whether a lower-fee route applies.
