Understanding the Costs of Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common and important routes for skilled professionals seeking to work in the UK. For employers and applicants, understanding the full range of costs involved in securing a Skilled Worker Visa is essential for financial planning and compliance with UK immigration regulations.
At AXIS Solicitors, we provide expert guidance on Skilled Worker Visa applications, helping clients navigate the sponsorship process efficiently and cost-effectively. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in 2025 Skilled Worker Visa fees sponsorship, highlight key changes in fees, and offer expert advice on how to minimise expenses while complying with Home Office requirements.
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the UK’s primary work visa for skilled foreign workers who wish to work for a licensed employer in an eligible occupation. Introduced in December 2020 as a replacement for the Tier 2 (General) Visa, the Skilled Worker Visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, which aims to attract high-skilled talent from around the world while ensuring that domestic job opportunities are protected.
There is a Skilled Worker Visa fees sponsorship which allows non-UK nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer if they meet the relevant salary, job skill level, and language requirements. This visa offers a clear pathway to long-term employment and settlement in the UK, making it one of the most attractive options for skilled professionals looking to establish a career in the UK while also providing a sponsorship opportunity.
Key Objectives of the Skilled Worker Visa Scheme:
- Address Labour Shortages:
The UK government uses the Skilled Worker Visa to fill critical gaps in the job market, especially in sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT. - Promote Economic Growth:
By allowing skilled professionals to enter the workforce, the Skilled Worker Visa aims to boost productivity and economic output. - Strengthen the UK Workforce:
Employers are required to provide competitive salaries and maintain proper working conditions to ensure that foreign workers contribute positively to the UK labour market.
Here you can find a detailed explanation for the Skilled Worker Visa.
Breakdown of 2025 Skilled Worker Visa fees
The total Skilled Worker Visa fees in 2025 includes several distinct charges that are borne by either the employer, the applicant, or both. These charges cover the cost of issuing the visa, maintaining the sponsorship licence, providing healthcare access, and ensuring that the applicant meets the salary and financial requirements.
Below is a detailed analysis of the main components of the Skilled Worker Visa fees in 2025.
1. Visa Application Fees
The visa application fee is the most fundamental cost associated with the Skilled Worker Visa fees. The fee depends on the length of the visa and whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List. The fees are higher for longer visas and for applications made from within the UK.
Visa Fees for Skilled Worker Visa (2025):
| Visa Type | Application from Outside UK | Application from Inside UK |
| Up to 3 years | £719 | £827 |
| More than 3 years | £1,420 | £1,500 |
| Shortage Occupation (up to 3 years) | £551 | £551 |
| Shortage Occupation (more than 3 years) | £1,084 | £1,084 |
Factors Affecting Visa Fees:
- Job Type: Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List qualify for lower fees.
- Visa Duration: Shorter visas are cheaper but may require renewal fees if extended.
- Application Location: Applications submitted from outside the UK are slightly cheaper.
Comparison with Previous Years:
- The Skilled Worker Visa fees have increased slightly compared to 2024.
- The increase reflects the Home Office’s rising administrative costs and inflation adjustments.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Costs
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a key document that confirms the job offer and employment details of the applicant. Without a valid CoS, the visa application cannot proceed.
CoS Fees:
- £199 per Certificate of Sponsorship
- Non-refundable even if the visa application is rejected
Details Included in a CoS:
- Job title and description
- Salary and working hours
- Length of employment
- Employer’s sponsorship licence number
- Occupation code
3. Immigration Skills Charge
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a fee imposed on employers for sponsoring skilled workers from outside the UK for Skilled Worker Visa fees. It is intended to encourage UK employers to train local talent while addressing immediate skills shortages.
Immigration Skills Charge Rates (2025):
| Business Type | First 12 Months | Each Additional 6 Months |
| Large Business | £1,000 | £500 |
| Small Business or Charity | £364 | £182 |
4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) allows Skilled Worker Visa holders and their dependents to access the National Health Service (NHS). The IHS must be paid upfront for the full duration of the visa.
IHS Rates for 2025:
- £624 per year for adults
- £470 per year for children (under 18)
5. Priority and Super-Priority Processing Fees
Applicants who need faster processing can pay for priority or super-priority services.
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time |
| Priority Service | £500 | 5 working days |
| Super-Priority Service | £1,000 | 24 hours |
6. Legal and Professional Fees
Many applicants and employers hire legal professionals to assist with the entire process of Skilled Worker Visa fees.
Average Solicitor Fees:
- Basic Skilled Worker Visa application: £1,000 – £2,500
- Complex cases involving appeals or administrative reviews: £3,000 – £5,000
- Retainer agreements for ongoing sponsorship management: £2,500 – £10,000 annually
7. Financial Maintenance Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Financial Maintenance Requirement (2025):
- Main Applicant: £1,270
- Dependent Spouse: £285
- First Child: £315
- Additional Children: £200 each
Keeping in mind all these financial terms and dealing with the fees can be troublesome. For that we at Axis Solicitors are always prepared to guide you in all aspects.
How to Reduce Skilled Worker Visa fees
Although the Skilled Worker Visa fees can be substantial, both employers and applicants have several options for reducing these expenses. Careful planning, strategic use of available exemptions, and proper management of the visa process can help reduce the overall financial burden. Understanding where cost-saving opportunities exist can also improve the long-term financial outlook for both the employer and the visa holder.
Below are several proven strategies to minimise the costs associated with Skilled Worker Visa fees sponsorship while maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws.
1. Utilise the Shortage Occupation List
The Shortage Occupation List identifies job roles that are in high demand in the UK. Positions on this list benefit from lower visa fees and reduced salary thresholds.
Benefits for Shortage Occupation Roles:
- Lower visa application fees.
- Reduced salary threshold (£20,960 instead of £26,200).
- Faster processing in some cases.
2. Choose the Appropriate Visa Length
Selecting the correct visa duration can prevent overspending.
- For shorter contracts or fixed-term roles, applying for a 3-year visa instead of a 5-year visa may save costs.
- If you expect to renew or extend the visa later, you can initially apply for a shorter period to reduce upfront costs.
3. Qualify as a Small Business or Charity
The Home Office offers reduced fees for sponsors that qualify as small businesses or charities.
Eligibility for Small Business/Charity Status:
- Annual turnover of £10.2 million or less.
- Fewer than 50 employees.
Employers that qualify pay significantly lower Immigration Skills Charges:
- £364 for the first 12 months.
- £182 for each additional 6 months.
4. Maximise Graduate Visa Opportunities
Employers can save sponsorship costs by hiring graduates on a Graduate Visa, which requires no employer sponsorship.
- The Graduate Visa allows eligible students to work for 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral graduates) without a Certificate of Sponsorship or Immigration Skills Charge.
- After this period, employers can sponsor the employee by paying the Skilled Worker Visa fees.
This strategy allows businesses to assess employee performance before committing to sponsorship costs.
5. Plan Ahead to Avoid Priority Fees
Priority and super-priority services offer faster processing but can add substantial costs.
- Applying early can eliminate the need for urgent services.
- Ensuring that documents are correct on the first submission can prevent delays and the need to pay for expedited services.
6. Avoid Reapplication Costs
Mistakes in your application can lead to costly refusals and reapplication fees.
- Thoroughly reviewing documentation, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met, and seeking legal advice can reduce the risk of rejection.
- Employers should ensure the Certificate of Sponsorship matches the applicant’s details to prevent unnecessary fees.
7. Seek Expert Legal Advice
Engaging an immigration solicitor can save money by ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and processed efficiently.
- Solicitors can identify ways to reduce costs, advise on suitable visa types, and ensure applications are correctly prepared.
- Legal support may help prevent costly delays, refusals, or legal challenges.
Sponsorships of Skilled Worker Visa fees for Applicants
The Skilled Worker Visa allows successful applicants to bring their dependents to the UK, but this comes with additional financial obligations. Dependents include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 years of age. Each dependent is subject to their own visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and financial maintenance requirements.
Employers are not legally required to cover the costs of dependents under a Skilled Worker Visa. However, many employers offer financial support for family relocation and visa sponsorship as part of their benefits package, especially when recruiting highly skilled professionals.
1. Dependent Visa Application Fees
The visa fees for dependents are the same as those for the main applicant:
| Visa Type | Dependent Fee (Per Person) |
| Up to 3 years | £719 |
| More than 3 years | £1,420 |
| Shortage Occupation (up to 3 years) | £551 |
| Shortage Occupation (more than 3 years) | £1,084 |
2. Immigration Health Surcharge for Dependents
Each dependent must pay the IHS upfront for the full visa period.
- Adult dependents: £624 per year.
- Children under 18: £470 per year.
3. Financial Maintenance Requirement for Dependents
Visa holders must show they have sufficient funds to support their dependents.
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for one child.
- £200 for each additional child.
Sponsorship Costs for Extending or Switching a Skilled Worker Visa
Applicants may need to extend their Skilled Worker Visa if their employment continues beyond the initial visa period.
Extension Fees (2025):
- Same as the original visa fees (£719 for up to 3 years; £1,420 for over 3 years).
- The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid again for the new visa period.
- Employers must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (£199).
- The Immigration Skills Charge must be paid again for the extended period.
Employer Penalties for Non-Compliance
Employers who fail to meet their sponsorship duties may face fines, penalties, or loss of their sponsor licence.
Common Penalties for Employers:
- Fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker.
- Suspension or revocation of the sponsor licence.
- Ineligibility to sponsor future Skilled Worker Visa applicants.
To avoid these penalties, employers must:
- Conduct proper right-to-work checks.
- Maintain clear employee records.
- Report changes in employee status to the Home Office.
Post-Approval Requirements and Employer Obligations
Securing a Skilled Worker Visa is not the final step in the immigration process. Once the visa has been granted, both the visa holder and the sponsoring employer have ongoing responsibilities to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws. Failure to meet these post-approval requirements can lead to fines, visa revocation, and even the loss of the employer’s sponsor licence.
- For the visa holder, maintaining employment status, updating personal information, and adhering to visa conditions are critical for retaining the right to work and settling in the UK long-term.
- For employers, compliance with sponsorship duties is essential to avoid penalties and maintain their ability to sponsor future employees.
Understanding these responsibilities helps both parties avoid legal and financial complications while maintaining lawful immigration status.
Final Cost Summary for Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship in 2025
| Cost Type | Who Pays | Amount |
| Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | Applicant | £719 |
| Visa Fee (over 3 years) | Applicant | £1,420 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Employer | £199 |
| Immigration Skills Charge (per year) | Employer | £1,000 (Large Business) / £364 (Small Business) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | Applicant | £624 (Adults) / £470 (Children) |
| Priority Service | Applicant | £500 |
| Super-Priority Service | Applicant | £1,000 |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and strict compliance with UK immigration rules. Even small errors can lead to application delays, rejection, or additional costs.
A rejected application not only leads to wasted fees but can also affect the applicant’s future immigration record, making it more difficult to secure a visa or permanent residency later. For employers, non-compliance with sponsorship requirements can result in fines, loss of the sponsor licence, and damage to business operations.
Below is a detailed analysis of the most common mistakes made when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa and practical advice on how to avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents is one of the most common reasons for Skilled Worker Visa refusals. The UK Home Office requires applicants to provide specific documents to verify their identity, employment status, and financial background.
Common Documentation Errors:
- Missing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Providing expired or invalid passports or identity documents.
- Submitting illegible or poorly scanned copies of documents.
- Failing to provide an English language test certificate (if required).
- Missing financial evidence (bank statements, salary slips).
How to Avoid:
- Review the Home Office’s checklist for Skilled Worker Visa applications.
- Double-check that all documents are translated into English (if applicable).
- Ensure that bank statements and financial evidence meet the required time period (28 days).
- Confirm that the CoS reference number matches the information in the application form.
- Keep a backup copy of all submitted documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 2025 Skilled Worker Visa fees
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa and managing sponsorship costs can be complex, and both employers and applicants often have similar questions about the process. To provide greater clarity, this section answers the most frequently asked questions about the costs, eligibility criteria, and legal obligations involved in Skilled Worker Visa fees sponsorship in 2025.
These answers address both straightforward and complex scenarios to help applicants and employers navigate the visa system with confidence.
- What are the total costs for a 2025 Skilled Worker Visa?
The total costs for a Skilled Worker Visa vary depending on the length of the visa, whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List, and the size of the sponsoring business.
2. How much does it cost to sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for a small business?
Small businesses and charities benefit from lower Immigration Skills Charge rates.
Estimated Total for a Small Business (5-Year Visa):
- Visa Fee = £1,420
- Certificate of Sponsorship Fee = £199
- Immigration Skills Charge = £364 per year × 5 years = £1,820
- Immigration Health Surcharge = £3,120
Total Cost: £6,559
3. What happens if a Skilled Worker Visa application is rejected?
If a Skilled Worker Visa application is rejected, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.
4. Can an applicant change jobs after securing a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, a Skilled Worker Visa holder can change jobs, but certain conditions must be met:
- The new job must meet the salary and skill level requirements.
- The new employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- A new Skilled Worker Visa application must be submitted before starting the new job.
- The visa holder cannot begin working for the new employer until the new visa is granted.
5. How long does it take to process a Skilled Worker Visa application?
Processing times depend on the service selected:
| Service Type | Processing Time | Fee |
| Standard Service | 3–8 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority Service | 5 working days | £500 |
| Super-Priority Service | 24 hours | £1,000 |
Conclusion: Managing Your Skilled Worker Visa Costs in 2025
The Skilled Worker Visa remains one of the most important routes for skilled professionals seeking employment in the UK. While the sponsorship process involves significant financial and legal commitments, understanding the full breakdown of costs and obligations allows both employers and applicants to navigate the system effectively.
By securing a Skilled Worker Visa, skilled professionals can access exciting career opportunities in the UK while gaining a pathway to permanent residency and eventually British citizenship. For employers, the Skilled Worker Visa provides a valuable tool to address skills shortages and build a stable, productive workforce.
The Skilled Worker Visa represents more than just a work opportunity—it’s a stepping stone to long-term stability and success in the UK. With careful planning, attention to detail, and the right legal support, both employers and skilled professionals can benefit from the opportunities offered by the UK’s immigration system. By understanding the full cost structure, avoiding common mistakes, and staying compliant with sponsorship obligations, you can maximise the benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa and build a secure future in the UK.
Get Expert Assistance from AXIS Solicitors Today!
At AXIS Solicitors, we provide comprehensive guidance to ensure you meet all legal requirements while minimising unnecessary costs. Our experienced team can assist with sponsorship applications, document preparation, and compliance advice to ensure a smooth and successful visa process.
Contact AXIS Solicitors for professional legal support and maximise your chances of a successful application. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
