The cost of a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 depends on the length of the visa, the location of the application and whether the role is on the immigration salary list. Applications made from outside the UK cost £719 for visas of up to 3 years and £1,420 for visas over 3 years. For applications inside the UK you'll pay £827 for visas up to 3 years in duration and £1,636 for visas over 3 years. Should the role be on the immigration salary list, a discounted fee of £551 applies for visas up to 3 years and £1,084 for visas over 3 years. However, these figures only reflect the application fee that must be paid to the Home Office to process your visa application. There are various other costs that need to be paid as part of the application process. In this guide to the costs of a UK Skilled Worker Visa, we’ll look at every cost you can and will incur as part of your application.
While the UK immigration system strives for simplicity, the cost and fees associated with a Skilled Worker Visa application are anything but simple. Over the past 15 years, there has been a proliferation of charges related to UK visas, none more so than those related to the Skilled Worker category. Licence application costs, Certificate of Sponsorship fees, the Immigration Skills Charge, application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge all need to be paid, making the total cost of an application much higher than many expect.
The table below shows the full costs for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025:
These accumulative costs mean that even in the best-case scenario, for a 5-year visa, you will pay a minimum of £11,834 for an overseas application or £12,050 for an application made from inside the UK. These totals factor in the CoS cost, Immigration Skills Charge, application fee and IHS fee.
The costs associated with a UK Skilled Worker Visa application can vary widely depending on your location, job role, and visa length. In the section below, we will examine these costs and who they apply to in more detail.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a licensed UK employer to a foreign worker they intend to hire under a sponsored visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. The CoS contains key details about the job, salary, and employer, proving that the role meets visa eligibility requirements. There are two types: a Defined CoS for applicants applying from outside the UK and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Both cost £239 and the employer must issue the CoS before the worker can make the visa application.
The Immigration Skills Charge is a fee that UK employers must pay when sponsoring foreign workers under the Skilled Worker Visa route. The charge aims to encourage businesses to invest in the local workforce rather than relying on overseas hires. The charge is £1,000 per year per worker for medium and large companies and £364 for small businesses and charities. Some exemptions apply, such as for specific research-focused job roles. The fee is paid when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship and must cover the entire employment period stated in the certificate.
The application fee is paid to the Home Office for processing the application and varies based on the country of application, the length of the visa and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List. The fee is payable after submitting the online application. Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, it becomes non-refundable, even if it is rejected or withdrawn before a decision is reached.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), introduced in 2015, is a mandatory fee for most migrants to the UK, providing them access to the NHS. The charge was increased in 2024 and is currently £1,035 for adults and £766 for children and students. With only a few exceptions, it applies to anyone applying for a visa of six months or longer. Notably, it doesn’t apply to anyone employed under a Health and Care Worker Visa, a sub-category of the Skilled Worker Visa.
The IHS must be paid upfront when submitting an online application. Applicants are required to cover the full fee for the duration of their visa, so the length of the visa will dictate the cost. If the visa is issued for 3 years, for example, a total of £3,105 will be payable (£1,035 * 3). Should the application be declined or withdrawn, the IHS fee is refundable.
Priority services are offered for most visa categories, including Skilled Worker Visa applications. Although optional, they are widely chosen by applicants who want a quicker decision. In the UK, applicants can pay an extra £500 for the Priority Service or £1,000 for the Super Priority Service, which deliver decisions within 5 and 1 working days, respectively. A £500 Priority Service is available for overseas applicants, providing a decision within 30 working days.
Many applicants hire an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer to handle their application. Due to the complexity of the process and the importance of securing an approval, many see it as a worthwhile investment. However, plenty of applicants successfully apply without professional assistance, so it is not a necessity for everyone. If you decide to seek an advisor, be sure they have a strong reputation and are regulated by the OISC or the Law Society.
The last step in the application process is attending a Biometric Appointment. At a designated centre in the UK or abroad, you will submit your biometric information and, if necessary, provide any remaining supporting documents. Free appointments are available for those with flexible scheduling, but additional fees may apply if you require a short-notice slot, an appointment outside regular hours, or a weekend booking.
All UK Skilled Worker Visa applicants must meet the English Language Requirement. This can be fulfilled by holding a recognized qualification taught in English, being a citizen of an English-speaking country, or passing an approved English language test. If you opt to take a test, you’ll need to cover the associated fee, which varies by provider and location. In the UK, IELTS tests typically cost between £155 and £220. Regardless of the test you choose, you must achieve at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
An alternative way of satisfying the English Language Requirement is by having a recognised qualification taught in English. If the qualification wasn’t obtained from a UK institution, you’ll need to obtain a statement of comparability or a visa and nationality statement (depending on the country of study). ECCTIS issues these documents, and you’ll need to pay a fee of £168.
Since 2012, applicants from outside the UK who have lived in or are currently residing in a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis must obtain a tuberculosis test clearance certificate. The test cost varies by location, generally ranging from £20 to £200. Ensure you select a provider that is approved and recognized by UKVI.
All supporting documents for your application must be in English. If any document, such as a marriage certificate, is in another language, it must be translated by an approved translator. Translation costs vary depending on the number of documents and your location. It’s essential to ensure that your chosen translator is reputable and recognized by UKVI.
