UK Visa Application Fees 2026

Immigration Updates

· 06 Feb 2026

· 23 mins

When applying for a UK visa, applicants must pay various fees that are determined by the type of visa, its duration, and the applicant's location. Key costs include the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the UK's National Health Service during the visa period.

Immigration Updates

· 06 Feb 2026

· 23 mins

Author: Jay Moghal

When applying for a UK visa, applicants must pay various fees that are determined by the type of visa, its duration, and the applicant’s location. Key costs include the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service during the visa period.

It is essential to stay updated on the fee structure as UK visa application fees are subject to change. Applicants need to pay the exact amount required at the time of application; discrepancies can lead to application rejections.

This section outlines the typical expenses involved in a UK visa application to help applicants prepare financially. Understanding the detailed breakdown of these costs is crucial for a smooth application process. For those seeking further clarity on the fees and to avoid potential pitfalls during the application process, consulting with immigration experts like Rove Legal could provide valuable guidance and support.

Breakdown of UK Visa Application Fees

Applicants seeking a UK visa encounter a structured fee system established by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This system is designed to fund the administrative procedures involved in visa processing, from initial review through to the final decision and potential issuance of the visa.

Here’s a detailed look at what influences the variability in these fees:

Purpose of the Visa: Each visa type is designed for specific purposes, such as tourism, employment, or academic study. The complexity of the requirements for each type impacts the fee charged.
Length and Flexibility of the Visa: Fees are scaled based on the duration of the visa and the privileges it grants, such as multiple entries, reflecting the additional administrative resources required.
Origin of the Applicant: The cost can also differ based on the applicant’s country of origin. This variation can stem from international agreements or the logistical costs associated with processing applications from different regions.
Optional Services: UKVI offers several expedited or premium services for those needing quicker processing times or more convenient appointment options, each adding to the base cost of the visa application.

Recent Changes to the UK Visa Fees (Since 11th of December 2024)

Recent fee changes have taken effect on 11 December 2024, updating previous adjustments from 4 October 2023, 10 April 2024, and 1 July 2024. Additional updates occurred on 9 April 2025, 1 May 2025, 1 July 2025, and 21 October 2025. These latest revisions continue to impact both overseas applicants and those applying for extensions or changes of stay within the UK.

Applicants are encouraged to stay informed through the official UK government website and seek expert guidance from immigration professionals like Rove Legal to navigate these changes effectively.

Key Visa Application Fee Changes

General Note: The fee table below reflects current rates as of early 2026.

Examples of Specific Fee Levels

Visit Visa for 6 months: £127.
Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years): £769.
Skilled Worker visa (over 3 years): £1,519.
Student Visa: £524.
Spouse Visa: £1,938.
Indefinite leave to remain: £3029.
Naturalisation as a British citizen: £1,735.

Priority Visa Service fees:

Settlement applications: £500.
Non-settlement applications: £500.

Notable Fee Levels

Private medical treatment visa longer than 6 months: £200.
5-year Hong Kong BN(O) visa: £268.
Employer sponsor licence applications: £574 (small sponsor) and £1579 (large sponsor).

Are UK visa fees refundable?

When applying for a UK visa, it’s crucial to understand that the fees paid are typically non-refundable. These fees are allocated to cover the administrative costs incurred by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) during the processing of the application. This holds true whether the visa application is approved or not.

Here’s what applicants need to know about potential refunds:

General Non-Refundability: Once the application fee is paid and the application submitted, the fee is used to process the application, making it non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful or withdrawn by the applicant.
Exceptions for Refunds: Refunds are generally limited to specific situations. If an applicant has overpaid due to a miscalculation or an error during the payment process, they may be eligible for a refund of the surplus amount. Additionally, if an application is not processed at all—meaning no administrative steps have been undertaken—a refund may be granted.
Seeking Accurate Information: For up-to-date and precise information regarding the refund policy, applicants should refer to the official UKVI website or contact UKVI directly. This ensures they receive guidance tailored to their specific situation.

Applicants should review these terms carefully to avoid any misunderstandings about the refundability of visa application fees. For detailed assistance and navigation through the application process, consulting with immigration experts like Rove Legal can provide invaluable support.

Overview of Current UK Visa Application Fees by Category

The structure of UK visa application fees is categorized and detailed in updated tables as of early 2026. These tables not only provide the fees for standard visa applications but also include charges for settlement, sponsorship, and premium processing options.

Key points for applicants to note:

Current Fee Listings: The tables present the latest fee schedule, allowing applicants to accurately budget for their specific visa needs.
Dynamic Pricing: Given that visa fees are prone to changes, it is crucial for applicants to obtain the most current information. This ensures that they are preparing their applications with the latest financial requirements in mind.
Seeking Expert Advice: For personalised guidance tailored to specific circumstances or for clarifications on fee structures, contacting immigration advisers is recommended. This can be particularly beneficial for navigating complex applications or understanding additional service fees.

Applicants should regularly check the Home Office website or consult with specialists like Rove Legal to stay informed about any updates or changes to visa application fees, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared application process.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for UK Visa Applicants

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an obligatory fee for non-EEA nationals applying for a UK visa valid for more than six months. This surcharge ensures access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay, similar to that of a permanent UK resident. The IHS is integrated into the visa application process, being paid alongside the visa fee.

The standard rate for the IHS is £1,035 annually. A reduced rate of £776 per year applies to students and minors, reflecting the government’s policy to support international students and families moving to the UK.

All visa applicants planning to stay over six months must pay this surcharge, with specific exemptions such as applicants for the Health and Care Worker visa. For example, a skilled worker visa holder with a family of four staying for three years would incur a total IHS cost of £11,866, distributed as £3,105 per adult and £2,328 per child.

Additional Considerations and Examples

Short-Term Study Visa: Applicants on this visa for courses between 6 and 11 months also pay a one-time IHS fee, albeit at a proportionally adjusted rate.
Graduate Visa: Applicants often overlook that the Graduate Visa, allowing stay from two to three years, also requires payment of the IHS. This can significantly impact the overall cost of staying in the UK after completing studies.
Health and Care Visa: This category benefits from an exemption from the IHS, which can be a deciding factor for medical professionals considering working in the UK. This exemption aligns with the UK’s strategy to attract talent in the healthcare sector.

UK Visas Fee Table

The most recent schedule of UK visa application fees, effective as of early 2026, encompasses the full array of visa and immigration applications. This comprehensive overview includes not only the base application fees but also highlights additional financial obligations that applicants may encounter.

Key Financial Requirements

Application Fees: The fees are varied, catering to different visa categories and covering the administrative costs of processing each application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Most applicants, especially those planning to stay in the UK for longer than six months, are required to pay the IHS in addition to the visa application fee. This surcharge grants them access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
Immigration Skills Charge: Employers recruiting foreign workers might face an Immigration Skills Charge. This fee is applicable to some sectors and is intended to encourage businesses to train and upskill the British workforce.

For individuals and businesses navigating the visa application process, it’s essential to account for these additional costs when planning for immigration or recruitment. Updated fee tables can be accessed through the UK government’s official channels. For personalised advice and to ensure compliance with the updated requirements, consulting with immigration specialists like Rove Legal can provide both clarity and strategic direction.

Visas and applications made outside the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Visit visa – short up to 6 months	£127	£127	£0
Visit visa – long up to 2 years [footnote 1]	£475	£475	£0
Visit visa – long up to 5 years	£848	£848	£0
Visit visa – long up to 10 years	£1,059	£1,059	£0
Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months	£220	£220	£0
Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months	£220	£220	£0
Transit visa – (direct airside transit)	£39	£39	£0
Transit visit visa – (landside transit)	£70	£70	£0
Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft	£70	£70	£0
Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	£154	£154	£0
Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (outside the UK)	£589	£589	£0
Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas	£154	£154	£0
Other visa	£682	£682	£0
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants	£193	£193	£0
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants	£268	£268	£0
Route to Settlement	£1,938	£1,938	£0
Route to Settlement – other dependant relative	£3,413	£3,413	£0
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative	£424	£424	£0
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules	£3,029	£3,029	£0
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules	£3,029	£3,029	£0
Call out/out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) – service of consular officers	£142	£142	£0
Receiving, preparing and forwarding documents – consular functions	£141	£141	£0
Administrative review	£80	£80	£0
electronic travel authorisation (ETA)	£16	£16	£0
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependent children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules	£3,029	£3,029	£0

2. Work – applications made outside the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants	£1,274	£1,274	£0
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT	£1,000	£1,000	£0
Contact point meeting with endorsing body under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT	£500	£500	£0
Start-up – main applicant and dependants	£465	£465	£0
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent	£561	£561	£0
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required	£205	£205	£0
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required	£766	£766	£0
Global Talent – dependants only	£766	£766	£0
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only	£766	£766	£0
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependants only	£1,274	£1,274	£0
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants	£2,000	£2,000	£0
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£769	£769	£0
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£1,519	£1,519	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£1,160	£1,160	£0
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£304	£304	£0
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£304	£304	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants	£769	£769	£0
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£769	£769	£0
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange, Youth Mobility Scheme and India young professionals scheme visa – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants	£769	£769	£0
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants	£769	£769	£0
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years -main applicant and dependants	£1,519	£1,519	£0
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants	£880	£880	£0
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants	£880	£880	£0

3. Study – applications made outside the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Student – main applicant and dependants	£524	£524	£0
Child Student	£524	£524	£0
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months	£214	£214	£0

4. Optional premium services outside the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Priority Visa service – Settlement	£500	£500	£0
Priority Visa service – Non-Settlement	£500	£500	£0
Super priority visa service	£1,000	£1,000	£0
User Pays Visa Application service	£76.50	£76.50	£0
The provision of an immigration officer to provide any premium service relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer)	£150	£150	£0
International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query)	£2.74	£2.74	£0
International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute)	£0.69	£0.69	£0

5. Optional premium services in the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Super Priority service	£1,000	£1,000	£0
Expedited processing – Priority service	£500	£500	£0
On-Demand service (Mobile Biometric Enrolment) (per hour per representative of the contractor providing the service)	£650	£650	£0
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	£72.27	£72.27	£0
The provision of an immigration officer to deliver any premium service, relating to entry into or transit through the United Kingdom (per hour per officer)	£150	£150	£0
Premium status checks and advice – Administrative Officer (per minute) [footnote 4]	£0.80	£0.80	£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) [footnote 4]	£0.88	£0.88	£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) [footnote 4]	£1.10	£1.10	£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (inside office hours) (per minute) [footnote 4]	£0.97	£0.97	£0
Premium status checks, advice or training – Higher Executive Officer (outside office hours) (per minute) [footnote 4]	£1.23	£1.23	£0

6. Premium services at the border

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Registered Traveller (Adult) – Yearly Subscription (per year)	£50	£50	£0
Registered Traveller (Child) – Yearly Subscription (per year)	£24	£24	£0
Registered Traveller – Registration of New Documents	£20	£20	£0
Fast Track – Heathrow	£10	£10	£0
Fast track – Other ports of entry	£10	£10	£0

7. Work – applications made in the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants	£1,590	£1,590	£0
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT	£1,000	£1,000	£0
Contact point meeting with endorsing body under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT	£500	£500	£0
Start-up – main applicant and dependants	£625	£625	£0
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent	£561	£561	£0
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required	£205	£205	£0
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required	£766	£766	£0
Global Talent – dependants only	£766	£766	£0
Graduate Route – main applicant and dependants	£880	£880	£0
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only	£766	£766	£0
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – main applicant and dependants	£1,590	£1,590	£0
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants	£2,000	£2,000	£0
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£885	£885	£0
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£1,751	£1,751	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£1,160	£1,160	£0
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£304	£304	£0
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£304	£304	£0
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years [footnote 2] [footnote 3] – main applicant and dependants	£590	£590	£0
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants	£885	£885	£0
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months [footnote 2] – main applicant and dependants	£885	£885	£0
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants	£885	£885	£0
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants	£885	£885	£0
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants	£1,751	£1,751	£0
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants	£319	£319	£0
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants	£880	£880	£0
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants	£880	£880	£0

8. Study – applications made in the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Student – main applicant and dependants	£524	£524	£0
Child student	£524	£524	£0

9. Other applications made in the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants	£1,100	£1,100	£0
Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention	£1,321	£1,321	£0
Leave to remain – Other	£1,321	£1,321	£0
Hong Kong British National (In-Country) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants	£193	£193	£0
Hong Kong British National (In-Country) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants	£268	£268	£0
Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid	£28	£28	£0
Indefinite leave to remain – main applicant and dependants	£3,029	£3,029	£0
Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed	£19	£19	£0
Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed	£19	£19	£0
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – adult	£300	£300	£0
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – child	£151	£151	£0
Travel Document – Convention travel document – adult	£94.50	£94.50	£0
Travel Document – Convention travel document – child	£61.50	£61.50	£0
Administrative Review	£80	£80	£0
Life in the UK test	£50	£50	£0

10. Nationality

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
Naturalisation (British citizenship) [footnote 5]	£1,605	£1,605	£0
Naturalisation British overseas territory citizens	£1,070	£1,070	£0
Nationality registration as a British citizen – adult [footnote 5]	£1,446	£1,446	£0
Nationality registration as a British citizen – child [footnote 6]	£1,214	£1,214	£0
Nationality registration as a British citizen (under provisions for Irish citizens) – adult [footnote 5]	£723	£723	£0
Nationality Registration as a British citizen (under provisions for Irish citizens) – child [footnote 6]	£607	£607	£0
The arrangement of a citizenship ceremony (including the administration of a citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony).	£130	£130	£0
The administration of a citizenship oath, or oath and pledge where the oath, or oath and pledge, are not administered at a citizenship ceremony or by a justice of the peace.	£5	£5	£0
Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – adult	£964	£964	£0
Nationality registration – British overseas territory citizen, British overseas citizens, British Subjects, British protected persons – child	£810	£810	£0
Renunciation of nationality	£482	£482	£0
Certificate of Entitlement Nationality Right of Abode (In the UK)	£589	£589	£0
Nationality review	£482	£482	£0
Status Letter (Nationality)	£459	£459	£0
Non-acquisition Letter (Nationality)	£459	£459	£0
Nationality correction to certificate	£428	£428	£0
Nationality – supply of a certified copy of a notice, certificate, order or declaration	£428	£428	£0
Nationality reissued Certificate	£428	£428	£0

11. Sponsorship

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
The expedited processing of a sponsorship management request made by a Worker sponsor or Temporary worker sponsor	£200	£350	£150
Priority service for expedited processing of sponsor licence applications	£500	£750	£250
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor )	£1,579	£1,579	£0
Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor)	£574	£574	£0
Student sponsor licence	£574	£574	£0
Temporary Worker sponsor licence	£574	£574	£0
Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor)	£1,579	£1,579	£0
Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor)	£1,579	£1,579	£0
Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence (large sponsor)	£1,579	£1,579	£0
Temporary Worker and Student sponsor licence	£574	£574	£0
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor), where sponsor currently holds a Temporary Worker and/or Student Sponsor Licence	£1,005	£1,005	£0
Endorsement fee for a Scale-up sponsor licence under Endorsing Body Pathway (payable to the endorsing body) excluding VAT	£1,500	£1,500	£0
Student sponsor basic compliance assessment	£574	£574	£0
Sponsor action plan	£1,579	£1,579	£0
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or approval under Sponsor a Worker [footnote 2]: Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker	£525	£525	£0
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or approval under Sponsor a Worker [footnote 2]:- Temporary Worker including Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee, UK expansion Worker, Service Supplier and Secondment Worker route and Scale-up route	£55	£55	£0
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or approval under Sponsor a Worker for International Sportsperson route – Over 12 Months [footnote 2]	£525	£525	£0
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or approval under Sponsor a Worker for International Sportsperson route – Up to 12 months or less [footnote 2]	£55	£55	£0
Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) for student, child student	£55	£55	£0

12. Assessment of an overseas qualification – applications made both outside the UK and in the UK

Fees category	Current fee	Fee from 11 November 2025	Fee change
For a recognised standard of overseas qualification including, if requested, a recognised appropriate level of English language	£210	£210	£0

Application fee of £127 where the applicant is a Chinese national applying in mainland China under the Chinese visa scheme.
“Sponsor a Worker” means the scheme operated by the Secretary of State to give approval to an employer to recruit an individual to a specific work role where that individual is required to make an application for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain in the United Kingdom to perform that role. During the period of rolling out the new IT system on which Sponsor a Worker operates both the systems of issuance of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Sponsor a Worker are to run in parallel with the Sponsor a Worker system being used by select sponsors only. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Skilled Worker visa fees are reduced for those qualifying for Health and Care Visa and the fees after reductions are shown above. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Administrative Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer are Civil Service staff grades. 2 3 4 5
The citizenship ceremony fee of £130 will be added to the application fee. 2 3
Additional £130 per applicant is required to cover the ceremony fee should the minor turn 18 during the application process. This will be requested at point of decision. 2

Biometric Information Fees

In the UK: Applicants are required to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, as part of their application. The typical fee for this service within the UK is approximately £19.20.
Overseas: While the costs for biometric data collection can vary internationally, they are generally included within the service fees at overseas visa application centres.

Document Handling and Translation Services

Translation Services: Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations. The costs for these services depend on the document’s length and the original language, reflecting the complexity and time required for accurate translation.
Document Verification Fees: Handling and verification fees may also apply, especially when specialised verification is needed to authenticate certain foreign documents. These fees are crucial to ensure that all documents adhere to the standards set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

UK Visa Sponsorship Fees

Sponsor Licence: Employers looking to hire foreign nationals under sponsored work visa routes must obtain a Sponsor Licence. The fee for this licence is £5374 for small companies and charities, and £1,76 for medium to large organisations.
Immigration Skills Charge: This charge is levied to encourage businesses to train and employ the UK workforce before seeking talent abroad. It costs £364 per year for small businesses and charities and £1,000 per year for medium to large businesses for each sponsored employee, applicable for the initial 12 months and each subsequent year, up to five years.
Administrative Costs: Employers also face costs related to the management of the Sponsor Management System (SMS), compliance with visa regulations, and maintenance of records, which add indirect costs to the sponsorship process.

English Language Certification Fees

For certain visa categories, proof of English language proficiency is mandatory, achieved by passing an approved test. The fees for these tests typically range from £150 to £250, varying by provider, test type, and testing country.

Looking for UK Immigration Support?

For expert guidance and tailored assistance in UK immigration law, contact Rove Legal, London’s distinguished immigration barristers. Led by Jay Moghal, a seasoned immigration lawyer, our firm excels in providing bespoke, quick, and personal legal services since its founding in 2020. We specialise in serving high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporations, handling complex cases with high professionalism and deep knowledge of immigration laws.

Our services are designed to streamline your immigration process, whether it involves visa applications, corporate compliance, sponsor licenses, or judicial reviews. To discuss your specific immigration needs and how we can assist you, call us at +44 (0) 203 146 0900, or fill out our enquiry form on our website at rovelegal.com. Trust us to be your partner in navigating the complexities of the UK’s immigration system efficiently and effectively.

Book Your Consultation

To access legal support, schedule your no-obligation consultation today.

About the Expert

Jay Moghal

Founder and Managing Director

With over 15 years of immigration law experience at top London firms, Jay Moghal established Rove Legal in 2020 to offer prompt, personalised services without the bureaucratic hurdles associated with larger firms.

+44 (0) 203 146 0900

Jay@rovelegal.com