Estimate the full cost of sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa, including employer fees, applicant fees, and dependant costs. Updated for 2025/2026 fee rates.
Combined employer and applicant costs for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa
Employer Cost Recovery Rules
Since December 2024, employers cannot recoup the Sponsor Licence fee, Certificate of Sponsorship fee, or Immigration Skills Charge from sponsored workers. These costs must be borne entirely by the employer.
A sponsor licence is required before an employer can sponsor workers. The fee depends on employer size: small and charitable organisations pay a reduced rate of £574, while medium and large employers pay £1,579. The licence is valid for 10 years and auto-renews.
A Certificate of Sponsorship must be assigned to each worker the employer wishes to sponsor. For Skilled Worker and other worker routes, the fee is £525 per worker. This is a digital record, not a physical document.
The ISC is an annual levy paid by employers for each sponsored worker. Small and charitable sponsors pay £480 per year, while medium and large sponsors pay £1,320 per year. The charge is paid upfront for the full visa duration.
The IHS provides access to the NHS during the visa period. Adults pay £1,035 per year, while those under 18 pay a reduced rate of £776 per year. Health and Care Workers are exempt from the IHS entirely.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on published UK government fee schedules effective as of April 2025 (licence/CoS fees) and December 2025 (ISC rates). Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances. Fees are subject to change by the Home Office. This tool does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current fees on GOV.UK and consult a qualified immigration adviser for your specific situation.