On 19 March 2025, the UK Home Office announced significant increases to visa and sponsorship fees, effective from 9 April 2025. These changes will impact a wide range of applicants, including Skilled Worker visa holders, sponsors, and those seeking settlement or citizenship. The fee increases range from a modest £8.50 to a substantial £286, affecting both employers and individuals. Below, we have outlined the key changes:
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees:
Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Workers, Ministers of Religion, and International Sportsperson (over 12 months):
- Current fee: £239
- New fee: £525
Skilled Worker Visa Applications (Outside the UK):
Up to three years:
- Previously: £719
- New fee: £769
Up to five years:
- Previously: £1,420
- New fee: £1,519
Skilled Worker Visa Applications (Inside the UK):
Up to three years:
- Previously: £827
- New fee: £885
Up to five years:
- Previously: £1,636
- New fee: £1,751
Skilled Worker Roles on the Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List):
- Fee increases ranging from £39 to £76 depending on visa length.
Sponsor Licence Fees:
Medium or large sponsors:
- Increase from £1,476 to £1,579
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement):
- Increase from £2,885 to £3,029
Naturalisation (British Citizenship):
- Increase from £1,500 to £1,605
Convention Travel Document for a Child:
- Minimal increase from £53 to £61.50
Interestingly, premium services such as priority processing fees will remain largely unchanged, despite expectations that these might have been increased.
Implications for Employers and Migrants
These fee increases will place additional financial strain on businesses sponsoring foreign workers and on migrants settling in the UK. Employers should consider these increased costs when budgeting for recruitment and sponsorship, especially as the government continues to tighten immigration rules and enhance scrutiny of sponsor compliance.
Changes to Minimum Salary Assessments for Skilled Workers
The Home Office’s Statement of Changes, dated 12 March 2024, also introduced a critical update regarding the assessment of minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. From 9 April 2025, certain payments deducted from a Skilled Worker’s salary will no longer be counted when assessing whether the minimum salary threshold has been met. These deductions include:
- Repayments of loans
- Immigration-related costs
- Investments or business costs
This means that if an employer recoups visa or sponsorship costs through salary deductions, these amounts will be excluded when determining if the employee meets the required salary level.
Next Steps
Employers should review their sponsorship and immigration policies to ensure compliance with these changes and plan for the increased costs. Further guidance is expected once the updated Home Office caseworker guidance is released.
For full details on the new fee structure, visit the Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 9 April 2025 – GOV.UK
Clarkslegal’s experienced immigration team can assist with navigating these changes and ensuring your organisation remains compliant with evolving immigration requirements. Contact us for tailored advice on sponsorship and visa applications.
