The UK government has announced a significant rise in fees for all foreign work visa categories, effective from April 9, 2025. The fee adjustments will impact various visa types, including those for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and temporary workers.
Under the newly released immigration fee schedule, visa application costs will increase by between £20 and £115, depending on the visa category and duration. Different fee rates will apply to applications made within the UK and those submitted from abroad.
In addition to the visa fee changes, the government outlined plans to bolster the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) enforcement capabilities, improve protections for disabled passengers, and streamline dispute resolution mechanisms.
Breakdown of Work Visa Fee Increases
The fee hike is structural and affects principal applicants and their dependents equally. Key changes across major visa categories include:
Skilled Worker Visa
For sponsorships up to three years: Applications outside the UK: fees rise from £719 to £769 (+£50)；Applications inside the UK: fees rise from £827 to £885 (+£58)
For sponsorships longer than three years: Outside the UK: fees increase from £1,420 to £1,519 (+£99)；Inside the UK: fees increase from £1,636 to £1,751 (+£115)
Skilled Worker Category (Immigration Salary List)
Sponsorships up to three years: fees increase from £551 to £590 (+£39), regardless of application location.
Sponsorships over three years: fees increase from £1,084 to £1,160 (+£76), also irrespective of where the application is made.
Health and Care Worker Visa
Sponsorships up to three years: fees rise modestly from £284 to £304 (+£20).
Sponsorships over three years: fees increase from £551 to £590 (+£39).
These fees apply equally for applications submitted both inside and outside the UK.
Temporary Worker Categories
A uniform £21 fee increase will apply across all temporary worker visa categories, including:
Seasonal workers
Religious workers
Charity workers
Creative workers
International agreement workers
Government-authorised exchange workers
Youth mobility scheme participants
Fees for these categories will increase from £298 to £319 for both main applicants and their dependents.
Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Worker Visa
Applicants must:
Be employed by a UK employer approved by the Home Office
Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by their employer
Work in an eligible occupation
Meet minimum salary thresholds according to job type and sponsorship length
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