On March 19, 2025, the UK Home Office announced a series of increases to visa and sponsorship fees, set to take effect from April 9, 2025. These adjustments will impact a wide range of applicants, including Skilled Worker visa holders, sponsors, and individuals applying for settlement and citizenship. National Law Review+1Employment Law Worldview+1
Key Changes:
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Fees for roles such as Skilled Workers, Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Workers, Ministers of Religion, and International Sportspersons (over 12 months) will rise from £239 to £525.GOV.UK+2National Law Review+2Employment Law Worldview+2
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Skilled Worker Visa Applications:
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Up to three years (outside the UK): Increasing from £719 to £769.National Law Review+2Employment Law Worldview+2GOV.UK+2
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Up to five years (outside the UK): Rising from £1,420 to £1,519.Employment Law Worldview+2National Law Review+2GOV.UK+2
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Up to three years (inside the UK): Climbing from £827 to £885.National Law Review+2Employment Law Worldview+2GOV.UK+2
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Up to five years (inside the UK): Going from £1,636 to £1,751.National Law Review+1Employment Law Worldview+1
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Sponsor Licence Fees: For medium or large sponsors, fees will increase by £103, from £1,476 to £1,579.Employment Law Worldview+1National Law Review+1
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Settlement and Citizenship Applications:
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement): Fees will rise from £2,885 to £3,029.Employment Law Worldview+1National Law Review+1
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Naturalisation (British Citizenship): Costs will jump from £1,500 to £1,605.National Law Review+1Employment Law Worldview+1
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These fee increases signify higher costs for businesses sponsoring workers and greater financial burdens for migrants aiming to settle in the UK. Employers are advised to incorporate these changes into their recruitment budgets, especially as the government continues to tighten immigration rules and intensify scrutiny on sponsor compliance. National Law Review+1Employment Law Worldview+1
For a comprehensive overview of the new fee structure, individuals and organizations should consult the official Home Office website.
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
