UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees & Costs

The UK Skilled Worker visa costs include the visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and, in some cases, additional costs such as biometric services, priority processing and professional legal fees.

In 2026, the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee ranges from £819 to £1,865, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £1,035 per year.

The total cost depends on whether you apply inside or outside the UK, the length of your visa, your occupation, whether you use a priority service, and whether you have dependants.

If you are unsure about the total cost of a Skilled Worker visa, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 for guidance.

Table of Contents

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost in 2026?

For a Skilled Worker visa of up to 3 years, the total cost in 2026 is £4,048 when applying inside the UK and £3,924 when applying outside the UK, including the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

These are the main mandatory government costs for a standard Skilled Worker visa application. Additional costs may apply for priority processing, legal advice, translations and other supporting documents.

Skilled Worker Visa Cost When Applying Outside the UK

For applications made outside the UK, the Skilled Worker visa application fee is £819 per person for up to 3 years or £1,618 for more than 3 years, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Cost Breakdown

• Visa application fee – up to 3 years: £819 per person
• Visa application fee – more than 3 years: £1,618 per person
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

For a visa of up to 3 years, the IHS is normally £3,105, making the main government charges £3,924 per applicant.

The required fees must be paid when submitting the application. Each eligible dependant generally pays a separate visa application fee and IHS.

Skilled Worker Visa Cost When Applying Inside the UK

For applications made inside the UK, the Skilled Worker visa application fee is £943 per person for up to 3 years or £1,865 for more than 3 years, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Cost Breakdown

• Visa application fee – up to 3 years: £943 per person
• Visa application fee – more than 3 years: £1,865 per person
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

For a visa of up to 3 years, the IHS is normally £3,105, making the main government charges £4,048 per applicant.

The required fees must be paid when submitting the application. Each eligible dependant generally pays a separate visa application fee and IHS.

How Much Is the Skilled Worker Visa Immigration Health Surcharge?

In 2026, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £1,035 per year. The total depends on the length of your visa, and the IHS is normally paid upfront when you apply.

For example, a 3-year Skilled Worker visa normally requires £3,105 in IHS.

Do Skilled Worker Visa Dependants Need Maintenance Funds?

Yes. Your partner and children may also need to show that they have enough money to support themselves in the UK.

The required amount depends on the number and type of dependants included in your application.

Money to Support Yourself

You normally need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show that you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.

The £1,270 must usually have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your visa application.

You may not need to show evidence of funds if:

• You have been in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months; or
• Your employer has confirmed on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your living costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270.

Do Skilled Worker Visa Dependants Pay Additional Fees?

Yes. Eligible dependants generally make their own immigration applications and must pay the applicable visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

This means the total cost increases for each dependant.

Dependant Costs

• Separate visa application fee
• Separate IHS payment
• Additional document and identity costs where applicable
• Optional priority processing fees, if available

Can You Get a Skilled Worker Visa Fee Waiver?

Skilled Worker visa applicants generally cannot rely on the same fee-waiver arrangements available under some other immigration routes.

If you believe you cannot afford the required fees, you should check the current Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance for your specific circumstances before applying.

Can You Pay Extra for Faster Skilled Worker Visa Processing?

Yes, priority or super priority processing may be available for some Skilled Worker visa applications. These services are optional and subject to availability.

Paying for faster processing does not guarantee that your visa application will be approved.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Priority Service Fees

Priority service costs around £500 for a decision in about 5 working days, while super priority costs around £1,000 for a next-working-day UK Skilled Worker Visa decision.

These are optional UKVI services that reduce waiting times for a decision on applications made inside the UK. Availability depends on the application type and location.

Priority service options:

• Priority service: £500 (faster decision, usually within 5 working days)
• Super priority service: £1,000 (next working day decision in most cases)
• Available mainly for in-country applications
• Not guaranteed for all visa routes or times

What Other Skilled Worker Visa Costs Should You Expect?

In addition to UKVI fees, you may have other costs depending on your circumstances.

These can include:

• English language test
• Certified translations
• TB test, where required
• Criminal record certificate, where required
• Ecctis assessment, where applicable
• Travel expenses
• Priority processing
• Solicitor or immigration adviser fees

The exact total depends on your application and the documents you need.

Who Pays the Skilled Worker Visa Costs?

The Skilled Worker normally pays their own visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

The employer is generally responsible for sponsorship-related costs such as the Certificate of Sponsorship fee and, where applicable, the Immigration Skills Charge.

Employers should not assume that every immigration-related cost can be passed on to the sponsored worker.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay the Required Fees?

Your Skilled Worker visa application generally cannot proceed unless the required fees are paid.

If payment is incomplete or unsuccessful, your application may not be processed correctly and could be rejected or delayed.

You should check that all required payments have been successfully completed when submitting your application.

Are Skilled Worker Visa Fees Refundable?

Skilled Worker visa fees are generally not refundable simply because an application is refused.

However, refunds may be available in certain circumstances under the Home Office's refund rules.

The Immigration Health Surcharge can also have separate refund rules depending on what happens to your application or immigration permission.

Can I Pay Skilled Worker Visa Fees in Instalments?

No. Skilled Worker visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge generally need to be paid as required during the application process rather than through an instalment plan.

You should make sure you have sufficient funds available before starting your application.

Need Help Understanding Skilled Worker Visa Costs?

Skilled Worker visa costs can vary depending on your application location, visa length, occupation, dependants and whether additional services are required.

If you are unsure about the total cost of your Skilled Worker visa, contact Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 for guidance from our immigration solicitors.