Immigration Skills Charge Set to Rise: What UK Visa Sponsors Need to Know

If you're a UK employer sponsoring Skilled Worker visas, a significant cost increase is on the horizon. From 16 December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge will rise by 32%, affecting both large and small sponsors.

What’s Changing?

The charge—paid when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)—is increasing across the board:

• Skilled Worker visa (3 years):

  • Current rate: £3,000

  • New rate: £3,960

• Annual breakdown:

  • Large/Medium sponsors: £1,320/year (up from £1,000)

  • Small businesses and charities: £480/year (up from £364)

This fee is in addition to other visa-related costs and applies per sponsored worker.

What This Means for Employers

The timing of your CoS assignment matters. If you assign the CoS before 16 December 2025, the current lower rate still applies. That means acting early could save you hundreds of pounds per sponsored employee.

Some roles remain exempt from the charge, including:

• Clergy

• Elite sportspeople

• Qualified sports coaches

What You Can Do Now

To stay ahead of the change:

• Assign CoS early if you're planning to sponsor before year-end.

• Review your hiring budgets and timelines to account for the increased cost.

• Check for exemptions—some roles may qualify.

• Update internal stakeholders so they’re aware of the financial impact.

This increase will be felt most acutely by small sponsors and charities, where every pound counts. If you're navigating sponsorship for the first time or managing multiple hires, now is the time to plan proactively.

If you'd like help reviewing your sponsorship timeline, preparing CoS documentation, or confirming exemption eligibility, I’m happy to support you.

Let’s make sure your plans stay cost-effective and compliant.