Important Updates
Important Updates
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

UK Immigration Fee Increases: Changes to Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility Visas

September 29, 2023

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Louise Haycock, Charlotte Wills, Shuyeb Muquit, Kinka Tonchev

In an age of cost containment, the recently announced changes to the United Kingdom’s immigration fees—while not a surprise—were unlikely to have been welcomed by those in the mobility space.

The fee increases are meant to help fund spending in public services, so the prospect of reversing them seems remote. More positively, this perhaps signifies a move away from a policy to reduce net migration to one encouraging immigration to the UK as a revenue stream. Read our recent blog on fee rises for more insights.

Compared to other immigration systems, the UK’s is transparent, digital, caters to most industries with sponsorship routes having relatively low skills and salary thresholds and, critically, is quick.

However, the system is expensive; company-sponsored routes encompass not only a work permit and visa fee but also levies to the NHS and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Despite this, the continued rise of the use of the Skilled Worker visa suggests that these fees have not been a deterrent for sponsors, and that the UK remains an attractive destination for individuals and businesses alike.

What are the changes?

Fee rises come into force for applications submitted from 4 October 2023. Most rises are between 15-20% but some are more. For example, priority fees have doubled.

This blog focuses specifically on the changes to the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility: Senior and Specialist Worker Category visas.

Fee Increases Chart - UK Immigration

Case study

Jack comes to the UK, sponsored by his employer under the Skilled Worker category, bringing his Partner and two children, younger than 18. The fees would be:

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £239
  • Visa fee for Jack and dependants for five years: £1420 x 4 = £5680
  • Immigration Skills Charge: £5000
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £10,940
  • Total = £21859 (please note there are potential other charges payable. These could include priority, scanning, etc.)

Savings options

There may be options available to reduce fees when initially hiring new recruits.

It has long been common practice to apply for the longest possible visa available. This has distinct advantages such as certainty, no requirement for extensions and employee experience.

However, if the individual leaves employment particularly before the three-year point, the company has lost the uplifted visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as both fees will not be refunded.

If Jack instead applied for a three-year visa initially, costs would be:

  • CoS: £239
  • Visa fee for Jack and dependants for three years: £719 x 4 = £2876
  • Immigration Skills Charge: £3000
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £6564
  • Total = £12,679 (£9,180 cheaper than a five-year visa at the outset)

Of course, Jack may need to extend the visa an additional two years, and the associated costs would be:

  • CoS: £239
  • Visa fee for Jack and dependants for five years: £827 x 4 = £3308
  • Immigration Skills Charge: £2000
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £4376
  • Total = £9923 (£743 more expensive than applying for a five-year visa at the outset)

Employer considerations

There is no clear-cut way to ensure that costs are reduced in the long-term by applying for a longer or shorter visa, and employers should be mindful of the administration of an additional application.

However, by using data to project the likelihood of a person staying in a role for the full five years, employers could look to make strategic decisions on the length of visa offered at the outset.

Whilst not a solution for every occasion, the Immigration Skills Charge is not payable under the GBM Senior and Special Worker route where:

  • the individual holds an EU or Latvian non-citizen’s passport;
  • they normally work in the EU for an EU business but have temporarily transferred work to the UK; and
  • transfer is for less than three years.

There is a possible £3000 saving for employers when they need to transfer EU workers from their EU business to the UK.

Unsponsored routes

Whilst the traditional worker routes are attractive for their simplicity, they are, of course, not the only visa options that allow work.

Family route, Graduate, Ancestry, Youth Mobility, High Potential Individual and Global Talent visas (to name a few), all allow work and come with lower fees.

Consulting with a professional may help to explore all available options.

Looking ahead

There is no quick fix to avoiding these fee rises. Ultimately, businesses will likely need to carry out more strategic analysis and planning to help them make the most beneficial decisions when moving individuals to the UK.

The government fees are unlikely to decrease in the near future, but there are considerations that may help navigate them. Fragomen professionals can help businesses prepare using fee calculators and pre-assessments of cases, as well as taking a deeper dive into data and trends to see where policies can be tweaked to result in overall savings.

Need to know more?

For questions or further information, please contact Partners Louise Haycock and Charlotte Wills at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively, Senior Manager Shuyeb Muquit at [email protected] or Manager Kinka Tonchev at [email protected].

This blog was published on 29 September 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

View all professionals

Related insights

  • Fee Rises: Food for Positive Thought

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • UK Immigration – Global Talent
  • UK Sponsor Licences
  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.