Navigating the UK Work Visa Government Fee Structure in 2026 is more than just a paperwork hurdle—it is a major financial decision. Following the landmark immigration reforms of late 2025, the “true cost” of working in Britain now includes significantly higher salary thresholds, increased employer levies, and a restructured Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Whether you are a skilled professional looking to move to London or a UK employer seeking global talent, understanding these 2026 standards is essential for budgeting and compliance. This guide breaks down every pound you’ll need to spend to secure your right to work this year.
Core Visa Application Fees (2026 Rules)
In 2026, the fees are different if you apply from outside the UK or if you are already in the UK and want to change or extend your visa.
- Standard Fees £769 if you apply from outside the UK or £885 if you apply from inside the UK. This is the basic fee for a Skilled Worker visa that lasts up to 3 years.
- Longer Visa Fees £1,519 if you apply from outside or £1,751 from inside. This is for a Skilled Worker visa that lasts more than 3 years.
- Special Lower Fees for Health Workers Health and care workers can pay less. The fee is lower to help the NHS. Eligible people pay a special rate that is much cheaper than normal work visas.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee Your employer pays £525 to give you a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is needed for your visa application. The fee went up a lot in 2025 and stays the same in 2026.
- Lower Fees for Some Jobs Some jobs are on a list of jobs the UK needs a lot. These are called Immigration Salary List jobs. For these jobs, you pay less for the visa. For example, up to 3 years can cost less.
These fees are the main ones you or your employer pay to start the visa process. Always check if your job gets a discount.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026
Most people who come to the UK on a work visa must pay the IHS. This is like a fee to use the NHS health service. You pay it all at once when you apply.
- Main Rates £1,035 per year for adults. For a 5-year visa, you pay £5,175 upfront. £776 per year for children under 18 or some other groups.
- Why It Feels Like Double Payment Many people say this is not fair. You pay the IHS, but you also pay National Insurance from your salary. This helps pay for the NHS too. So it feels like paying twice.
- Refund for Some Workers In 2026, there is a new rule. Some short-term workers can get money back if they leave the UK early.
The IHS is a big part of the total cost. It adds thousands of pounds for long visas. Plan for this when you budget.
Sponsor Rules and Costs for Employers
UK bosses who want to hire workers from outside must have a sponsor licence. In 2026, it costs more to keep this licence and hire people.
- Sponsor Licence Fee Big or medium companies pay £1,579. Small companies or charities pay £536.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) This is a fee employers pay to help train UK workers. It went up a lot from late 2025. Big companies pay £1,320 per year for each worker. Small companies pay £480 per year. For a 5-year visa, this can be thousands of pounds per worker.
- Minimum Salary Rule Most Skilled Worker jobs need at least £41,700 per year. Or the normal pay for that job, if it is higher. Employers must pay this or more. It helps make sure jobs go to high-skilled people.
- Checks on Employers There are new checks in 2026 to make sure bosses do not take fees from workers’ pay. This breaks minimum wage laws.
Employers cannot pass most of these costs to the worker. They must pay them themselves.
Extra Services and Other Costs
If you want your visa decision faster than normal (which is 3 to 8 weeks), you can pay more.
- Fast Decision Services £500 for Priority. You get a decision in about 5 working days. £1,000 for Super Priority. You get a decision by the next working day.
- Money to Show You Can Live in the UK You need to show £1,270 in your bank for 28 days. Or your employer can say they will support you.
- English Language Test From January 8, 2026, you need a higher level of English. It is now B2 level for new work visa applications. This is harder than before.
These extra things can add to your costs. Think if you need fast service.
Tips for Planning Your 2026 Visa Costs
To avoid bad surprises, use this simple way to add up costs:
Total Cost = Visa Fee + (IHS x Number of Years) + CoS Fee + (ISC x Number of Years)
For example, a 5-year Skilled Worker visa from a big company can cost more than £10,000 just in government fees. This does not include other things like travel or tests.
Always look at your job contract. See who pays what. Some employers help with fees. Check the official GOV.UK website for the latest numbers. Fees can change. Would you like me to make a simple “2026 Visa Budget Calculator” to help you add up costs for you and your family?
Important Note: This guide is to help you learn. It is not official advice. Always check trusted places like GOV.UK or the Home Office for the right details before you spend money or make plans.