The UK government has confirmed a further round of immigration fee increases, effective from 8 April 2026. These changes follow the substantial revisions introduced in April 2025 and apply across most work visa categories, sponsor licence applications, visitor visas, and settlement routes.
This update provides a consolidated overview of the revised fee structure and outlines the key implications for employers managing international recruitment and sponsorship in the UK.
Key Fee Changes Effective April 2026
The latest update reflects a general increase of approximately 6–7% across most visa categories.
Notable changes include:
- Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years): £769 to £819
- Skilled Worker visa (over 3 years): £1,519 to £1,618
- Sponsor Licence (large sponsor): £1,579 to £1,682
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): £3,029 to £3,226
The following fees remain unchanged:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £525
- Priority processing: £500 and £1,000
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
UK Immigration Fee Changes: Summary Table
The table below provides a detailed comparison of previous and updated fees across key visa categories.
| Visa Category | Previous Fee | Updated Fee (April 2026) | Increase |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | £135 | +£8 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (2 years) | £475 | £506 | +£31 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (5 years) | £848 | £903 | +£55 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (10 years) | £1,059 | £1,128 | +£69 |
| Skilled Worker (≤ 3 years, outside UK) | £769 | £819 | +£50 |
| Skilled Worker (> 3 years, outside UK) | £1,519 | £1,618 | +£99 |
| Skilled Worker (≤ 3 years, in-country) | £885 | £943 | +£58 |
| Skilled Worker (> 3 years, in-country) | £1,751 | £1,865 | +£114 |
Cost of Sponsoring a Skilled Worker in 2026
The financial impact of hiring overseas workers extends beyond the visa application fee. Employers must account for multiple cost components.
The table below outlines the total cost involved in sponsoring a Skilled Worker in 2026.
| Cost Component | Responsible Party | Amount |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Employee | £819 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Employee | £3,105 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Employer | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Employer | £3,960 |
| Total Cost | — | £8,409 |
For small sponsors, the total cost is lower due to a reduced Immigration Skills Charge.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Increased Cost Implications
From 8 April 2026, the fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain has increased to £3,226 per applicant.
Each dependent must pay the same amount. For a family of four, the total Home Office cost exceeds £12,900, excluding legal fees.
This has direct implications for employers supporting long-term employee retention.
Sponsor Licence Fees
Sponsor licence costs have also increased:
- Large sponsors: £1,682
- Small or charitable sponsors: £611
Although periodic, these costs contribute to the overall expense of maintaining a compliant sponsorship framework.
Fees That Remain Unchanged
Certain fees are not affected by the April 2026 update:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £525
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
- Priority and Super Priority processing fees
Implications for Employers
The April 2026 fee increases reinforce the rising cost of international recruitment.
Key implications include:
- Increased cost of hiring overseas workers
- Greater need for structured budgeting
- Higher retention costs due to ILR increases
- Increased importance of compliance
Recommended Actions for Employers
Employers should consider the following:
- Review immigration budgets for 2026–2027
- Reassess clawback agreements
- Plan visa applications strategically
- Keep HR teams updated on latest requirements
- Seek professional legal advice where needed
Wider Impact of Rising Immigration Costs
As of 8 April 2026, the increase in UK immigration fees reflects the government’s continued effort to regulate migration more strictly. While this may support tighter migration control, it also introduces notable financial challenges for individuals seeking opportunities in the UK.
Higher costs may disproportionately affect low-income applicants and families, potentially creating barriers for skilled individuals who could contribute to key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and academia.
For employers, this shift may also influence talent acquisition strategies, as rising costs could discourage international candidates from pursuing opportunities in the UK. This raises important considerations around maintaining access to global talent while balancing compliance and cost-efficiency.
Conclusion
The April 2026 immigration fee increases reflect a clear shift towards stricter migration control, but they also introduce growing financial pressures for both employers and applicants.
Moving forward, maintaining a balance between regulatory objectives and access to global talent will be critical to sustaining the UK’s competitiveness and long-term economic growth.
Need Legal Guidance on UK Immigration Costs?
At Ash Norton Solicitors, our expert immigration lawyers assist businesses in managing UK immigration processes efficiently and in full compliance with current regulations.
From sponsor licence management to Skilled Worker visa applications and settlement planning, we provide tailored legal support aligned with current UK immigration policies.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and ensure your organisation is fully prepared for the latest immigration changes.
