United Kingdom

2026 UK Visa Fees and Sponsorship Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of UK relocation in seconds. Our data-driven tool calculates the latest 2026 application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and the newly increased Immigration Skills Charge to ensure full budget compliance.

Calculate UK Visa Fees 2026

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Master Your UK Immigration Budget for 2026

Precise, real-time cost forecasting for HR and Global Mobility teams

Verify Visa Route Fees

Instantly confirm 2026 application costs (e.g., £769 for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa) based on the latest Home Office fee tables.

Calculate Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Factor in the mandatory £1,035 per year for adults or £776 per year for students and minors to avoid processing delays and ensure full compliance.

Estimate New Sponsorship Levies

Include the 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (now £1,320 per year for large sponsors) effective from late 2025.

Plan for Priority Services

Compare costs for Priority (£500) and Super Priority (£1,000) processing to meet urgent business start dates.

Budget for Dependant Costs

Get a full breakdown of family application fees, ensuring relocation packages are fully funded and compliant with UK immigration rules.

Official Source Verification

All calculations are cross-referenced with the official GOV.UK visa fee regulations table to ensure accuracy and up-to-date compliance.

UK Visa Fees 2026

UK Visa Fee Requirements & Salary Levels

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026, the general salary threshold is £38,700 (or the "going rate" for the role). Special rates apply for those on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the Health and Care Worker route.

Fee Breakdown Table (2026 Data)

Visa Category	Duration	Application Fee (Outside UK)	IHS Fee (Per Year)
Skilled Worker	Up to 3 Years	£769	£1,035
Skilled Worker	Over 3 Years	£1,519	£1,035
Health and Care	Up to 3 Years	£304	Exempt
Health and Care	Over 3 Years	£590	Exempt
Student Visa	Course Length	£524	£776

Employer Sponsorship Costs (2026 Updates)

Sponsoring an international employee involves specific employer-only levies:

Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): £1,320 per year for medium/large sponsors or £480 per year for small/charitable sponsors.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A flat fee of £239 (standard).
Sponsor License: £1,579 for large businesses or £574 for small businesses.

Document Checklist

Valid Passport: Must have at least one blank page for the vignette.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The unique reference number from your employer.
Proof of English (Level B2): As of January 8, 2026, first-time Skilled Worker applicants must prove B2 level proficiency.‍
Financial Evidence: At least £1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 days) unless the employer certifies maintenance.

Get Help with Your UK Skilled Worker Visa

Need support beyond this calculator? Our experts handle the full process, from eligibility checks to application and compliance.

Explore UK Skilled Worker Visa

Frequently Asked Questions for 2026 UK Visa Fees Calculator: Skilled Worker, IHS, Sponsorship Costs

How are UK visa fees calculated?

UK visa fees are calculated based on several factors, including visa type, duration of stay, applicant location, and any additional services selected. The total cost may include:

Base visa application fee depending on visa category
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to the NHS
Priority or super priority processing fees
Biometric enrolment and service fees

What does the UK visa fees calculator include?

The calculator provides an estimated total cost based on your inputs. It typically includes:

Visa category (work, visitor, student, family)
Length of stay or visa validity
Number of applicants (including dependants)
Optional services such as priority processing

This helps HR teams and applicants plan immigration costs more accurately.

How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost?

The UK Skilled Worker visa fee depends on the duration and job classification. Typically:

Up to 3 years: lower fee range
More than 3 years: higher fee range
Reduced fees may apply for shortage occupation roles

Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to the visa fee.

Does the visa fee include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

No, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not included in the visa application fee. It is a separate mandatory cost that:

Is charged per year of stay
Grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)
Must be paid upfront during the application process

Are UK visa fees refundable if the application is refused?

UK visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. However:

Some optional services may be refundable if not processed
Refunds may apply in rare cases of duplicate payments or system errors

Applicants should ensure accuracy before submitting their application.

What additional costs should be considered beyond visa fees?

In addition to the visa fee, applicants and employers should consider:

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Biometric appointment fees
Document translation and legalisation
Legal or immigration advisory services
Priority processing services

How much does priority or super priority processing cost?

Applicants can choose faster processing options for an additional fee:

Priority service: Faster decision, usually within a few working days
Super priority service: Decision typically within 24 hours

Availability and pricing may vary depending on location and visa type.

Do UK visa fees vary by country?

The base UK visa fee is standard globally, but the total payable amount may vary due to:

Currency exchange rates
Local service provider charges
Additional administrative or processing fees

Can employers cover UK visa costs for employees?

Yes, employers often cover visa-related costs as part of a relocation or global mobility package. This may include:

Visa application fees
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Legal and processing costs
Relocation and onboarding expenses

How accurate is the UK visa fees calculator?

The calculator provides a reliable estimate based on current UK visa fee structures. However:

Fees may change due to Home Office updates
Additional costs may apply based on individual case details
Final amounts are confirmed during the official application process

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Explore Our Full Suite of United Kingdom Immigration Tools

Calculate total UK visa costs for 2026, including the new £1,320/year Immigration Skills Charge, the £1,035 IHS fee, and Skilled Worker application costs. Get accurate, real-time budgeting for UK global mobility.

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