Home Office Fee Changes from 9 April 2025

Who’s Affected Most?

UK Employers

These fee increases will affect:

• Employers planning to hire non-UK workers in the next 6–12 months

• Businesses with existing sponsorship licences facing renewal

• Startups expanding into the UK with international hires

  
  

Individual Applicants

If you’re applying for a UK visa after 9 April 2025, expect:

• Higher application fees for Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes

• Increased costs even for those on the Immigration Salary List

• No changes to eligibility, but budgeting ahead is now more important than ever

  
  

Practical Steps for Employers and Applicants

• Review your hiring timelines: If possible, submit CoS before 9 April to avoid higher costs.

• Revisit your sponsorship strategy: Is every CoS necessary? Can roles be consolidated?

• Update internal stakeholders on budget increases across HR and legal teams.

• For individuals, check if your application can be submitted before the fee hike.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the UK visa fee increasing in 2025?

Yes. From 9 April 2025, most UK immigration and nationality fees will increase by 5% to 10%. For example, the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee will rise from £239 to £525.

What is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and why is the fee change significant?

The CoS is a document issued by licensed sponsors to allow foreign nationals to apply for work visas. The fee for assigning a CoS under the Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility routes is increasing by over 120%, making it a major consideration for employers in 2025.

How do these changes affect Skilled Worker visa applicants?

Applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route will see fee increases ranging from £39 to £115 depending on application length and whether they apply from inside or outside the UK.

Are there any fee exemptions for shortage roles on the Immigration Salary List?

While roles on the Immigration Salary List do benefit from reduced visa fees, these fees are also increasing in 2025. For example, the under-3-year category will rise from £551 to £590.

How do the changes impact UK employers with sponsor licences?

Employers must now factor in:

• Higher CoS costs per hire

• Increased licence application fees

• The need for tighter budget control and timing

  
  

Do the fee increases apply to both in-country and out-of-country applications?

Yes. Whether you’re applying from within the UK (e.g. a visa extension) or from overseas, the updated fee structure applies to all application locations from 9 April onward.

Can I avoid the new fees if I apply before 9 April 2025?

Yes. Any CoS assignment or visa application submitted before 9 April will be processed under the old fee schedule. Employers and individuals are encouraged to act promptly if eligible.

Will these changes affect British citizenship or ILR applicants?

Although this update focuses mainly on work and sponsor-related visas, many other routes (including British citizenship and ILR) are also impacted by modest fee increases.

Is there support available for businesses adjusting to the new costs?

Yes. Businesses can speak with immigration professionals or consult our guide to managing sponsorship costs for best practices on cost recovery, timing, and compliance.

Final Thoughts

Fee updates like this may seem routine—but their real-world impact is anything but.

For employers, it’s a moment to reassess hiring pipelines and immigration spend. For applicants, it’s a reminder to plan early and avoid surprises.

Whether you’re issuing a single Certificate of Sponsorship or submitting a Skilled Worker application, staying informed is the first step toward staying compliant—and in control.