Self Sponsorship Visa UK Costs Guide

Self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route places significant costs at the outset, with fees for the sponsor licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, Immigration Skills Charge, visa applications, and the Immigration Health Surcharge all payable upfront. Errors or underpayments risk invalid applications, delays, or refusals, while costs increase substantially when dependants are included. Careful budgeting, robust cash flow planning, and strict compliance are therefore essential.

This guide provides a complete and up-to-date picture of the financial commitments involved in self-sponsorship through a UK company holding a sponsor licence, covering headline charges, exemptions, refund rules, and hidden or ancillary costs. It also includes practical costed scenarios to help applicants and sponsors prepare accurate budgets and avoid financial or compliance pitfalls.

Section A: Planning for Self Sponsorship Visa Costs

The self-sponsorship model uses a UK company (holding the correct sponsor licence) to sponsor the main applicant for a Skilled Worker visa. Unlike standard employer-led sponsorship, the applicant typically controls or sets up the sponsoring entity. That flexibility comes with material, front-loaded expenditure: sponsor licensing, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), visa application fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be budgeted and, in most cases, paid in full before a decision is issued. Where partners and children apply, costs multiply at each stage. This section sets out how to plan the spend, avoid invalid applications for underpayment, and preserve cash flow.

1. What you must budget for (headlines)

Plan across six fee buckets, each with its own rules, rates, and triggers:

• Sponsor licence fee: payable by the UK company when applying for the licence (small/charitable rate vs medium/large rate).
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: payable each time a CoS is assigned (Skilled Worker vs Temporary Worker pricing).
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): a levy on sponsors for Skilled Worker (and some GBM routes), calculated upfront by sponsored period and sponsor size; exemptions and refund rules apply.
• Skilled Worker visa application fees: bands differ by location (inside/outside UK), visa length, Immigration Salary List (ISL) status, and Health & Care roles.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): paid for the full visa length in advance; standard and reduced rates apply.
• Ancillary/professional costs: English testing, TB testing, translations, biometrics/appointments, travel to centres, optional priority services, and any legal or consultancy fees.

Compliance note: Sponsors must meet all sponsorship duties and must not pass certain sponsorship costs (e.g., licence or CoS fees) to sponsored workers. Breaches risk licence downgrades, suspensions, or revocation, which can derail self-sponsorship at significant cost.

2. Current fee levels you will work with

Use these rates for planning (position: 24 September 2025). Do not mix historic fee tables into live budgets. Where the fee depends on visa duration, calculate across the sponsored period and round to the nearest permitted unit the Home Office uses (12 months / 6-month increments for ISC; annualised for IHS):

3. Rules and nuances that change the bill

ISC applicability: Outside the UK, ISC is not payable if the sponsored period is under 6 months. Inside the UK, ISC is payable for any length of sponsorship. Exemptions exist for specific research/education SOC codes and for certain Student-to-Skilled-Worker switches. The ISC never applies to dependants.

IHS calculation: The IHS is charged per applicant, per year, and must be paid in full for the entire visa length at submission. Children benefit from the reduced rate. Confirm lengths (e.g., 3 vs 5 years) before paying to avoid under/over-payment and potential invalidity.

Visa fee bands: Use the correct band for inside vs outside the UK, the requested length, and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List or qualifies as a Health & Care role. Do not rely on older “Shortage Occupation List” wording or pricing.

Sponsor licence validity: There is no routine 4-year renewal cycle for most routes under current policy; however, sponsors remain subject to all duties and compliance action (downgrade, suspend, revoke). Treat the licence as a living obligation, not a sunk cost.

Cash flow: Most fees (including IHS) are due before a decision. Families should model high upfront outlays. Consider timing CoS assignment and application windows to manage cash flow peaks.

Section Summary

Plan across all fee buckets and apply today’s rates. Model dependency-driven multipliers and the ISC/IHS mechanics. Confirm the correct visa banding (inside/outside UK, length, ISL, Health & Care). Ensure the sponsor’s licence and compliance controls are in place, and never underpay—most charges are due upfront and underpayment can invalidate the application. With accurate modelling, you avoid refusals, cash flow shocks, and downstream compliance risk.

Section B: Sponsor Licence Application Fees

Before a Skilled Worker visa can be issued under the self-sponsorship model, the UK company must hold a valid sponsor licence. This licence is the legal authority from the Home Office to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to migrant workers. Without it, the visa application cannot proceed. The sponsor licence fee is a critical first cost, and its level depends on how the business is categorised at the point of application.

1. Small or charitable sponsors

The sponsor licence application fee for a small or charitable sponsor is £574. To qualify as a small sponsor, the business must meet at least two of the following Home Office thresholds: turnover of £15 million or less, total assets of £7.5 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer. Charitable status follows UK charity law. The lower fee reflects an acknowledgement of limited resources, but all sponsor duties are the same as those imposed on larger organisations. Even at this rate, the licence is a significant upfront cost that must be built into the financial plan for self-sponsorship.

2. Medium or large sponsors

Businesses that do not meet the small or charitable thresholds fall into the medium or large category. The sponsor licence application fee for these organisations is £1,579. This higher cost assumes larger companies have greater capacity to absorb compliance administration. For self-sponsorship applicants establishing their own company, the classification — and therefore the fee payable — depends on the business size at the date of application. It is essential to check and evidence the criteria carefully to avoid misclassification.

3. Validity and renewal rules

Since April 2024, most sponsor licences no longer require routine renewal every four years. The licence continues unless it is revoked, surrendered, or time-limited by exception. Routes such as the UK Expansion Worker and Scale-up visas remain capped at four years, but for Skilled Worker sponsorship, the licence endures provided compliance duties are met. This reform reduces long-term costs but increases compliance expectations. A revoked licence ends the ability to sponsor, regardless of fees already paid.

4. Compliance and sponsor duties

Paying the application fee is only the first step. Sponsors must appoint key personnel, maintain robust HR systems, and comply with strict monitoring and reporting requirements. Breaches risk downgrades, suspension, or revocation of the licence. Self-sponsorship applicants must factor in the costs of creating compliant HR processes alongside the official fee. These may include drafting policies, setting up secure record-keeping, and training staff responsible for immigration compliance.

Section Summary

The sponsor licence fee — £574 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,579 for medium or large sponsors — is the gateway to self-sponsorship. The 2024 reforms mean no routine renewal for most sponsors, but compliance duties have intensified. Applicants must ensure they budget not only for the headline application fee but also for the costs of establishing and maintaining a compliant sponsor management system. Failure to meet sponsor duties can terminate the licence, rendering the initial outlay wasted and leaving the applicant without a viable route.

Section C: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees

Once a sponsor licence has been granted, the company must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the visa applicant. The CoS is an electronic record generated in the Sponsor Management System (SMS) that links the worker, their job, and the sponsoring company. Without a valid CoS, a Skilled Worker visa application cannot be submitted. Each CoS carries a Home Office fee that must be paid at the point of assignment.

1. Defined and undefined CoS

The Home Office operates two categories of CoS:

• Defined CoS: required for Skilled Worker applications made from outside the UK. Defined CoS allocations must be requested through the SMS and approved by UK Visas and Immigration before assignment.
• Undefined CoS: used for Skilled Worker applications made inside the UK, such as visa switches or extensions. These are allocated annually to sponsors as part of their licence management.

Although both are managed electronically, it is critical to select the correct type. Assigning the wrong CoS type can lead to refusal, wasted fees, and compliance issues for the sponsoring company.

2. Current CoS fee levels

From April 2025, the fee to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for the Skilled Worker route is £525. For Temporary Worker routes, including certain Global Business Mobility sub-routes, the fee remains £55. The payment is processed at the time of assignment through the Sponsor Management System.

This fee is payable for each CoS issued. Where multiple family members require sponsored roles (e.g., if a partner is also being sponsored under a Skilled Worker route), each additional CoS carries its own charge. Repeat applications also trigger repeat CoS costs, making this an important budget line even if modest compared to other charges.

3. Payment and compliance rules

Home Office guidance prohibits sponsors from passing the CoS fee on to sponsored workers. For self-sponsorship applicants controlling their own company, this means the business itself must absorb the cost. Payment must be completed before the CoS can be used to support a visa application. If the fee is unpaid, or if the CoS details do not match the visa application, the application will be refused as invalid.

Section Summary

The Certificate of Sponsorship is the key link between the sponsor and the Skilled Worker applicant. Each CoS costs £525 under the Skilled Worker route, or £55 for Temporary Worker categories, payable at the point of assignment. Sponsors must ensure the correct CoS type is used and that the fee is paid in full. For self-sponsorship, the sponsoring company must bear the cost. Although smaller than other charges, a refused application due to an incorrect or unpaid CoS is financially and procedurally damaging, making attention to detail vital.

Section D: Skilled Worker Visa Application Fees

After a Certificate of Sponsorship has been correctly assigned and paid for, the next major outlay is the Skilled Worker visa application fee. The amount due depends on (i) where the application is made (inside vs outside the UK), (ii) the visa length requested (up to 3 years or more than 3 years), and (iii) whether the role qualifies for the Immigration Salary List (ISL) rate or falls within the Health & Care visa category. These fees are in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge (covered separately) and any priority service charges.

1. Current fee bands (use these for budgeting)

Terminology note: References to the historic “Shortage Occupation List” should be replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL) for both eligibility and fee purposes. Always apply the correct banding above.

2. Inside vs outside the UK: choosing the right band

The location of application drives which standard fee band applies. Applications made overseas use the “Outside UK” fees; in-country switches or extensions use the “Inside UK” fees. ISL and Health & Care bands apply irrespective of location (as per the table). Ensure the visa length requested matches the fee paid; if a 5-year grant is intended, budget for the “more than 3 years” band. Underpayment risks invalidity, while overpayment can distort cash-flow planning.

3. Health & Care and ISL nuances

Health & Care visa: This route benefits from reduced visa application fees compared with the standard Skilled Worker bands. (IHS treatment is addressed in the IHS section.) Check that the role and employer meet Health & Care route criteria before applying the reduced fee.

Immigration Salary List (ISL): Roles on the ISL attract discounted visa fees (as above). Do not use legacy shortage-occupation pricing or labels. Confirm the occupation code and eligibility against the current ISL before paying.

4. Priority services (optional add-ons)

• Priority: +£500 per applicant (typical service level: around 5 working days).
• Super Priority: +£1,000 per applicant (typical service level: usually next working day).

Availability varies by location and application centre. These fees are in addition to the application fee and are non-refundable once the service is used, even if a decision is delayed due to further enquiries or documentation checks.

5. Dependants and multi-applicant budgeting

Each dependant pays the same visa application fee as the main applicant for the relevant fee band (standard, ISL, or Health & Care). Where a family applies together, multiply the applicable band by the number of applicants, and add any chosen priority service per person. This multiplication effect is one of the main cost drivers in self-sponsorship budgets.

6. Practical payment controls to avoid invalidity

• Match fee to length: Ensure “up to 3 years” vs “more than 3 years” aligns with the period requested on the application and the CoS.
• Match fee to category: Apply ISL or Health & Care discounts only where eligibility is confirmed.
• One fee per applicant: Main applicant and each dependant must pay the correct fee in full at submission; partial or staged payments are not accepted.
• Priority add-ons: If using Priority or Super Priority, add the correct amount per person and verify the service is available at the chosen centre/date.

Section Summary

Skilled Worker visa fees are banded by location of application, visa length, and whether the role qualifies for ISL or the Health & Care route. Use the current bands (Outside UK £769/£1,519; Inside UK £885/£1,751; ISL £590/£1,160; Health & Care £304/£590) and multiply carefully for dependants. Add optional Priority (+£500) or Super Priority (+£1,000) only when available and needed. Precise matching of fee to route, length, and location prevents invalid or refused applications and protects cash flow.

Section E: Additional Self Sponsorship Visa Costs

Beyond the core charges of the sponsor licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, Immigration Skills Charge, and Skilled Worker visa application fees, a self-sponsorship applicant will usually encounter further costs. These may be smaller individually but accumulate quickly, particularly when dependants are included. They are also often underestimated at the planning stage, creating last-minute financial pressure. This section details the main additional charges and how they operate under UK immigration law.

1. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)

The Immigration Skills Charge is one of the most significant non-application costs. It is payable by the sponsoring organisation when assigning a CoS for Skilled Worker and some Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. For self-sponsorship, this charge must be paid in full by the sponsoring company and cannot be passed on to the sponsored worker.

Rates:

• Small or charitable sponsors: £364 for the first 12 months, then £182 for every additional six-month period. Over a five-year visa, the maximum is £1,820.
• Medium or large sponsors: £1,000 for the first 12 months, then £500 for every additional six-month period. Over a five-year visa, the maximum is £5,000.

Applicability: ISC is payable for all Skilled Worker sponsorships inside the UK, regardless of visa length. For applications made outside the UK, it is only payable where the worker will be in the UK for six months or more. The charge does not apply to dependants. Certain roles in research and education are exempt, as are some switches from Student to Skilled Worker inside the UK.

Refunds: The ISC is refunded if the visa is refused, if the worker does not start the role, or if the sponsored period is cut short. Partial refunds are issued where the worker leaves employment early or switches to another sponsor. Refunds are usually automatic once the Home Office is notified.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The Immigration Health Surcharge is another major outlay. It provides the visa holder with access to the NHS on broadly the same terms as UK residents.

• Standard rate: £1,035 per year, payable upfront for the entire visa period.
• Reduced rate: £776 per year for children under 18, students, and Youth Mobility applicants.

The IHS must be paid at the point of application. For a five-year Skilled Worker visa, this equates to £5,175 for each adult applicant. Dependants pay the same rate by category, meaning the total can escalate sharply for families. For example, a family of four (two adults and two children) applying for five years will face an IHS bill of £18,110 in addition to visa fees and other charges. Miscalculating or underpaying the IHS will invalidate the application.

3. Legal and professional fees

While not mandatory, many applicants instruct legal or immigration advisers. Professional support is particularly valuable for sponsor licence applications, where compliance is scrutinised. Services can include drafting HR policies, advising on key personnel, preparing supporting evidence, and managing the application end-to-end. Fees vary widely but typically range from £1,000 to £5,000+, depending on complexity, urgency, and family size. For applicants setting up a new sponsor company, these costs often prove worthwhile to secure a licence at the first attempt.

4. Translations and certifications

Any document not in English or Welsh must be translated by a certified translator. Each translation must include a statement of accuracy and the translator’s details. Certified copies of certain documents, such as passports or corporate records, may also be required. Costs vary but should be budgeted for in advance, especially for multi-applicant cases.

5. English language and tuberculosis (TB) testing

Applicants who cannot meet the English language requirement through nationality or qualifications must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider. Tests generally cost £150–£250. Applicants from certain countries must also undergo TB testing at a Home Office-approved clinic, which usually costs £65–£120 per person. These costs apply to the main applicant and any dependants who are required to meet the same conditions.

6. Biometric enrolment appointments

As part of the visa process, applicants must provide biometric information. In the UK, this is done at UKVCAS centres, where premium slots or added services (such as out-of-hours appointments or document scanning) carry extra charges, typically £50–£200. Overseas applicants attend visa application centres, where optional services and upgrades may also add to costs.

7. Travel and incidental costs

Applicants and dependants must travel to biometric or visa centres, potentially involving transport and accommodation expenses. While not official Home Office charges, these costs can be significant, particularly for families based far from the nearest centre.

Section Summary

Additional costs under the self-sponsorship model include the Immigration Skills Charge, Immigration Health Surcharge, professional fees, translations, English and TB testing, biometric enrolment, and travel expenses. The ISC and IHS in particular can dwarf the core visa fee, especially for families and longer visas. Accurate budgeting of both headline and hidden charges is critical to avoid invalid applications, refusals, and financial strain.

Section F: Cost Examples and Scenarios

The following worked examples illustrate how charges accumulate under self-sponsorship using today’s fees. They assume standard Skilled Worker pricing (not Health & Care), correct use of Immigration Salary List (ISL) discounts where stated, and the current ISC/IHS rules. Figures are indicative and exclude discretionary legal fees unless noted.

1. Single applicant, small sponsor, 3-year visa (outside UK)

Assumptions: New small company sponsor; defined CoS; standard Skilled Worker (not ISL/Health & Care); outside UK; visa length 3 years.

• Sponsor licence fee: £574
• CoS assignment: £525
• ISC (small/charitable): £364 (first 12m) + £182 × 4 (remaining 24m) = £1,092
• Visa fee (outside UK, ≤3 years): £769
• IHS: £1,035 × 3 = £3,105

Estimated total: £6,065 (excludes optional priority and any professional fees).

2. Single applicant, medium/large sponsor, 5-year visa (outside UK)

Assumptions: Established larger company; defined CoS; standard Skilled Worker; outside UK; visa length 5 years.

• Sponsor licence fee: £1,579
• CoS assignment: £525
• ISC (medium/large): capped at £5,000 over 5 years
• Visa fee (outside UK, >3 years): £1,519
• IHS: £1,035 × 5 = £5,175

Estimated total: £13,798 (excludes optional priority and any professional fees).

3. Family of four (2 adults, 2 children), small sponsor, 5-year visas (outside UK)

Assumptions: New small company sponsor; defined CoS for main applicant; dependants apply with main applicant; standard Skilled Worker; outside UK; visa length 5 years. Children pay reduced IHS but the same visa fee band as adults.

• Sponsor licence fee (small): £574
• CoS assignment (main applicant): £525
• ISC (small/charitable): £1,820 (5-year cap)
• Visa fees (outside UK, >3 years): £1,519 × 4 = £6,076
• IHS: Adults £5,175 × 2 = £10,350; Children £3,880 × 2 = £7,760; Total IHS = £18,110

Estimated total: £27,105 (excludes optional priority and any professional fees). This scenario shows how family applications create substantial upfront cash-flow demands.

4. Single applicant on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), small sponsor, 3-year visa (outside UK)

Assumptions: Role confirmed on the Immigration Salary List; outside UK; visa length 3 years; ISL fee band applies; standard IHS rate (not Health & Care).

• Sponsor licence fee (small): £574
• CoS assignment: £525
• ISC (small/charitable): £1,092 (as in Scenario 1)
• Visa fee (ISL rate, ≤3 years): £590
• IHS: £1,035 × 3 = £3,105

Estimated total: £5,886 (excludes optional priority and any professional fees). The ISL discount reduces the application fee but not the IHS or ISC.

Section Summary

Totals vary most with (i) sponsor size (ISC), (ii) visa length (both visa fee band and IHS), and (iii) family composition (multipliers for each applicant). ISL status reduces the visa fee but does not change IHS or ISC. Always align the fee band to the requested visa length and application location, and model cash flow to reflect that most charges are due before a decision is made.

Section G: Summary

Self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route concentrates costs at the start of the process. A compliant plan must account for the sponsor licence application, CoS assignment, the Immigration Skills Charge, visa application fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge, alongside ancillary expenses such as testing, translations, biometrics, travel, and any professional support. Most charges are due before a decision, so cash flow is a practical risk as well as a legal one if underpaid.

Sponsor size drives the Immigration Skills Charge, visa length drives both fee bands and IHS totals, and family composition multiplies every payable item. ISL and Health & Care bands reduce the application fee but do not lower the IHS, while ISC exemptions are narrow and must be verified. The removal of routine sponsor licence renewals reduces long-term cost but increases the premium on day-to-day compliance; a lapse risks licence action and could collapse the route entirely.

Accurate modelling, correct band selection, and disciplined payment controls prevent invalid or refused applications. For many applicants, the difference between an efficient, fully funded submission and a refused or delayed case is the quality of the upfront budget and the sponsor’s adherence to duties. Treat the fee table as a living tool, update it before each step, and lock payments to the precise route, length, and location shown on the CoS and application forms.

Section H: Need Assistance?

Pursuing the self-sponsorship route under the Skilled Worker visa requires careful preparation, not only to meet legal requirements but also to manage the significant upfront financial commitments. Errors in calculating or paying fees can invalidate applications, trigger refusals, and leave a record on future immigration history. For businesses, breaches of sponsorship duties risk downgrades or even revocation of the licence, closing the route entirely.

Specialist immigration advice can help ensure that all costs are accurately modelled and that applications meet Home Office requirements. Professional advisers support applicants in building compliant sponsor systems, preparing documents, navigating exemptions, and ensuring every mandatory fee is paid in full and on time. For families in particular, tailored advice helps avoid missteps that could multiply into significant financial loss.

If you are considering the self-sponsorship pathway, take advice before committing. Accurate fee planning and compliance preparation give you the best chance of a smooth and successful application, free from avoidable financial and legal risks.

Section I: FAQs

1. Do I have to pay all the fees upfront?

Yes. The Home Office requires the sponsor licence fee, CoS fee, Immigration Skills Charge (where applicable), visa application fee, and Immigration Health Surcharge to be paid in full at the point of application. Instalment payments are not accepted, and underpayment will invalidate the application.

2. Are Immigration Skills Charge payments refundable?

Refunds are issued if the visa is refused, if the worker does not start the role, or if employment ends earlier than the sponsored period. Partial refunds apply if the sponsored period is shorter than originally planned. Refunds are usually processed automatically within 90 days, but sponsors should keep accurate records to confirm eligibility.

3. Do dependants pay the same fees as the main applicant?

Yes. Dependants must pay the same visa application fee as the main applicant, unless they qualify for reduced rates (e.g. children pay the reduced IHS rate but not a reduced visa application fee). Each dependant must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge in full for the length of their visa.

4. Can professional fees be avoided?

It is legally possible to prepare and submit sponsor licence and visa applications without professional representation. However, many applicants choose to use advisers due to the complexity of sponsor licence compliance and the risks of refusal. Professional fees vary, but support can reduce the risk of costly mistakes and delays.

5. What happens if I cannot afford the costs?

If the required fees cannot be paid in full, the application cannot proceed. Attempting to apply without meeting the fee requirements will result in an invalid or refused application, leaving the applicant without immigration status. It is therefore critical to budget accurately and confirm affordability before beginning the self-sponsorship process.

6. Can fees change after I have planned my budget?

Yes. Home Office fees are subject to change, often annually and sometimes without long lead time. Applicants should always confirm the current fees directly from official Home Office sources before submitting applications. A budget based on outdated rates risks refusal due to underpayment.

Section Summary

FAQs confirm that nearly all fees are payable upfront, dependants multiply costs, refunds are available only in limited circumstances, and professional support can reduce risk but adds to expense. Above all, accurate and current fee data is essential — failure to match payment to Home Office requirements leads to invalid or refused applications.

Conclusion

The self-sponsorship route under the Skilled Worker visa offers a pathway to UK residence and employment control, but the costs are substantial and heavily concentrated at the start of the process. From sponsor licence fees through to the Immigration Health Surcharge, each stage carries non-negotiable payments that must be settled in full before the Home Office will consider an application. Dependants multiply those costs quickly, often pushing total outlays into tens of thousands of pounds.

Changes introduced in recent years — including the rise in CoS fees, adjustments to Skilled Worker visa bands, and the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List with the Immigration Salary List — mean that applicants must rely on current guidance rather than outdated assumptions. The removal of routine sponsor licence renewals has reduced some long-term cost, but the financial and compliance risks of revocation remain high.

Success in this route is built on careful planning. Accurate fee modelling, disciplined payment processes, and robust compliance systems are essential. Whether for a sole applicant or a family, the self-sponsorship model requires treating immigration costs as an investment that must be budgeted with precision. With the right preparation, applicants can avoid unexpected outlays, refusals, and compliance breaches, and instead secure the certainty that comes with lawful sponsorship in the UK.

Section J: Glossary of Key Terms

Section K: Additional Resources and Links

Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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