Applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa represents a significant financial investment. Understanding the full range of costs involved is a crucial step in planning your move to the UK. The total amount you need to pay is made up of three distinct components: the visa application fee, the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge, and the funds required to support yourself upon arrival.
This guide provides a clear and comprehensive breakdown of all the costs you need to budget for. Our team of specialist immigration advisors offers transparent advice on fees from the very start, ensuring you have a full picture of the financial commitment required for you and your family, with no hidden surprises.
The Three Core Costs of a Skilled Worker Visa
You must be prepared to cover the following three main expenses.
1. The Visa Application Fee
This is the standard government fee for processing your application. The amount you pay depends on the duration of your visa (as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship) and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
Standard Application Fees:
| Visa for up to 3 years | Visa for more than 3 years | |
| Applying from outside the UK | £769 per person | £1,519 per person |
| Applying from inside the UK | £885 per person | £1,751 per person |
Reduced Fee for Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL):
If your job is on the official Immigration Salary List (ISL), you and your family benefit from a lower application fee.
- Visa for up to 3 years: £590 per person
- Visa for more than 3 years: £1,160 per person
(This fee is the same whether you apply from inside or outside the UK).
2. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is a mandatory upfront payment that gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your visa.
- Cost: The IHS is £1,035 per person, per year of your visa. You must pay for the full duration of your visa at the time of application.
- Example Calculation: If you are applying for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, the IHS payment for you alone will be 3 x £1,035 = £3,105. If you are applying with a partner and a child, the total IHS for your family would be £3,105 x 3 = £9,315.
- Health and Care Worker Visa Exemption: A major benefit of the specialist Health and Care Worker visa is a full exemption from the IHS payment, representing a significant saving.
3. The Maintenance Funds Requirement
You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself when you first arrive in the UK. This is to ensure you do not need to rely on public funds.
- Required Amount: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account.
- The Critical 28-Day Rule: This money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of you submitting your visa application. The balance cannot drop below £1,270 for even one day.
- Dependants: Your partner and children must also meet a separate maintenance requirement.
When You Do NOT Need to Show Maintenance Funds:
You are exempt from this requirement, and do not need to provide bank statements, if either:
- You have already been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
- Your A-rated sponsor agrees to ‘certify your maintenance’ on your Certificate of Sponsorship. This is an official declaration from your employer that they will cover your costs up to £1,270 during your first month if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Skilled Worker Visa Costs
Q: Do I pay all the fees at once?
A: Yes. You must pay the full visa application fee and the entire Immigration Health Surcharge for the full duration of your visa when you submit your online application.
Q: Can my employer pay for my visa?
A: Yes, many employers offer sponsorship packages that include covering the visa application fees and sometimes the IHS. This is a commercial arrangement between you and your employer.
Q: Are there any other hidden costs?
A: You should also budget for potential additional costs, such as English language tests, TB screening certificates, Ecctis assessments for overseas degrees, and any fees for priority processing services if you need a faster decision.
Plan Your Finances with Confidence and Expert Advice
The financial aspect of a Skilled Worker visa is a significant undertaking. A miscalculation of the IHS or a mistake in your maintenance fund evidence can lead to refusal and the loss of your application fees. Our specialist advisors provide:
- A Clear and Accurate Cost Breakdown: We calculate the exact total cost for you and your family from the outset.
- Meticulous Maintenance Fund Checks: We review your bank statements to ensure they perfectly meet the strict 28-day rule.
- Advice on Sponsor Certification: We can liaise with your employer to see if they can certify your maintenance, simplifying your application.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.