This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Comprehensive guide to UK work visa application fees and payment rules. Covers visa application charges, Immigration Health Surcharge, sponsor costs such as Immigration Skills Charge, payment timing and refund provisions for applicants and employers.
Applying for a United Kingdom work visa involves paying various fees and charges set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the Home Office. These costs form a legal part of the application process and must be paid correctly for a visa application to be accepted and processed. They include the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and, where relevant, charges related to employer sponsorship such as the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). Understanding what fees are due, how and when to pay them, who is responsible for payment, and what refund rights exist is essential for employers, applicants, solicitors and advisers. This article explains the current structure and practical rules governing work visa fees in the UK.
Visa Application Fees
Standard Application Charges
Most work visa applications require an application fee payable at the time the online application is submitted. The amount depends on:
- The visa category (for example, Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility routes).
- Where the application is made (inside the UK or from abroad).
- The length of the visa (typically up to three years or more than three years).
- Whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List (a list of roles that attract reduced fees).
For instance, for the Skilled Worker visa:
- From outside the UK, fees are approximately £769 for up to three years or £1,519 for more than three years.
- From inside the UK, fees are about £885 for up to three years or £1,751 for more than three years.
- If the role is on the Immigration Salary List, reduced fees apply (around £590 up to three years; £1,160 for over three years).
Each dependent (partner or child) applying to join the main applicant also pays the corresponding application fee for the same duration.
Category Variations
Different work routes and visas have distinct fees. For example, Graduate Trainee visas and Temporary Worker categories have their own fixed fee bands. The Home Office publishes exhaustive fee tables specifying charges for each type.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
What It Is
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a compulsory payment that most work visa applicants must make as part of their application. The surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as UK residents for the duration of the visa.
Current Rates and Payment Rules
The standard IHS rate is £1,035 per year of visa permission. Applicants must pay the IHS upfront for the entire duration of the visa at the time they submit the application (including any part of a year, rounded up). For example, a three‑year visa would typically incur £3,105 in IHS charges.
Reduced rates may apply in limited circumstances, such as for children under 18 on certain routes or under specific policy exemptions.
Payment is made through the UKVI online system by debit or credit card at the point of application. Evidence of IHS payment (such as a unique reference number) forms part of the visa application.
Refunds
If a visa application is refused or withdrawn before a decision, applicants may receive a full or partial refund of the IHS paid, depending on the timing and circumstances. Refunds are processed back to the original payment method.
Full refunds are typically given if the application is refused, withdrawn before a decision, or if the applicant is exempt or pays twice. Partial refunds may apply where the granted visa period is shorter than paid for or dependants are refused.
Employer‑Related Charges
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
When a UK employer sponsors a worker under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, the employer must usually pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) at the time it assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This charge helps fund UK skills training and varies according to the size of the employer and the length of the visa permission.
Employers are legally responsible for paying the ISC; attempting to pass this cost on to the sponsored employee is prohibited and may jeopardise the sponsor licence.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
Sponsors must also pay a CoS fee each time they assign a certificate to an overseas worker (covered by separate fee regulations and varying by visa type and sponsor category). This cost is typically borne by the employer as part of sponsor responsibilities.
Payment Timing and Methods
Visa application fees and the IHS must be paid when the online application is submitted. Applicants will not be able to complete their submission without paying the total amount due. Payment is managed through the UKVI online portal using accepted card payment methods.
If dependants apply at the same time, their visa fees and IHS are included in the same transaction. Some applicants may pay for priority or super priority processing services simultaneously if they choose expedited decision‑making.
Optional and Ancillary Costs
In addition to statutory fees, visa applicants may encounter optional costs:
- Priority or super‑priority processing for faster decisions (fees vary by service level).
- Translation or document certification costs if supporting evidence is not in English.
- Biometric appointment fees or service centre charges.
- English language or tuberculosis test fees where required by the visa route.
These are not compulsory but may arise depending on personal circumstances or application choices.
Refund and Dispute Rules
Application Fee Refunds
The visa application fee is generally non‑refundable once the application has been considered on its merits. However, a refund may be mandated if the application was invalid, void, or fee‑exempt and wrongly charged, or if the Home Office errs in charging. Applicants can withdraw an application before biometric enrolment or supporting evidence is submitted to seek a refund, subject to assessing whether the refund conditions are met.
IHS and ISC Refunds
Separate refund rules apply to the IHS (full or partial refunds for refusals/withdrawals) and the ISC (employer refund if visa is refused, withdrawn, or unused). Applicants and sponsors should understand these provisions to avoid unintended financial loss.
Risks and Practical Considerations
Work visa fees represent a significant upfront cost, especially for longer stays or family applications. Applicants and sponsors should plan for:
- Combined application and IHS charges, which may total several thousand pounds per applicant.
- Employer obligations to pay sponsor‑related charges such as the ISC and CoS fees.
- Timing of payments, as delays or underpayment can delay or invalidate an application.
- Non‑refundable elements if applications proceed to decision.
High fee levels have been criticised as barriers to recruitment in sectors such as science and research, prompting discussion about competitiveness and fee policy.
Common Questions
Who pays what?
Applicants usually pay the visa application fee and IHS. Employers pay sponsorship‑related charges such as the ISC and CoS fee. Costs can be shared by mutual agreement, but employers cannot legally require employees to pay the ISC.
Can fees be refunded if the visa is refused?
The IHS may be fully or partially refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn; the visa application fee is normally not refunded once the decision process starts.
Do dependants pay the same?
Yes. Each dependant pays the relevant visa application fee and IHS for the duration of the main applicant's visa permission.
Key Takeaways
Applying for a UK work visa requires careful planning of fees and payments. Applicants pay visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the time of application, with amounts varying by category, duration, location of application and whether roles qualify for reduced fees. Employers must pay sponsorship‑related charges like the Immigration Skills Charge and Certificate of Sponsorship fees. These payments must be made online and in full for the application to proceed, and in many cases non‑compliance can delay or invalidate the application. Understanding refund rules, payment methods and employer responsibilities helps applicants and sponsors manage costs and reduce financial risk.
