United KingdomSkilled Worker (sponsor costs)

Immigration Skills Charge rose 32% for UK sponsors

In effect since 16 Dec 2025Sources checked 28 Oct 2026

The charge sponsors pay when assigning a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship rose by 32% from 16 December 2025. For the first 12 months it is now £1,320 for medium or large sponsors and £480 for small or charitable sponsors.

Who it affects

UK employers sponsoring Skilled Workers

What the official sources say

“These Regulations may be cited as the Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and come into force on 16th December 2025.”
“Regulation 2(3) of these Regulations increases the amounts of charges payable by sponsors by 32%.”
legislation.gov.uk: The Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1324) legislation.gov.uk, checked 28 Oct 2026
“First 12 months | £480 | £1,320”
GOV.UK: UK visa sponsorship for employers, Immigration skills charge (table row) gov.uk, checked 28 Oct 2026

Quotes are copied from the official pages on the dates shown. This page is a summary, not legal advice: rules can change, so check the source before you act.

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