Today (15th September 2023) the Home Office has announced a range of immigration fee increases set to take effect on 4th October 2023. This follows the government announcement back in July 2023 of a 15% increase in the cost of most visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship.
Focusing on the implications for the Social Care sector, the cost for a Health and Care Worker visa will increase from £247 to £284 (+£37), where a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) has been issued for three years or less, and from £479 to £551 (+£72), where a CoS has been issued for over three years.
The cost of a CoS is also increasing from £199 to £239 (+£40).
In addition, the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.
Today’s changes do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is scheduled to increase by 66%, from £624 to £1,035 per person per year later this Autumn. However, this will not impact on social care providers, as Health and Care Worker visa holders are currently exempt from paying this.
Finally, there are no changes to the cost of a Sponsor Licence, or the Immigration Skills Charge.
Revised Fees from 4th October 2023
Sponsor Licence (unchanged)
- £536 – small organisations (employing 50 people or less and with assets under £5m)
- £1,476 – larger organisations
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- £239 (up from £199)
Health and Care Worker Visa
- £284 – up to 3 years (up from £247)
- £551 – over 3 years (up from £479)
Immigration Skills Charge (unchanged)
- £364 – small organisations
- £1,000 – larger organisations
For more detailed information on these adjustments and other fee revisions, please consult the full guidance here.