The Home Office has confirmed that visa fees will increase by 6.5% from 8 April 2026. This applies to all visa routes, including the Health and Care Worker visa, as well as dependants, students and graduate visas. The 6.5% increase also applies to Sponsor Licence fees.
Updated Costs (from 8 April 2026)
Health & Care Worker Visa
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Up to 3 years: £304 → £324 (+£20)
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Over 3 years: £590 → £628 (+£38)
These fees apply to both main applicants and their dependants.
Sponsor Licence Fees
- Sponsor licence (large sponsor): £1,579 → £1,682 (+£103)
- Sponsor licence (small sponsor): £574 → £611 (+£37)
Other Related Fees
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees remain at £525 (no change, albeit the fee increased from £239 in April 2025).
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The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) remains either £480 (smaller organisations and charities) or £1,320 (larger organisations) per sponsored worker per year, having increased by 32% in December 2025
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Workers on the Health and Care Worker visa and their dependants remain exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fees will increase from £3,029 to £3,226 per person
For clarity, the sponsoring employer is legally required to pay for the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and any associated sponsorship costs. The worker typically pays their visa application fee, although some employers choose to cover this.
Providers should advise their sponsored staff to submit visa applications or renewals before 8 April 2026 to avoid the increase. Every application filed before the deadline is processed at the current fee — even if the decision comes after.
For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 Updated 18 March 2026