Immigration Skills Charge rates
| CoS length | Small or charitable | Medium or large |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | £480 | £1,320 |
| 2 years | £960 | £2,640 |
| 3 years | £1,440 | £3,960 |
| 4 years | £1,920 | £5,280 |
| 5 years | £2,400 | £6,600 |
See the full cost of sponsorship
The skills charge is only one part of the bill. Use the sponsorship cost calculator to add the licence fee, certificate of sponsorship, visa fee and health surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Immigration Skills Charge?
Small or charitable sponsors pay £480 for the first 12 months and £240 for each further 6 months. Medium and large sponsors pay £1,320 for the first 12 months and £660 for each further 6 months. A 5-year certificate costs £2,400 or £6,600.
Who is exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge?
You don’t pay it for workers in PhD-level occupation codes, people switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa inside the UK, certificates of less than 6 months, dependants, or some Global Business Mobility transfers.
Can the worker pay the Immigration Skills Charge?
No. The sponsor must pay it, and you must not recover it from the worker, including through a clawback clause. Doing so is grounds for revoking your sponsor licence.
Can I get a refund of the Immigration Skills Charge?
Yes. You get a full refund if the visa is refused or withdrawn, or the worker never starts. If the worker leaves early or gets a shorter visa, you get a partial refund for the unused whole 6-month periods — but the charge for the first 12 months is not refunded once they have started. Refunds are usually automatic once you report the change.
What counts as a small sponsor?
Usually a company that meets at least two of: annual turnover of £15 million or less, total assets of £7.5 million or less, and 50 employees or fewer. Charities also pay the small rate.
Official sources
Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.