Fee snapshot
Government fee
USD 948–1781
Service / VAC
USD 55–200
Biometrics
USD 25
Who pays more, who pays less
Pays more: Workers on Shortage Occupation roles still pay the standard fee from April 2026, but the Immigration Skills Charge (paid by sponsor) is GBP 1,000 per year and is often passed through informally.
Pays less: Health and Care Worker visa applicants (eligible SOC codes) pay a reduced application fee and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Payment, premium options & refunds
Paid online during application; IHS is paid in a single lump sum and is a hard prerequisite for the visa to be issued.
Premium service: Priority (5 working days) / Super-Priority (next business day) (~USD 670).
Refund policy: Application fee is non-refundable once biometrics are submitted; IHS is refunded if the visa is refused.
Common cost mistakes
- Confusing the application fee with the issuance fee — some countries charge both
- Paying a third-party agent's mark-up without realising the official fee is fixed
- Forgetting that biometrics and IHS / insurance are paid upfront, not after approval
Travel insurance for this trip
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected travel expenses while abroad.
- Medical emergencies
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
Frequently asked questions
How much does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa cost in 2026?⌄
The government fee is USD 948–1781, plus USD 55–200 in service / VAC charges. Biometrics add approximately USD 25.
Is the Skilled Worker Visa fee refundable if refused?⌄
Application fee is non-refundable once biometrics are submitted; IHS is refunded if the visa is refused.
Who pays more for this visa?⌄
Workers on Shortage Occupation roles still pay the standard fee from April 2026, but the Immigration Skills Charge (paid by sponsor) is GBP 1,000 per year and is often passed through informally.
Who pays less or is exempt?⌄
Health and Care Worker visa applicants (eligible SOC codes) pay a reduced application fee and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What are the hidden costs?⌄
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — GBP 1,035 per year per applicant, paid upfront for full visa length TB test certificate for applicants from 100+ listed countries (USD 75–110) Certified translation of qualifications where not in English English language test (IELTS UKVI / PTE Academic UKVI) ~ GBP 200
How is the fee paid?⌄
Paid online during application; IHS is paid in a single lump sum and is a hard prerequisite for the visa to be issued.
Is there a faster, paid option?⌄
Yes — Priority (5 working days) / Super-Priority (next business day) (~USD 670).