UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost Calculator 2026
The visa application fee is only the start — the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per adult per year is usually the biggest cost of a UK Skilled Worker visa, and it's paid upfront for the whole visa length, for every family member. This calculator adds up the true total for you, your partner and children.
Employer-side costs (sponsorship licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, Immigration Skills Charge) are paid by the employer and not included here.
Fee defaults are the published 2026 Home Office rates and change most Aprils. Always confirm on gov.uk before budgeting — and check if the cheaper Health & Care route applies to you.
How to use this tool
- Choose the visa length — 3 years is the most common initial grant; 5 years reaches settlement in one go.
- Say whether you're applying from outside or inside the UK (fees differ).
- Add your partner and children — every family member pays both the fee and IHS.
- Press Calculate to see the full upfront cost that must be paid at application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS gives you NHS access and costs £1,035 per adult per year (£776 for under-18s). It must be paid upfront for the entire visa length at the time of application — for a family of four on a 5-year visa this alone can exceed £18,000, which is why it dominates the total.
What salary do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
The general threshold for new applicants is £41,700 per year (from April 2026 rules), and your salary must also meet the going rate for your specific occupation code and at least £17.13/hour equivalent. Some health/care and shortage roles have lower thresholds.
Who pays these costs — me or my employer?
Legally the employer must pay the sponsorship costs (licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, and the Immigration Skills Charge of £1,320/year) — they cannot pass the ISC to you. The visa application fee and IHS are normally paid by the applicant, though many employers reimburse them; ask before you sign.
Can I get any of this money back?
The IHS is refunded only if the visa is refused or you don't use it. Some applicants working in health and care qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa instead, which is IHS-exempt and has lower fees — check if your occupation qualifies before paying.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes — after 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), provided you still meet the salary and residence requirements. Time on some other visas can count toward the 5 years too.