Are you struggling with understanding Tier 2 visa fees clearly? UK immigration processes can feel complicated, especially when dealing with visa costs. At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we simplify your immigration journey, providing transparent guidance on Tier 2 visa fees and ensuring a stress-free application process.
Need expert advice on Tier 2 visa fees? Contact us at:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Schedule your consultation now.
What is the Tier 2 Visa (Skilled Worker Visa)?
Formerly known as Tier 2, the Skilled Worker visa allows UK employers to hire skilled talent from abroad. Applicants and employers must clearly understand Tier 2 visa fees to budget effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
Eligibility Criteria:
Confirmed job offer from a licensed UK employer.
Job meets minimum salary requirements.
English language proficiency.
Who Can Get Fee Exemptions or Reductions for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Wondering if you might pay less—or nothing at all—when applying for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Visa? The Home Office does offer fee exemptions and reductions for certain applicants, taking into account things like occupation, financial need, or challenging personal circumstances.
You may qualify for a reduced or waived fee if you fall into one of these groups:
- Individuals in shortage occupations: If you’ve got a job offer for a role listed on the Immigration Salary List (similar to what used to be known as “shortage occupations”), your application fee is typically lower than for standard roles.
- Health and care workers: Medical professionals and their families—think nurses, doctors, and carers—can often access the Health and Care Visa, which comes with its own reduced fees as a thank-you for supporting the NHS and wider health sector.
- Humanitarian protections: Anyone granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK is generally exempt from some fees, helping them start a new chapter more easily.
Additional circumstances may also make you eligible for a discount or waiver:
- Financial hardship: If affording the visa fee would cause serious financial difficulty, you can apply for a fee waiver. The Home Office will want to see thorough evidence of your financial situation before making a decision.
- Victims of special circumstances: If you’ve experienced situations like trafficking or domestic abuse, you may also qualify for a fee reduction, subject to providing strong supporting documentation.
If you believe you fall into any of the categories above, make sure to gather clear supporting evidence for your application—eligibility is assessed individually. Not sure if you qualify? Our team at Primus Solicitors is here to guide you through the process and help you understand your options.
What are the costs for UK employers to obtain and maintain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence?
Understanding the financial side of hiring skilled workers from abroad is crucial—not just for employees, but for employers too. If you’re a UK employer looking to sponsor international talent under the Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) route, you’ll need a valid sponsor licence. But what will it actually cost you? Let’s break it down in plain English.
Sponsor Licence Application Fees
The Home Office charges employer sponsor licence fees based on the size and type of your organisation:
- Small businesses and charities: £574
- Large organisations: £1,579
Wondering if you qualify as a small business? According to the Companies Act, if your organisation meets at least two of the following, you’re considered “small”:
- Annual turnover of £10.2 million or less
- No more than 50 employees
- Balance sheet total not exceeding £5.1 million
If not, you’re counted as a large company and will pay the higher fee.
Optional Priority Processing
Need to move things along quickly? For an extra £500, you can request priority service. This means your sponsor licence application is fast-tracked and typically reviewed within 10 working days—a handy option if you’ve already found the perfect candidate and want to speed up their start date.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Once you’re a licensed sponsor, you’ll pay a fee each time you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a new skilled worker. That’s a set fee of £525 per certificate.
At a glance:
- Sponsor licence (small business/charity): £574
- Sponsor licence (large company): £1,579
- Priority service fee: £500 (optional)
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £525 per worker
Factoring these costs into your hiring plan can make the recruitment process smoother and prevent surprises when onboarding new international employees.
Detailed Breakdown of Tier 2 Visa Fees
Here is a clear breakdown of the current Tier 2 visa fees:
1. Visa Application Fees
| Visa Type & Duration | Applying outside UK | Applying inside UK |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 years (shortage occupation) | £479 | £479 |
| Up to 3 years (standard occupation) | £719 | £719 |
| Over 3 years (shortage occupation) | £943 | £943 |
| Over 3 years (standard occupation) | £1,420 | £1,420 |
£624 per year (Example: a three-year visa totals £1,872)
How Partial Years Impact Your IHS Fee
The IHS isn’t always neatly calculated in full years—sometimes your visa will cover an extra few months. Here’s how that works:
- If your visa includes less than 6 months beyond a full year, you’ll pay only half of the annual rate for that portion.
- If you’re granted more than 6 months beyond a full year, you’ll be charged for a full extra year.
So, whether your stay stretches just a bit over or nearly an entire year more, the amount you owe adjusts accordingly. This makes it important to check the exact duration of your visa so you know what to budget for the surcharge.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
Employers pay £199 per employee.
4. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
Small business: £364/year per employee
Medium/Large business: £1,000/year per employee
5. Optional Priority Processing
Priority: £573
Super Priority: £956
Detailed official information can be found on the UK Government website.
6. Biometric Enrolment Fee
All Tier 2 visa applicants are required to enroll their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process. The current fee for this biometric appointment is £19.20 per person. Make sure to factor this cost into your overall visa budget.
Can Employers Cover Tier 2 Visa Fees for Employees?
You might be wondering whether your future employer will foot the bill for your Tier 2 visa application. While there’s no legal obligation for employers to pay these fees, some organisations do choose to cover part or all of the costs—sometimes as a perk in their employment offer, or as a way to make relocation more attractive.
What’s covered will vary from company to company. Some may pay the application and IHS fees, while others might only cover the Certificate of Sponsorship or the Immigration Skills Charge. As each employer’s policy can be different, it’s a smart move to clarify this during your job discussions or before accepting an offer, so you know exactly what’s included and can budget for any remaining expenses.
Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer, Sportsperson, and Ministry of Religion Visa Fees
If you’re considering a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer, Sportsperson, or Ministry of Religion visa, here’s a straightforward look at the associated fees for each category:
1. Application Fees
Visa Type & Duration Applying outside UK Applying inside UK Up to 3 years £719 £827 Over 3 years £1,420 £1,636 Note: These fees apply for each applicant. Always check the latest guidance on the UK Government website for possible updates.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- £1,035 per year per applicant
- Example costs:
- Two years: £2,070
- 2.5 years: £2,587.50
- Three years: £3,105
As with the Skilled Worker visa, partial years are calculated separately, so if your stay includes additional months beyond full years, you’ll need to pay for that time as well.
3. Biometric Enrolment Fee
- £19.20 per applicant for biometric verification (fingerprints and photograph)
4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee
- £239 per applicant
Your employer provides the CoS and covers this fee.
5. Optional Priority and Super Priority Processing
- Priority Service: £500 for expedited processing
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 for fastest turnaround
These fee structures are consistent across the Intra-Company Transfer, Sportsperson, and Ministry of Religion categories, making it easier to budget your application. For the most current details or to double-check for any recent updates, refer to the official UK Government guidance.
Employer Costs for Becoming a Skilled Worker Sponsor
To sponsor Skilled Worker visas, employers need to consider a few essential costs:
- Sponsor Licence Application Fee: This is a one-time payment to register as a licensed sponsor. Fees vary depending on your organization’s size and type.
- Small or charitable sponsors: £536
- Medium or large sponsors: £1,476
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): For each worker you sponsor, there is a fee of £199 per CoS.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): This is payable for each sponsored worker, calculated annually.
- Small businesses or charities: £364 per year
- All other businesses: £1,000 per year
It’s important to budget for these amounts as part of your overall sponsorship responsibilities. For complete and current guidance, refer directly to the https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers.
Factors Influencing Tier 2 Visa Fees
Several key factors affect your Tier 2 visa fees:
Occupation: Fees differ for shortage vs standard occupations.
Visa Length: Longer visa durations have higher fees.
Dependants: Additional family members incur separate fees.
Expedited Processing: Priority services increase costs significantly.
Exemptions and Reductions
Some Skilled Worker visa applicants may benefit from reduced or waived fees. For example:
- Health and care professionals—including NHS workers—can often apply at a lower rate or with exemption, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme and other special categories might find certain reductions apply as well.
Always check the latest official guidance to see if you qualify for any fee relief before submitting your application.
Minimising Your Tier 2 Visa Fees
To effectively minimise your Tier 2 visa fees:
Plan Early: Avoid unnecessary priority fees.
Use Shortage Occupations: Fees are lower for these roles.
Professional Advice: Seek expert assistance from Primus Solicitors Manchester to avoid costly mistakes.
Book your consultation today to discuss your visa application strategy.
Real-Life Example: Saving on Tier 2 Visa Fees
John, an IT specialist in Manchester, initially misunderstood the Tier 2 visa fees structure. With guidance from Primus Solicitors, John correctly identified his role as a shortage occupation, significantly reducing his fees and avoiding extra charges.
Need expert advice on Tier 2 visa fees? Contact us at:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Schedule your consultation now.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Tier 2 Visa
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm your role qualifies under the Skilled Worker criteria.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Passport
CoS reference
Salary and employment details
English language evidence
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Apply via the official UK government portal.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Clearly calculate and pay all relevant Tier 2 visa fees and IHS charges.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics
Complete biometric enrolment appointment.
Step 6: Await Decision
Processing typically takes 3–8 weeks, faster with priority services.
FAQs About Tier 2 Visa Fees
How long does Tier 2 visa processing take?
Standard processing usually takes around 3–8 weeks. If you opt for priority processing, it can significantly reduce this timeframe to as little as 5 working days.
Are Tier 2 visa fees refundable if the application is refused?
Generally, visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payments are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Can my family apply for a visa at the same time as me?
Yes, your dependants (spouse and children under 18) can apply alongside you, but each family member will incur separate application fees and IHS charges.
Who pays the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)?
The Immigration Skills Charge must be paid by your sponsoring employer, not by the individual applicant.
Is professional advice mandatory for Tier 2 visa applications?
While professional advice isn’t legally mandatory, it is highly recommended to avoid common mistakes, reduce delays, and potentially lower overall costs.
Do Tier 2 visa fees differ depending on nationality?
Visa application fees are consistent regardless of nationality, although some additional costs like biometric enrolment fees can vary slightly by country.
Can I pay Tier 2 visa fees in instalments?
No, Tier 2 visa fees and related charges, such as the IHS, must be paid upfront when submitting your application.
How can Primus Solicitors help me save on Tier 2 visa fees?
Primus Solicitors can guide you through eligibility criteria, ensure documentation accuracy, and help avoid costly mistakes, thus significantly reducing your overall visa expenses.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only. Seek tailored advice directly from qualified immigration solicitors.
Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester Today
Need expert advice on Tier 2 visa fees? Contact us at:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Schedule your consultation now.
