Corporate Immigration update — UKVI Fee Update
Overview
On 18 March 2026, the Home Office published their revised immigration and nationality fees which will take effect from 8 April 2026.
Who will be affected?
Sponsors looking to hire new talent or renew existing visas under the skilled worker or global business mobility visa categories (including support for ILR) will be affected.
Background
As per the Home Office’s annual review of fees, the current fees have been increased to reflect inflation, with a 6-7% uplift in fees. The fee increase is relatively modest in isolation; however, the cumulative effect of consecutive fee hikes is expected to raise the overall cost of hiring and relocating international talent to the UK.
Impact
Sponsors planning to hire talent form outside the UK or looking to extend visas for current employees, will be required to undertake a review of the potential effect the fee hikes will have on budget assessments.
Where possible, we would advise sponsors to look to submit applications prior to 8 April 2026.
Please see below for a list of fee changes:
Applications made outside the UK
| Fees Category | Current Fee | Fee from 8 April 2026
|
| Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £127 | £135 |
| Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £475 | £506 |
| Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £848 | £903 |
| Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £1,059 | £1,128 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £769 | £819 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,519 | £1,618 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £769 | £819 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years -main applicant and dependants | £1,519 | £1,618 |
Applications made inside the UK
| Fees Category
|
Current Fee | Fee from 8 April 2026 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependants | £885 | £943 |
| Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependants | £1,751 | £1,865 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £885 | £943 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years -main applicant and dependants | £1,751 | £1,865 |
| Indefinite leave to remain – main applicant and dependants | £3,029 | £3,226 |
Date of implementation
8 April 2026
Santa Fe recommendation
As a possible immediate action, employers may wish to consider submitting sponsored worker applications before 8 April 2026 where possible.
Additionally, it is advisable for employers to review upcoming recruitment and budgeting assessments, and review company guidance to reflect the fee increases for internal key stakeholders.
Santa Fe can assist employers with budgeting assessments to make sure appropriate impact analysis is undertaken for future applications, and recruitment cycles. Furthermore, we can assist employers undertake eligibility assessments on applications they may wish to submit prior to 8 April 2026.
Contact us
Please get in touch with us for further information or clarification:
Sachini Gamage
Immigration Manager — UK
Santa Fe Relocation
+44 20 3457 3595
sachini.gamage@santaferelo.com
About our Immigration Services
Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.
