What is the fees for UK Work permit?

If you are planning to move to the United Kingdom for employment, you will need a UK Work Permit, officially known as the Skilled Worker visa. Along with meeting salary and eligibility requirements, applicants must also pay certain fees. Understanding the UK work permit fees is essential to prepare for your application.

UK Work Permit (Skilled Worker Visa) Fees 2025

The application fee depends on whether your job is on the shortage occupation list and the length of your visa:

Standard application fee (up to 3 years): £719
Standard application fee (more than 3 years): £1,420
Shortage occupation fee (up to 3 years): £551
Shortage occupation fee (more than 3 years): £1,084

? Shortage occupation roles include healthcare workers, care assistants, and certain teaching jobs.

Healthcare and Social Care Worker Fees

Healthcare and social care workers pay a reduced fee:

£284 if applying for up to 3 years
£551 if applying for more than 3 years

This makes it easier for essential workers to come to the UK.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

In addition to visa fees, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:

£1,035 per year of stay in the UK
Example: A 3-year visa means £3,105 in IHS fees

This gives access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Other Costs to Consider

Biometric enrollment fee: Around £19.20 (for fingerprints and photo).
Translation and certification of documents: £50–£200 depending on the number of documents.
Priority or super-priority processing (optional): £500–£1,000 extra.

Payment Method

Fees can be paid online during your application.
Payment is usually made by credit/debit card.
Both the visa application fee and IHS surcharge must be paid in full before submission.

The UK work permit (Skilled Worker visa) fees in 2025 range from £284 to £1,420 depending on job type and visa length, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Applicants should also budget for additional costs such as biometrics and document processing. Proper financial planning ensures a smooth application process.