Skilled Worker Visa Cost Calculator 2028
Skilled Worker visa costs in 2028: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa in 2028? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Skilled Worker
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Skilled Worker application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (up to 3 years) | £819 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 | £1,035 per year of the visa; e.g. £3,105 for 3 years. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,000 – £5,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service (5 working days): £500 · Super priority service (next working day): £1,000
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Skilled Worker
- 1
Employer holds a sponsor licence
The employer must have a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence before it can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- 2
Certificate of Sponsorship issued
The CoS is issued electronically, confirming job title, SOC occupation code, salary and start date. It's valid for 3 months from issue, and the visa application must be submitted within that window.
- 3
Confirm skill level and salary
Since 22 July 2025, the default skill requirement is RQF Level 6 (bachelor's-degree equivalent); medium-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) only qualify if on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. Salary must meet the general £41,700/year threshold or the role's specific "going rate," whichever is higher.
- 4
Submit the online application and pay fees
Pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and (optionally) a priority service fee at submission.
- 5
Biometrics and decision
Overseas applicants attend a Visa Application Centre; in-UK applicants typically use UKVCAS or the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app. Standard decisions take about 3 weeks from outside the UK, or about 8 weeks for in-country switching/extension.
Typical processing time: Standard decisions take about 3 weeks from outside the UK, or about 8 weeks for in-country switching/extension. Priority (£500) and super priority (£1,000) services can speed this up where available — confirm current terms and availability on gov.uk before relying on a specific turnaround.
Documents you'll need
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Valid passport
- Proof of English at CEFR B2 (exemptions apply for certain nationalities and UK-taught degrees)
- Proof of qualifications, if the CoS specifies they're required for the role
- Maintenance funds evidence — £1,270 held for 28 days, unless the sponsor certifies it will cover the worker's first month
- Criminal record certificate, for roles in education, healthcare or social care
- TB test certificate, for applicants from listed countries
Common mistakes to avoid
- Offered salary below the general £41,700 threshold or the role's specific "going rate"
- Job doesn't meet the required skill level (RQF 6 by default since July 2025), or the occupation code doesn't match the actual duties
- Certificate of Sponsorship problems — expired past its 3-month window, incorrectly issued, or a sponsor compliance issue
- Maintenance funds not held for the full 28 days, or below £1,270 with no valid sponsor certification
- Missing or insufficient English language evidence
Sources: gov.uk — Skilled Worker visa · gov.uk — documents you must provide · gov.uk — your job (skill & salary rules)
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £1,854 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £3,854 – £6,854 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £6,389 – £10,424 |
How to save money on your Skilled Worker
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,000–£5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Skilled Worker cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a Skilled Worker visa in 2028 ranges from about £3,854 to £10,424, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Skilled Worker application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Skilled Worker visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Skilled Worker visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.