Upcoming Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): What Sponsors Need to Know

What's Changing

Applies to:

• Skilled Worker route

• Senior or Specialist Worker (formerly ICT) route

Effective date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Cost comparison example

For small or charitable sponsors, a 3-year visa will now cost £1,440 (up from £1,092).

Recommendations for Sponsors

• Plan ahead for new hires and visa extensions due in late 2025 or early 2026.

• To avoid the higher ISC, ensure the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned before 16 December 2025.

• Once assigned, a CoS must be used within 3 months, and visa applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the intended start date.

CoS Application Tips and Timelines

• In-country visa applications:

  • Check your current allocation in the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

  • If more are needed:

    • Standard service can take up to 18 weeks.

    • Priority service (£350) provides a faster turnaround of approximately 5 working days.

• Overseas visa applications:

  • A defined CoS must be requested.

  • Usually processed within 1–2 working days, though delays occur if UKVI requests further information.

  • Submit requests early to avoid timing issues.

Important Timing Note

The Home Office often closes the SMS system from around 6pm the evening before such changes — sometimes earlier — so complete all actions well in advance.

What sponsors should do now

1. Review all upcoming visa extensions and new hires.

2. Assign CoS early — ideally before 16 December 2025.

3. Confirm CoS allocation in your SMS and submit top-up requests now.

4. Allow for Home Office downtime and avoid same-day deadlines.

5. Contact immigration advisers for timing strategy and compliance checks.