---
title: "Upcoming Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): What Sponsors Need to Know"
description: The Immigration Skills Charge will rise on 16 December 2025. Learn the new rates, deadlines, and steps for sponsors to avoid higher costs on Skilled Worker and Specialist Worker visas.
---

[UK Immigration Articles and Resources ](https://www.paragonlaw.co.uk/resources)

# [Upcoming Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): What Sponsors Need to Know](https://www.paragonlaw.co.uk/resources/upcoming-increase-to-the-immigration-skills-charge-isc-what-sponsors-need-to-know)

 Written by [Thal Vasishta](https://www.paragonlaw.co.uk/resources/author/thal-vasishta) | Nov 4, 2025 12:17:07 PM

## What's Changing

| **Sponsor Type** | **Current Rate ** | **New Rate (from 16 December 2025** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard rate  | £1,000 per visa year | £1,320 per visa year |
| Small/charitable sponsors  | £364 per visa year | £480 per visa year |

**Applies to:**

- Skilled Worker route
- Senior or Specialist Worker (formerly ICT) route

**Effective date:** **Tuesday, 16 December 2025**

## **Cost comparison example **

| Duration | **Old ISC (Standard)** | **New ISC (Standard)** | **Difference** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 year | £1,000 | £1,320 | +£320 |
| 3 years | £3,000 | £3,960 | +£960 |
| 5 years | £5,000 | £6,600 | +£1,600 |

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.

[View full post](https://www.paragonlaw.co.uk/resources/upcoming-increase-to-the-immigration-skills-charge-isc-what-sponsors-need-to-know)

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