|
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
|
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).
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.
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.
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.
Review all upcoming visa extensions and new hires.
Assign CoS early — ideally before 16 December 2025.
Confirm CoS allocation in your SMS and submit top-up requests now.
Allow for Home Office downtime and avoid same-day deadlines.
Contact immigration advisers for timing strategy and compliance checks.