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The UK government proposes significant fee hikes for foreign worker visa sponsorships, aiming to reduce taxpayer funding for immigration services. Employers must prepare for increased costs.

The United Kingdom is preparing to announce significant fee hikes for visa sponsorship of foreign workers. This move, spearheaded by the Home Office, is part of a broader effort to reduce taxpayer funding for the country’s migration and borders system. 

The proposed changes include increased costs for immigration services such as the issuance of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), a crucial document required for skilled workers to obtain visas. 

What are Certificates of Sponsorship? 
Certificates of Sponsorship are electronic records issued by UK employers to foreign workers they intend to hire. These certificates are essential for individuals applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK. Each certificate contains a unique number that the worker uses to apply for their visa. 

Current and Proposed Costs for Sponsorship 
Currently, the cost for issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship is £239. However, the proposed changes could see this fee rise to £525. This adjustment represents more than a twofold increase, significantly impacting the budgets of UK employers relying on international talent.

The cost of a CoS varies based on the type of sponsor license an employer holds. Organizations will need to reassess their immigration budgets to prepare for these additional expenses and ensure readiness for sponsoring foreign workers.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers 
Employers operating under the Skilled Worker visa route must account for these proposed fee increases when planning their budgets. The rising costs could pose challenges for businesses heavily reliant on foreign talent, potentially requiring strategic adjustments to maintain competitiveness in a global workforce. 

For foreign workers, the increased fees may add financial strain, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate visa applications. Employers should provide comprehensive guidance to their sponsored employees to navigate these changes effectively. 

Approval and Implementation Timeline 
The fee changes were laid before Parliament on January 16, 2025, and are currently awaiting approval. The exact implementation date remains uncertain, as the changes must undergo legal processes before being finalized. 

Final Words 
The proposed fee hikes for foreign worker visa sponsorship reflect the UK’s broader goals of financial self-sufficiency and modernization in its immigration system. While these changes aim to reduce taxpayer reliance, they also place additional financial burdens on employers and foreign workers.

Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-to-double-visa-sponsorship-fees-for-foreign-workers-in-2025/