Immigration Skills Charge Skilled Worker
When applying for a skilled worker visa the company might have to pay an additional charge. Also known as the skills levy the charge is applied when your level 1 user assigns a certificate of sponsorship to someone applying for a Skilled Worker or Intra-company Transfer visa. This is called the ‘immigration skills charge’.
The immigration skills charge applies to the following visa scenarios.
- Making a skilled worker application outside the UK to work in the UK for 6 months or more
- Making a skilled worker application inside the UK for any length of time
When you do not need to pay
You will not pay the immigration skills charge if you’re sponsoring someone:
- on an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa
- who is on a visa to study in the UK, and switches to a Skilled Worker or Intra-company Transfer visa
You won’t have to pay the charge if you’re sponsoring someone whose job falls within the following categories occupation codes:
- chemical scientists (2111)
- biological scientists and biochemists (2112)
- physical scientists (2113)
- social and humanities scientists (2114)
- natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified (2119)
- research and development managers (2150)
- higher education teaching professionals (2311)
- clergy (2444)
- sports players (3441)
- sports coaches, instructors or officials (3442)
The skills charge applies to the main applicant. If the main applicant has dependants such as a partner and child the company will not have to pay an additional skills charge.
What if the person your are sponsoring changes job codes?
If you’ve assigned a certificate of sponsorship to someone who has moved to a new job within your organisation, you’ll need to assign them a new certificate of sponsorship at which point the skills charge will be applied. The individual will have to apply for a visa.
You must pay the immigration skills charge for the full length of their visa. If the new certificate of sponsorship allows the worker more time on their visa, you’ll need to pay for this extra time.
At what point do I pay the Immigration Skills Charge?
You pay the immigration skills charge when you assign a certificate of sponsorship to the worker.
How much does it cost?
The amount you need to pay depends on the size of the company and how long the certificate of sponsorship is valid for.
Table1 – Shows an example of the fees.
| Period | Small or charitable sponsors | Medium or large sponsors |
| First 12 months | £364 | £1,000 |
| Each additional 6 months | £182 | £500 |
Do I get a Refund if the candidate decides not to work for us?
You’ll get a refund if the worker’s visa application is:
- refused or withdrawn
- successful, but they do not come to work for you
How long does it take to get a refund?
You usually get a refund within 90 days of informing the UKVI
Need some help?
Our team are experienced advisers who specialise in the Skilled Worker route for companies who hold a sponsor licence. if you have any questions. Call us.
