Work visa costs
UK Skilled Worker visa fees in total
A standard Skilled Worker application made outside the UK costs £819 for up to three years or £1,618 for more than three years Source 1,Source 2. Most applicants pay the immigration health surcharge at £1,035 per billed year Source 1,Source 3. The government's two-year outside-UK example totals £2,889, made up of £819 plus two years of surcharge Source 1.
- Checked
- 19 October 2026
Standard application fees
An application from outside the UK is £819 for permission lasting up to three years or £1,618 for more than three years. An in-country extension, switch or update is £943 for up to three years or £1,865 for longer permission Source 1,Source 2.
Health surcharge and example total
The usual health surcharge is £1,035 for each billed year. GOV.UK gives a two-year outside-UK example of £2,889, combining the £819 application fee with £2,070 of surcharge Source 1,Source 3.
Immigration Salary List fee
A qualifying job on the Immigration Salary List carries a lower application charge of £628 for up to three years or £1,235 for more than three years. The same application rates apply inside and outside the UK for this category Source 1,Source 2.
Money that is not a fee
The usual £1,270 maintenance requirement is proof of available funds, not a government payment. An employer can certify maintenance in qualifying cases Source 1.
Common questions
How much is a UK Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK?
£819 for up to three years or £1,618 for more than three years Source 1,Source 2.
What is the two-year example total?
£2,889 for a standard outside-UK application Source 1.
Is the £1,270 maintenance amount a fee?
No. It is money the applicant may need to show is available Source 1.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.