What the charge is
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a fee sponsors pay for each Skilled Worker they sponsor, for every year of the sponsorship period. It's charged up front for the full period when you assign the Certificate of Sponsorship, at a lower rate for small sponsors and charities and a higher rate for medium and large organisations.
Who pays and what's exempt
The ISC is the sponsor's cost and can't be recovered from the worker. Some situations are exempt — for example certain PhD-level occupations and some short assignments. We check whether an exemption applies before budgeting a case.
Why it matters for budgeting
Because it's per year and paid up front, the ISC scales with how long you sponsor someone. For a multi-year hire it's often the largest single Home Office cost after salary — so it belongs in the budget from the outset, not as an afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Immigration Skills Charge and how much is it in 2026?
It's a per-worker, per-year sponsor fee, charged at a lower rate for small sponsors and charities and a higher rate for medium and large sponsors, paid up front for the full sponsorship period. The current figures are in our sponsor licence cost guide.
Can employers pass the Immigration Skills Charge to the worker?
No — the ISC must be paid by the sponsor and cannot be recouped from the worker's pay.
Which roles are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge?
Certain categories — for example some PhD-level occupations and some short assignments — can be exempt. We confirm whether an exemption applies to your specific role before the CoS is assigned.
Last reviewed: 16 July 2026. This guide is general information for employers, not legal advice — final decisions rest with the Home Office / UKVI.
Sources: UK Home Office / UKVI.