Are you planning to work in the UK? If yes, you need to understand the Tier 2 visa application fee (skilled worker visa fee). The Tier 2 visa is now called the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa allows skilled professionals, including Indians to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a licensed UK employer.
For Indian applicants, the skilled worker visa fee varies based on the length of your intended stay and the specifics of your job offer. As of October 4, 2023, the standard application fee ranges from GBP 719 to GBP 1,639. Health surcharges also apply. Let’s explore all the details related to the skilled worker visa fee.
Table of contents
- What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Tier 2 Visa Application Fee (Skilled Worker Visa Fee)
- Skilled Worker Visa Fee for Indians in INR
- Additional Costs Involved for Skilled Worker Visa Fee
- Factors Affecting Skilled Worker Visa Fee
- Minimum Bank Balance for Skilled Worker Visa
- Processing Time for Skilled Worker Visa Fees
- How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- FAQs
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows international professionals to work in the UK and UK waters. It replaced the Tier 2 visa. This visa is for individuals with skills needed by UK employers.
To qualify for the worker’s UK visa, you must:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer.
- Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Meet the required salary threshold.
- Prove English proficiency.
The visa is valid for up to 5 years. You can extend it or apply for permanent residency later.
Tier 2 Visa Application Fee (Skilled Worker Visa Fee)
When applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, you need to consider several costs. The Tier 2 Visa Application Fee (Skilled Worker Visa Fee) ranges from GBP 719 to GBP 1,639, depending on job type and duration.
Additionally, applicants must pay a healthcare surcharge of GBP 1,035 per year and have at least GBP 1,270 in available funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Those applying for jobs on the Immigration Salary List benefit from reduced visa fees. Below is a table to help you understand the UK visa application fee structure in INR.
Standard Application Fees for Skilled Worker Visa
| Visa Duration | Application Fee per Applicant |
| Up to 3 years | GBP 719 |
| More than 3 years | GBP 1,420 |
Skilled Worker Visa Fee for Extension/ Switch/ Update within the UK
Additionally, if you are applying from inside the UK to extend, switch, or update your visa, the fee structure is different. Below is a breakdown of the fees for such applications:
| Visa Duration | Application Fee per Applicant |
| Up to 3 years | GBP 827 |
| More than 3 years | GBP 1,636 |
Shortage Occupation Fees (Job on Immigration Salary List)
| Visa Duration | Application Fee per Applicant |
| Up to 3 years | GBP 551 |
| More than 3 years | GBP 1,084 |
Skilled Worker Visa Fee for Indians in INR
The application fee for Skilled Worker Visa for Indians varies based on factors such as job type, visa duration, and whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List or falls under the Health and Care Visa category. Below is a simplified table to help you understand the fee structure in INR.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (INR) |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Up to 3 years | INR 81,954 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | More than 3 years | INR 1,61,856 |
| Skilled Worker (Job on Immigration Salary List) | Up to 3 years | INR 62,805 |
| Skilled Worker (Job on Immigration Salary List) | More than 3 years | INR 1,23,558 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa | Up to 3 years | INR 32,371 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa | More than 3 years | INR 62,805 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa (Job on Immigration Salary List) | Up to 3 years | INR 32,371 |
| Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa (Job on Immigration Salary List) | More than 3 years | INR 62,805 |
Understanding these fees will help you plan your budget for working in the UK.
Also Read: The details about the Education Loan for Masters in Entrepreneurship in the UK. Read the blog to know more.
Additional Costs Involved for Skilled Worker Visa Fee
Apart from the Tier 2 visa fee or the skilled worker visa fee, there are additional charges that applicants must consider. These costs cover essential services like healthcare, biometric verification, and optional priority processing. Proper planning for these expenses will ensure a smooth visa application process and avoid unexpected financial burdens.
| Charge Type | Amount |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | GBP 1,035 per year |
| Biometric Fee | Around GBP 19.20 |
| Priority Service Fee (Optional) | GBP 500 to GBP 1,000 for faster processing |
| Proof of Funds Requirement | At least GBP 1,270 in your bank account unless exempt |
Factors Affecting Skilled Worker Visa Fee
The application fee for Skilled Worker Visa varies based on multiple factors, including the job type, visa duration, and whether the job falls under the shortage occupation list.
Below are the key elements that can affect your Skilled Worker Visa Fee:
Visa Duration
The length of time you plan to stay in the UK directly impacts the visa fee.
- Up to 3 years– Lower application fee.
- More than 3 years- Higher application fee.
Job Type & Shortage Occupation List
- You will pay a reduced visa fee if your job is on the Shortage Occupation List.
- Jobs in healthcare, engineering, and IT often fall under this category.
- Non-shortage occupations require higher fees.
Application Location (Inside or Outside the UK)
- If you apply outside the UK, you pay the standard visa fee.
- If you are already in the UK and applying to extend, switch, or update your visa, the fee might be slightly different.
Priority or Standard Processing
- Standard visa processing is included in the fee.
- If you choose priority processing, you must pay an additional charge for faster results.
- Super priority service (if available) costs more than standard priority processing.
Healthcare Surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge – IHS)
- All applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access UK healthcare.
- This is GBP 1,035 per year and is paid upfront for the entire visa duration.
- If you apply for a 3-year visa, you will need to pay GBP 3,105 in IHS fees.
Employer Sponsorship & Financial Support
- If your employer covers your first month’s expenses (up to GBP 1,270), you may not need to prove your own savings.
- Some employers may also cover part of your visa costs, reducing your financial burden.
Additional Dependents
- If you are bringing family members (spouse, children), you need to pay a visa fee for each dependent.
- You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each dependent.
Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations
- Visa fees are set in GBP, but when paying from India, the amount in INR (₹) varies based on exchange rates.
- Fluctuations in currency can increase or decrease the total amount in INR.
Changes in UK Government Policies
- The UK government can revise visa fees based on economic and immigration policies.
- Any changes will impact new applications or extensions.
Also Read: Check out this blog on Heathrow Airport Currency Exchange in the UK. Know the providers, locations, fees, and alternatives to save money.
Minimum Bank Balance for Skilled Worker Visa
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must show that you have a minimum bank balance for a UK visa to support yourself in the country. You must have at least GBP 1,270 in your bank account.
The money must have been in your account for at least 28 days in a row before applying. Day 28 must be within 31 days of submitting your visa application.
This balance can be shown via bank statements, deposit certificates, or certificates of sponsorship. The following financial documents are acceptable to show the bank balance required for a skilled worker visa-
If Your Employer is Sponsoring You
Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must confirm that they will financially support you.
If an Endorsing Body is Funding You
You must provide an endorsement letter confirming that you have been awarded enough funds.
If You Are Using Your Own Money
Your savings must be in an account that allows instant access (no locked deposits). Acceptable accounts include:
- Current account
- Savings account
- Deposit account
- Pension savings
- Investment account
Processing Time for Skilled Worker Visa Fees
Once you’ve applied online, proven your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within the following timeframes.
| Processing Type | Estimated Time |
| Standard Processing (Outside UK) | 3 weeks |
| Standard Processing (Inside UK) | 8 weeks |
| Priority Processing (Optional) | 5 to 10 days |
How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Get a job offer from a UK employer.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Gather necessary documents, including a passport and proof of funds.
- Fill out the online visa application form.
- Pay the visa fee and additional charges.
- Book an appointment for biometric verification.
- Submit your application and wait for a decision.
This was all about the skilled worker visa application fee. By understanding these details, you can better plan your budget and avoid unexpected costs when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa. Let me know if you need further clarification!
FAQs
The Tier 2 visa application fee (Skilled Worker Visa Fee) for Indians ranges from GBP 719 to GBP 1,639, depending on the duration of stay and job type. Jobs on the Immigration Salary List have lower fees.
For jobs on the Immigration Salary List, the Skilled Worker Visa fee is GBP 551 for up to 3 years and GBP 1,084 for more than 3 years.
Apart from the Skilled Worker Visa Fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 1,035 per year, a biometric fee of GBP 19.20, and optional priority processing fees.
The Skilled Worker Visa Fee in INR varies based on exchange rates, but as of now:
– Up to 3 years – INR 81,954
– More than 3 years – INR 1,61,856
Jobs on the Immigration Salary List or Health and Care Visa category have reduced fees.
Yes, each dependent (spouse/children) must pay the same Skilled Worker Visa Fee as the primary applicant. They must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year.
You need at least GBP 1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. Exceptions apply if your employer sponsors you.
No, the visa fee is non-refundable if your application is refused. However, some additional services, like priority processing, may be refunded.
– Standard processing (Outside UK) – 3 weeks
– Standard processing (Inside UK) – 8 weeks
– Priority processing – 5 to 10 days (extra charges apply).
Yes, you can extend your visa from inside the UK. The extension fee is GBP 827 for up to 3 years and GBP 1,636 for more than 3 years.
You can lower your visa fee by:
– Applying for jobs on the Immigration Salary List
– Checking if your employer covers visa costs
– Ensuring your application is complete to avoid reapplying
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