UK: Skilled Worker English raised to B2, CoS fee £525, Immigration Skills Charge up 32%

What changed

• The Skilled Worker English-language requirement rose from B1 to B2 (CEFR) on 8 January 2026.
• The Certificate of Sponsorship fee rose to £525 under the 8 April 2026 Home Office fees table.
• From 8 April 2026, workers must be paid the required salary in each pay period — back-loading pay to meet the annual threshold is no longer allowed.
• The Immigration Skills Charge rose 32% on 16 December 2025: small/charity sponsors from £364 to £480 per year, medium/large from £1,000 to £1,320 per year.

Routes affected

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• High Potential Individual visa
• Scale-up visa

Primary source

More United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland changes →

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• 4 April 2024

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