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

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

A run of Skilled Worker changes from late 2025 into early 2026 raised the language bar, sponsor costs, and tightened salary assessment.

What changed

Policy claim 1
The Skilled Worker English-language requirement rose from B1 to B2 (CEFR) on 8 January 2026.
Claim ID: uk-2026-skilled-worker-english-fees#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: GOV.UK — Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026) (UK Home Office)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026
Policy claim 2
The Certificate of Sponsorship fee rose to £525 under the 8 April 2026 Home Office fees table.
Claim ID: uk-2026-skilled-worker-english-fees#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: GOV.UK — Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026) (UK Home Office)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026
Policy claim 3
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.
Claim ID: uk-2026-skilled-worker-english-fees#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: GOV.UK — Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026) (UK Home Office)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026
Policy claim 4
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.
Claim ID: uk-2026-skilled-worker-english-fees#claim-4·Cite this claim
Source: GOV.UK — Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026) (UK Home Office)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

Link last verified: 1 June 2026