Immigration Skills Charge calculator
The charge depends on how long the Certificate of Sponsorship runs and the size of your organisation.
Who pays, and who is small?
GOV.UK says you must pay the charge yourself, and your licence may be revoked if you ask the sponsored worker to pay it or any costs linked to your application. It says you are usually a small sponsor if at least two of these apply: turnover of £15 million or less, total assets of £7.5 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer. Registered charities are charitable sponsors. If you are not sure, the page gives the Home Office Business Helpdesk contact.
Where this comes from
- GOV.UK: Sponsor guidance part 2, section S5 (Immigration Skills Charge) · published or updated 8 October 2026, last checked 22 October 2026
- GOV.UK: UK visa sponsorship for employers, Immigration skills charge · published or updated 11 November 2024, last checked 22 October 2026
Amounts are those in the sponsor guidance (version 10/26, section S5.3 and S5.4): a first amount covering up to 12 months, then a further amount for each additional 6-month period on the Certificate. The guidance sets the longest sponsorship at 5 years. Exemptions apply in some cases, including some occupation codes, and some workers already sponsored. Check section S5 for yours.
This tool is for information only. It is not legal or immigration advice, it is not approved by the Home Office or UKVI, and it cannot guarantee any outcome. For advice on your situation, speak to a qualified immigration adviser.
Keep your records in order.
Zetta HR keeps sponsored worker records, key dates and checks together. 14 days free, no card needed.