The United Kingdom has raised immigration fees for in-country expedited services, effective October 21, 2025, continuing a trend of significant increases over the past two years. Expedited processing of sponsorship management requests made by worker, temporary worker, or student sponsors now costs GBP 350, up 75% from the previous GBP 200. Meanwhile, priority service for sponsor licence applications has increased to GBP 750, a 50% rise from GBP 500.
Rising costs across visa services
The fee changes come amid broader increases affecting Certificates of Sponsorship, skilled worker and visit visa applications, and the upfront immigration health surcharge.
The updated fees apply specifically to in-country expedited processing and priority applications, leaving standard processing fees unchanged.
Implications for employers and educational institutions
No immediate exemptions have been announced, and the changes affect both corporate sponsors and educational institutions handling visa requests. According to Fragomen recent fee hikes reflect an ongoing effort by UK authorities to streamline immigration processes while funding faster adjudication of applications.
The fee increase is part of the UK’s larger effort to maintain competitiveness in attracting skilled international workers while balancing administrative costs. With continued changes in visa policies, companies and educational institutions may need to reassess their immigration and workforce strategies to manage higher costs and processing timelines
However, beginning 2026, UK universities will align tuition fees for students with inflation, contingent upon meeting stringent quality standards. This policy aims to stabilise university finances while ensuring value for money for students. Institutions that maintain high standards in teaching, student outcomes, and support services will be eligible for annual fee increases linked to inflation.
Additionally, maintenance loans will be adjusted annually, with increased support for low-income households. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that underperforming universities could face regulatory or financial penalties, reinforcing the government's commitment to quality education
Rising costs across visa services
The fee changes come amid broader increases affecting Certificates of Sponsorship, skilled worker and visit visa applications, and the upfront immigration health surcharge.
The updated fees apply specifically to in-country expedited processing and priority applications, leaving standard processing fees unchanged.
Implications for employers and educational institutions
No immediate exemptions have been announced, and the changes affect both corporate sponsors and educational institutions handling visa requests. According to Fragomen recent fee hikes reflect an ongoing effort by UK authorities to streamline immigration processes while funding faster adjudication of applications.
The fee increase is part of the UK’s larger effort to maintain competitiveness in attracting skilled international workers while balancing administrative costs. With continued changes in visa policies, companies and educational institutions may need to reassess their immigration and workforce strategies to manage higher costs and processing timelines
However, beginning 2026, UK universities will align tuition fees for students with inflation, contingent upon meeting stringent quality standards. This policy aims to stabilise university finances while ensuring value for money for students. Institutions that maintain high standards in teaching, student outcomes, and support services will be eligible for annual fee increases linked to inflation.
Additionally, maintenance loans will be adjusted annually, with increased support for low-income households. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that underperforming universities could face regulatory or financial penalties, reinforcing the government's commitment to quality education
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