United Kingdom Updates Sponsor Fee Rules for Skilled Worker Visas

Key Points  

• The UK Home Office has expanded restrictions on employer fee recovery across work visa routes and clarified rules for salary deductions starting 9 April 2025 

UK Expands Restrictions on Recouping Sponsor Fees Across Work Visa Routes 

The United Kingdom (UK) updated its rules on employer sponsorship fees as of 9 April 2025, broadening protections for sponsored workers across various visa types, including the Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker routes. 

Key Changes: 

• Employers are now prohibited from reclaiming costs such as the Immigration Skills Charge, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees, and legal or immigration advice tied to sponsorship. 
• This restriction applies retroactively to Skilled Worker CoS assigned after December 31, 2024, and to other visa categories starting 9 April 2025. 

Employers can still deduct certain immigration costs, such as visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, from workers’ salaries. From 9 April 2025, these deductions will count toward minimum salary calculations for Skilled Worker visas. 

The updated guidance emphasizes fairness in visa sponsorship practices while reinforcing minimum salary requirements for foreign workers.