The United Kingdom has increased immigration fees for expedited in-country services, effective October 21, 2025, continuing a pattern of steep fee hikes over the past two years.
Under the new structure, expedited processing of sponsorship management requests submitted by worker, temporary worker, or student sponsors now costs £350, up 75% from the previous £200. Similarly, the priority service fee for sponsor licence applications has risen to £750, marking a 50% increase from £500.
Rising Costs Across Visa Services
These changes accompany broader fee adjustments across immigration categories, including Certificates of Sponsorship, Skilled Worker visas, visit visas, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The revised rates apply specifically to expedited and priority processing within the UK, while standard service fees remain unchanged.
Impact on Employers and Educational Institutions
No exemptions have been announced for employers or universities. Both corporate sponsors and educational institutions managing visa processes will need to absorb the higher costs. According to Fragomen, the recent fee increases form part of the UK Home Office’s effort to streamline immigration operations and finance faster application adjudication.
Strategic and Financial Implications
The move aligns with the government’s broader objective of maintaining global competitiveness in attracting skilled workers while balancing administrative expenses. Businesses and educational institutions may need to re-evaluate immigration budgets and workforce strategies in light of the higher processing costs and potential delays.
Universities to Align Tuition Fees with Inflation from 2026
In a related policy shift, the UK government has announced that, starting 2026, universities will be permitted to increase tuition fees annually in line with inflation, subject to meeting strict quality standards. The measure aims to stabilise university finances and ensure students receive value for money through strong teaching, improved outcomes, and comprehensive support services.
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