Reminder: Immigration Skills Charge increases from 16 December 2025
Tuesday 16 December 2025
From today, 16 December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) increases by 32% via The Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2025. This increase will affect sponsors of migrants on the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker routes.
Key changes
The ISC has increased as follows:
- for large sponsors: to £1,320 from £1,000 per sponsored worker per year (an increase of £320); and
- for small or charitable sponsors: to £480 from £364 per sponsored worker per year (an increase of £116).
Example costs
We set out below an indication of ISC chargeable for 3 and 5 year sponsorship periods respectively per Certificate of Sponsorship going forward as compared to the previous fees:
| Previous fees | New fees | |||
| Sponsor size | 3 years’ sponsorship | 5 years’ sponsorship | 3 years’ sponsorship | 5 years’ sponsorship |
| Small/ charitable |
£1,092 | £1,820 | £1,440 | £2,400 |
| Large | £3,000 | £5,000 | £3,960 | £6,600 |
Recommended actions
We recommend that all sponsors:
- review upcoming recruitment plans in consideration of the new ISC rate;
- ensure that management are aware of this increase;
- budget accordingly for the higher charge on applications submitted from today;
- assess current sponsorship strategy, especially where multiple Skilled Worker/Senior or Specialist Worker extensions or new hires are anticipated.
Assistance
If you require further advice on the ISC increase and how it could impact your business, please contact your assigned LDI lawyer or our Enquiries team at enquiries@lauradevine.com and we shall be pleased to discuss how we can assist.
Wilfrid Boon
Solicitor
