The UK Immigration Skills Charge: Understanding the Details

The UK Immigration Skills Charge is a fee that employers must pay when sponsoring non-EEA workers. The fee is intended to help fund the training and development of UK workers. In this blog post, we will explore the key details of the UK Immigration Skills Charge, including when it applies, what exemptions exist, and who is responsible for paying the fee.

When does it apply?

The UK Immigration Skills Charge applies to employers who are sponsoring non-EEA workers under the Skilled Worker Visa route or the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa route. 

The fee must be paid for each worker that the employer is sponsoring, and it is payable for each year of the worker’s visa. The fee is currently £1,000 per worker per year, with a reduced fee of £364 per worker per year for small and charitable sponsors. For each additional 6 months after the initial 12 months, it costs £182 for small and charitable sponsors and £500 for medium or large sponsors. 

Who pays the Immigration Skills Charge?

The employer is responsible for paying the UK Immigration Skills Charge. The fee must be paid at the time that the certificate of sponsorship is assigned and must be paid for each worker that the employer is sponsoring. The employer must ensure that the fee is paid before the visa application is submitted, as failure to pay the fee will result in the visa application being rejected. 

What are the exemptions to paying the Immigration Skills Charge?

There are a few exemptions from the UK Immigration Skills Charge, including:

1. If you are sponsoring someone who is on a Student Visa but switches to a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa. 
2. If you are sponsoring someone on the following occupation codes:
   1. Chemical scientists (2111)
   2. Biological scientists and biochemists (2112)
   3. Physical scientists (2113)
   4. Social and humanities scientists (2114)
   5. Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified (2119)
   6. Research and development managers (2150)
   7. Higher education teaching professionals (2311)
   8. Clergy (2444)
   9. Sports players (3441)
   10. Sports coaches, instructors or officials (3442)
3. If you are sponsoring someone on the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa , you don’t have to pay if the following criteria are met;
   1. They are a national of an EU country or hold a Latvian non-citizen passport.
   2. They normally work in the EU for an EU business but have been temporarily transferred to work in the UK.
   3. The end date of the temporary transfer, as specified on the certificate of sponsorship, is no more than 36 months after the start date.
   4. They were assigned a certificate of sponsorship on or after 1 January 2023.

How can NA Law Solicitors help?

At NA Law Solicitors, we are here to provide comprehensive and reliable immigration counsel. Our experienced lawyers are well-versed in visa application processes and can help you navigate the complexities of applying for a visa. We also provide advice on how to maximise your chances of getting your application approved, so that you can achieve your immigration goals. With our personalised approach, you get the best legal service and support available. Contact us today and let us find the best solution for your unique needs.