Skilled Worker Visa Cost by Country (India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines)
This guide breaks down the key costs involved in applying for a Skilled Worker visa and shows how they apply in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines, so you can budget accurately before starting your application.
If you’re planning to move to the UK under the Skilled Worker visa, knowing how much it will cost is a key part of your planning. While most core fees are set in British pounds, the actual amount you pay in your local currency depends on exchange rates, local service charges, and the location where you submit your application.
Key Takeaways
- The core Skilled Worker visa costs are set by the UK government and remain consistent globally.
- Applicants from India may benefit from reduced fees for certain roles.
- In Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines, the cost is based on the standard UK fee converted into local currency plus service fees.
- Always include IHS, additional documentation, and local charges when budgeting.
- Plan for potential currency fluctuations to avoid underestimating the total cost.
Get to know about: Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold and Exceptions (2025 Update)
Main Costs of the Skilled Worker Visa
Before looking at country-specific figures, it’s important to understand the standard costs that apply to all Skilled Worker visa applications under UK immigration rules:
- Application fee: based on job type, visa duration, and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): paid per year of stay in the UK
- Proof of funds: required to show you can support yourself in the UK
- Local visa centre or service fees: these vary by country
- Translation, certification, or legal costs: optional but often necessary for supporting documents
There are discounted fees for some roles, such as those in the Health and Care visa category or positions listed on the Immigration Salary List.
Standard UK Fees
Here are typical UK Skilled Worker visa costs, regardless of where you apply from:
- Application fee from outside the UK: £769 (for up to 3 years) to £1,519 (for more than 3 years)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, paid in advance.
These fees are then converted into local currency in your home country and may include additional charges from local visa centres.
Example Costs by Country
India
- Standard Skilled Worker visa fee: approx. INR 91,000 to INR 180,000
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx. INR 122,402
Pakistan
- Standard Skilled Worker visa fee: approx. PKR 291,000 to PKR 574,500
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx. PKR 391,541
Nigeria
- Standard Skilled Worker visa fee: approx. NGN 1,527,965 to NGN 3,018,177
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx. NGN 2,056,493
Philippines
- Standard Skilled Worker visa fee: approx. PHP 59,795 to PHP 118,130
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx. PHP 80,450
Important note: All rates are based on the exchange rate as of October 14, 2025
Factors That Influence Total Cost
- Exchange rates: Fluctuations can significantly affect the amount you pay in your local currency.
- Visa centre fees: Local processing and biometric charges can vary between locations.
- Discounted rates: Some job roles and visa categories offer reduced fees.
- IHS exemptions: Certain health and care roles may be exempt from the health surcharge.
Budgeting Tips
- Start by calculating the UK fee based on your visa type and duration.
- Add the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of stay.
- Convert the total to your local currency and add a buffer for exchange rate changes.
- Include additional costs like document translation, certification, and legal support.
- Check your local visa centre website for updated charges.
You can read about: How to Switch from a Graduate Route to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK
Get Expert Guidance on Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa can be complex, especially when exchange rates, eligibility rules, and supporting documents vary by country. At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, our award-winning immigration lawyers have decades of experience helping skilled professionals successfully relocate to the UK.
Whether you’re applying from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, or the Philippines, we’ll:
- Review your eligibility and documents for accuracy
- Calculate the precise visa and IHS costs in your local currency
- Guide you through every step of the application process
- Represent your interests if any issues arise with the Home Office
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.
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FAQs
The Skilled Worker visa application fee in the UK ranges from £769 (for up to 3 years) to £1,519 (for more than 3 years). You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. Additional local service or biometric fees may apply depending on your country.
The visa sponsorship process requires an employer to hold a valid sponsorship licence. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the skilled worker, detailing the job offer and salary, which is essential for the visa application.
To qualify for a skilled worker visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer, meet the required salary threshold, possess the necessary skill level, and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency.
The immigration health surcharge allows skilled worker visa applicants and their dependants to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The IHS is usually paid upfront as part of the visa application fees and is essential for obtaining healthcare during their stay.
Shortage occupations are jobs in the UK where there are not enough workers to fill vacancies. Applicants with job offers in these sectors may benefit from reduced visa application fees and lower salary thresholds, making it easier to qualify for a skilled worker visa.
The employer plays a crucial role in the skilled worker visa process by providing a job offer and issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). They must also ensure that the job meets the required salary and skill thresholds set by the UK immigration system.