In 2025, the UK government has adopted an unusual but practical approach to managing the rising costs and administrative challenges of skilled worker visas: using credit cards to pay for visa fees. This move reflects the broader context of significant fee increases, stricter immigration rules, and the urgent need to retain essential skilled workers in key public sector roles.
In this article, we explain the reasons behind this new payment method, detail the cost changes impacting skilled worker visas in 2025, and offer practical advice for employers, sponsors, and skilled workers navigating the evolving immigration landscape.
Government Now Paying for Skilled Worker Visas with Credit Cards
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee Increase | Application fees for Skilled Worker visas rose by 7-10% from April 2025 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship Fee | More than doubled from £239 to £525 |
| Minimum Salary Threshold | Raised from £23,200 to £25,000 per year for Skilled Worker visas |
| Payment Method Change | UK government departments are increasingly using credit cards to pay visa sponsorships |
| Urgency and Budget Pressure | Credit card payments allow faster processing amid tighter budgets and sharper immigration controls |
| Official Reference Website | UK Visas and Immigration – Skilled Worker Visa Fees |
The UK government’s decision to pay skilled worker visa fees using credit cards highlights the complex balancing act between tighter migration controls, rapidly increasing visa costs, and the imperative to retain vital skilled workers—particularly in public services. The rising fees and salary thresholds in 2025 pose significant financial and administrative challenges for both employers and foreign workers. However, understanding the new fees, using flexible payment methods, and prioritizing key talent retention can help navigate this evolving immigration landscape.
Planning ahead, staying informed through official sources, and adapting payment strategies like credit card use are practical steps that ensure continuous staffing of essential roles without disruption. This adaptive approach reflects the reality of an immigration system in flux while maintaining the UK’s competitive workforce needs.
Why Is the UK Government Using Credit Cards for Visa Payments?
Traditionally, government departments paid visa sponsorship and extension fees through direct departmental budgets or procurement systems. However, in 2025, the rising cost of skilled worker visas and the speed needed to maintain critical public services has pushed departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to use credit cards.
- In August 2025 alone, DWP reportedly spent over £213,000 on credit cards to extend work permits for essential skilled migrant workers.
- This approach provides flexibility and faster access to funds when traditional budget channels are slower or restrictive due to tighter migration caps and cost controls.
- Credit card payments help departments adapt to abrupt policy changes and sudden fee hikes without risking delays that could disrupt critical staffing.
This practical financial workaround allows government bodies to continue employing much-needed specialist staff to support public services while navigating the challenges of costlier visas and stricter migration rules.
2025 Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Immigration Changes Explained
1. Increased Visa Fees for Skilled Workers
From April 2025, the Home Office increased visa application fees across categories, with Skilled Worker visa fees rising by about 7-10%. For example:
- Skilled Worker visa application (up to 3 years):
- Previously £719, increased to £769 for applications made outside the UK.
- Increased to £885 for applications made within the UK.
- Longer-term Skilled Worker visa applications (more than 3 years):
- Increased from £1,420 to £1,519 outside the UK.
- Increased from £1,636 to £1,751 inside the UK.
2. Doubling of the Certificate of Sponsorship Fee
One of the most significant fee hikes was the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee, which more than doubled from £239 to £525. Since every Skilled Worker needs a CoS from their employer to apply, this increase substantially impacts employers sponsoring foreign workers.
3. Raised Salary Thresholds
To align with the government’s aim to reduce net migration and promote domestic employment, the minimum qualifying salary for Skilled Worker visas increased from £23,200 to £25,000 per year from April 2025. This affects many sectors, especially those with traditionally lower salaries like care, hospitality, and retail.
4. Additional Costs: Immigration Health Surcharge & Priority Services
Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £1,035 per year of leave, granting access to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Fees for priority visa processing services are available for quicker decisions but come at an extra cost, ranging from £500 to £1,000 depending on the service speed.
Practical Advice: Navigating Skilled Worker Visa Costs and Payments in 2025
Step 1: Budget for Higher Fees Early
Employers and public sector sponsors should anticipate increased visa fees and plan budgets accordingly. Factor in the doubling of the CoS fee and the higher application fees when hiring or renewing visas.
Step 2: Understand Payment Methods
Visa fees can typically be paid online using credit or debit cards globally, or at Visa Application Centres depending on location. For UK government departments, credit card usage for payment offers speed and ease compared to slower internal funding routes.
Step 3: Prioritize Skilled Worker Retention
With higher costs and stricter eligibility (e.g., salary thresholds), public bodies should prioritize retaining existing skilled workers to avoid disruption of key services, using credit card payments when necessary to expedite visa extensions.
Step 4: Use Official Information Sources
Stay updated on fees and immigration rules by regularly checking trusted sources, especially:
- UK Government’s official visa fee page:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs - Home Office announcements on visa regulations and fee changes.
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FAQs About Government Now Paying for Skilled Worker Visas with Credit Cards
Q1: Why did the UK government increase Skilled Worker visa fees in 2025?
A1: The fee hikes aim to reduce net migration, support the government’s domestic employment priorities, and cover increased administrative costs associated with immigration controls.
Q2: Can UK visa fees be paid by credit card by all applicants?
A2: Yes, most applicants can pay online using a credit or debit card. UK government departments have also started using credit cards for quick payment, especially for urgent skilled worker visa extensions.
Q3: What is the Certificate of Sponsorship, and why did its fee double?
A3: The CoS is a mandatory document that employers provide to foreign workers to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Its fee doubled to reflect administrative costs and policy shifts aimed at regulating skilled migration.
Q4: How does the salary threshold increase affect employers?
A4: Employers must ensure sponsored workers meet or exceed the higher salary threshold (£25,000 per year), limiting sponsorship of lower-paid roles and increasing overall costs.
Q5: Are there any concessions for healthcare workers or other essential roles?
A5: Yes, fees for Health and Care Visas are discounted compared to standard Skilled Worker visas, supporting key sectors like healthcare.
