UK Immigration Fees and Sponsorship Rules: Major Changes in 2025
The UK Home Office has announced significant changes to immigration fees and sponsorship rules for 2025. These adjustments will impact new visa applications and renewals.
On January 16, 2025, the government proposed raising the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee from £239 to £525. This nearly doubles the current charge. This increase aims to support the migration and border system while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Impact on Sponsoring Businesses
These changes are particularly important for UK businesses that sponsor foreign workers. To issue a Skilled Worker visa, employers must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship. The increased CoS fee will affect the cost of hiring foreign nationals.
Overview of Immigration Fee Changes
The government has reviewed the existing fee structure for immigration and nationality services. As a result, they plan to introduce new legislation to raise fees for several services. Here are the proposed increases:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): From £10 to £16.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): From £239 to £525.
- Naturalization as a British Citizen: From £1,500 to £1,605.
Additional adjustments will occur across various nationality services as well.
The proposed changes require Parliamentary approval. If approved, they will be implemented through amendments to the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. The timing of these changes will depend on when Parliament is available to discuss them.
Addressing Airside Transit Requirements
In response to feedback from the aviation sector, the government has introduced a temporary exemption from ETA requirements for airside transit passengers. This exemption applies to those who do not go through UK border control during transit.
This change affects Heathrow and Manchester airports, the only UK airports offering airside transit facilities. It will take effect on January 16, 2025. The government will monitor this exemption to assess its impact and relevance over time.
What These Changes Mean for Businesses
If your sponsored employees plan to apply for immigration or nationality services or frequently travel through UK airports, they need to be aware of these updates:
- Budget Adjustments: Prepare for the proposed fee increases for immigration products and services.
- Travel Planning: Determine if transit routes involve airside transfers at Heathrow or Manchester airports to see if the ETA exemption applies.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of further announcements regarding the timeline for implementing these changes.
In summary, the upcoming changes to UK immigration fees and sponsorship rules will significantly impact businesses and foreign workers. Stay informed and adjust your plans accordingly to navigate these new regulations effectively.
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