Successful Skilled Worker Visa Under The New Immigration Rules
12.11.2025
Co-author: Daria Kotkova
The UK immigration system continues to evolve, and with recent Home Office updates, both sponsors and applicants must adapt quickly to ensure compliance. Changes to the Priority Service fees and the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) have already taken effect – significantly affecting the costs and processing times of sponsorship and visa applications.
At Sterling Law, we remain fully up to date with every regulatory development. The members of our immigration team, Tetiana Deren and Daria Kotkova, recently secured a Skilled Worker Visa approval under the newly implemented rules – demonstrating once again that with expert legal guidance, even the most time-sensitive and complex cases can be completed smoothly.
Key Home Office Updates
1. Priority Service Fee Increases
Effective from 21 October 2025, the fee for requesting priority processing for a new sponsor licence application has increased from £500 to £750. This service allows sponsors to obtain a decision within around 5 working days, compared to the usual 3–8 weeks.
In addition, as of 22 October 2025, the fee for Sponsor Change of Circumstances (SCOC) requests has risen from £200 to £350. These changes represent a 50%–70% increase in the cost of priority services – affecting how quickly sponsors can update or secure their authorisations.
Impact:
Applicants and sponsors may now find it more expensive to access expedited processing. Businesses that rely on prompt decisions to onboard overseas staff will need to review their recruitment timelines and budgeting to account for these higher service fees.
2. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase
From 16 December 2025, the ISC will rise by approximately 32%. This charge applies to each Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued to a Skilled Worker.
- Medium/Large sponsors: The annual ISC will increase from £1,000 to £1,320, with each additional six-month period rising from £500 to £660.
- Small/charitable sponsors: The annual ISC will increase from £364 to £480, with the additional six-month rate rising from £182 to £240.
Impact:
The ISC increase will raise the cost of hiring international workers, particularly for smaller organisations or those sponsoring multiple employees. Sponsors should account for these changes in their future workforce planning and financial forecasting.
Sterling Law’s Expertise in Action
Our recent case involved a client who sought to relocate to the UK under the Skilled Worker route shortly after these new rules came into effect. Despite the increased costs and additional administrative steps, our legal team ensured a seamless process from start to finish. We provided tailored advice on the implications of the new fees, managed document submissions efficiently, and liaised with the sponsor to avoid unnecessary delays.
The application was approved promptly, enabling the client to begin employment on schedule – proof that with the right legal support, even new or challenging immigration requirements can be managed effectively.
How Sterling Law Can Help
At Sterling Law, we understand how sudden policy changes can affect your immigration plans. Our team continuously monitors Home Office updates to provide accurate, timely, and practical advice for both employers and individual applicants. Whether you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, managing a sponsorship licence, or preparing for compliance audits, we ensure your case meets all the latest legal standards.
If you are planning to work, sponsor, or relocate to the UK, contact our experienced immigration team today for professional guidance on your next steps.
