Statutory Terminology Note
“Self-sponsorship” is not a separate UK visa route. Applications are made under the Skilled Worker route, with a qualifying UK company acting as the official Home Office sponsor.
2026 Sponsorship Cost Estimator
Calculates licence fees, CoS, ISC, IHS, and visa application fees
Official 2026 Home Office Sponsorship Fees
| Fee Component | Small Sponsor | Medium / Large Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Worker Sponsor Licence | £611 | £1,682 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | £525 | £525 |
| ISC (First 12 Months) | £480 | £1,320 |
| ISC (Each Extra 6 Months) | £240 | £660 |
| Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 / year | |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
No. “Self-sponsorship” is a commonly used description rather than a separate immigration route. A UK company obtains a Worker sponsor licence and sponsors an eligible worker under the Skilled Worker route.
A company can sponsor an eligible worker connected with the business, provided the company qualifies for a licence, the job is genuine and eligible, and salary rules are met.
The Worker sponsor licence fee is £611 for a small sponsor and £1,682 for a large sponsor.
For small sponsors, the ISC is £480 for the first 12 months and £240 for each additional 6 months. For large sponsors, it is £1,320 and £660 respectively.
The standard general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the applicable SOC 2020 going rate, whichever is higher.
Yes, after 5 years on the Skilled Worker route if all settlement and continuous residence conditions are satisfied.
Official 2026 Home Office Sources
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2026 Key Benchmarks
Small Licence Fee£611
Large Licence Fee£1,682
CoS Fee£525
Annual IHS Rate£1,035 / yr