The UK Home Office announced on January 16, 2025, that certain application fees are going to increase.
The main fee increases will include:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees: CoS fees must be paid when sponsoring a Skilled Worker or a Senior/Specialist Worker (ICT). The CoS fee is increasing from £239 to £525.
- Naturalization as a British citizen: Generally, once someone has held indefinite leave to remain for 12 months they may be eligible to naturalize as a British citizen. The naturalization fee is increasing from £1,500 to £1,605.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The ETA is the UK’s equivalent of the US ESTA scheme. It means that people visiting the UK visa-free need to apply for authorization before travelling. The ETA fee is increasing from £10 to £16.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
We do not yet know exactly when the fee increases will occur. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.