The UK government has sharply increased fees for fast-track immigration processing, impacting employers, educational institutions, and visa sponsors across the board.
🔍 Key Changes
Effective from 21 October 2025:
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The fee for expedited processing of sponsorship management requests (for worker, temporary worker and student sponsors) has increased from ÂŁ200 to ÂŁ350, representing a 75% rise.
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The priority service fee for expedited sponsor licence applications has been raised from ÂŁ500 to ÂŁ750, a 50% increase.
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These hikes apply specifically to in-country expedited services; standard application fees remain unchanged.
⚠️ What This Means for Stakeholders
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Employers and Sponsors: Organisations that employ overseas workers or support student sponsors will face higher upfront costs if they opt for fast-track services.
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Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges that act as sponsors of international students may also incur these higher charges.
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Applicants & Process Planners: While you may not always need expedited service, if you do require faster processing it will now cost significantly more.
🧠Why the Increase?
UK authorities say that the fee hikes are part of a broader strategy to cover the administrative cost of faster service provision and ensure the immigration system remains sustainable. It also aligns with previous increases in other immigration-related fees.
âś… What You Should Do
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If you’re planning a visa application where time is important, assess whether you truly need expedited service.
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Budget for the new higher fees if you expect to use priority processing.
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For standard applications, consider opting for regular processing times and avoid the additional cost—provided your timeline allows it.
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If you’re a sponsor or institution anticipating multiple applications, review how these cost changes affect your overall immigration budget.
This update highlights how quickly costs associated with immigration services can shift, especially when “fast-track” options are involved. Staying informed will help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.