The UK government has announced another round of substantial fee increases for immigration expedited services, originally set for October 21, 2025, but now postponed to November 11, 2025.
Two key services are being impacted by these changes:
Sponsor management request expedited processing (for Worker, Temporary worker, and Student sponsors) will jump to GBP 350 – a steep 75% increase from the current GBP 200 fee.
Priority service for sponsor licence applications will rise to GBP 750, representing a 50% hike from the previous GBP 500 charge.
These latest increases continue the UK’s pattern of aggressive fee restructuring that we’ve witnessed over the past two years. Previous hikes have affected everything from Certificates of Sponsorship to skilled worker visas and the immigration health surcharge.
My Insight
This trend signals the government’s continued strategy to shift immigration system costs onto employers and applicants. For businesses relying on expedited processing, budget planning becomes increasingly critical. I recommend reviewing your upcoming sponsorship needs and consider timing applications strategically before these increases take effect. The frequency and scale of these fee hikes suggest this isn’t a temporary adjustment but part of a long-term policy direction.
Michelle LePage | Senior Global Immigration Advisor
Global Mobility Partners, Boise, ID