Let me share this with you: If you’re looking for real opportunities to work or study abroad, you’re in the right place.

Moving to the United Kingdom for work is a big opportunity — but it comes with serious financial planning. From visa application fees to the UK health surcharge, and even your first few months of rent, the costs can add up quickly.

If you’re applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025, this post gives you the complete cost breakdown — including official government fees, NHS surcharge, proof of funds, and living expenses for immigrants.

Let’s dive into what it really costs to relocate to the UK legally under the Skilled Worker route.

🔍 What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK in eligible roles across health, engineering, IT, construction, teaching, and more. In most cases, the job must pay a minimum salary of £26,200/year (or £10.75/hour), and your employer must be a Home Office-licensed sponsor.

You must also meet the English language requirement, hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and provide documentation.

💷 1. UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost in 2025

The visa fee depends on the duration of your stay and whether your job is on the shortage occupation list.

🔹 Standard Occupations:

• Up to 3 years: £719
• More than 3 years: £1,420

🔹 Shortage Occupations (e.g. nurses, care workers, welders):

• Up to 3 years: £551
• More than 3 years: £1,084

🔹 Additional Costs:

• Biometrics (UKVCAS): £19.20
• Priority visa processing (optional): £250+

💡 High CPC Keyword: Many applicants search “UK skilled worker visa cost” — and it’s one of the biggest upfront payments you’ll make.

🏥 2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS Access

You’ll need to pay the UK health surcharge upfront when applying — it gives you full access to the National Health Service (NHS).

🔹 IHS Fee in 2025:

• £1,035 per adult per year
• £776 per child per year

If you’re applying for a 3-year visa, the IHS fee = £3,105 (for one adult).
A family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child) would pay £7,856.

📌 Keyword tip: “UK health surcharge 2025” is one of the most searched cost queries.

🧾 3. Total Visa & IHS Cost (For 1 Person)

💼 4. Proof of Funds (Unless You’re Exempt)

Unless your employer certifies accommodation and financial support on your Certificate of Sponsorship, you must show that you have:

• £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying

Add:

• £285 for a dependent partner
• £315 for the first child
• £200 for each additional child

🏠 5. Cost of Living in the UK for Immigrants (2025)

Your first few months in the UK will require budgeting for rent, transport, food, and essentials — especially if your salary only starts after arrival.

🔹 Monthly Living Expenses for One Person:

🧠 Cost of living in UK for immigrants varies based on location.
Plan at least £1,500 – £2,300/month in London or £1,000 – £1,600/month outside London.

🛫 6. Flight Costs from Africa or Asia to the UK (2025)

Flight prices vary depending on your departure country and season. One-way economy fares:

Tip: Book at least 2–3 months in advance to get the best rates.

🧳 7. Other Relocation Expenses

✅ Total Estimated Cost to Move to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa (2025)

For a Single Applicant (3-year visa):

For families, multiply accordingly. A family of 3 could spend over £15,000 ($19,000+) upfront before starting life in the UK.

📌 Key Takeaways

• UK skilled worker visa cost in 2025 ranges from £719 to £1,420, plus the health surcharge of £1,035 per year
• You need to budget for proof of funds, flights, housing, and initial expenses
• A single person needs around £7,000 – £9,500 to relocate comfortably
• Plan for additional costs if relocating with dependents

🔗 Helpful Resources

• Skilled Worker Visa Guide – GOV.UK
• UK Visa Fees 2025
• Check Licensed UK Sponsors List

📢 Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fees and currency exchange rates are subject to change. Please refer to official UK Home Office sources and certified immigration consultants for accurate guidance. See our Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms of Use.

Things you can find here: Migrating to Vietnam: Work Opportunities, Visa Types, Sponsorship, and Life in Vietnam, Travel Insurance for International Students in 2025: What It Covers & How Much You’ll Pay, How to Apply for US Student Visas, Top 10 Companies in the USA Offering Multiple Recruitment Opportunities with Sponsorship Visas, Top 10 European Countries Offering Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Skilled and Unskilled Workers (2025).

Pro Tip: For the best visa sponsorship jobs and insurance options for immigrants, explore our Visa Sponsorship section and Insurance category.

Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.