Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) to Increase by 32% in 2025

The UK government formally announced that the Immigration Skills Charge will rise by 32% on 16 December 2025. Immigration Skills Charge is the fee employers pay when they sponsor skilled workers from abroad.

This marks the first increase since the ISC was introduced back in 2017. According to the government, the plans intend to reduce reliance on hiring from overseas. The increased funds are expected to be reinvested in domestic training for the UK workforce. 

Key Details and Effective Date 

If you’re sponsoring someone through the Skilled Worker or Senior/Specialist Worker routes, you must use the new ISC levels before December 16, 2025. 

For a medium or large sponsor, the total cost increase amounts to £1,600 if they are sponsoring a non-exempt worker for the maximum permitted duration of five years. 

New Occupations Exempt from the ISC 

In addition to the increase, the draft regulations confirm the addition of three new occupations that will be exempt from the charge. 

CoS assigned from 16 December 2025 for workers under the following occupations will not be subject to the ISC: 

• 2115 (social and humanities scientists); 

• 2161 (research and development managers); 

• 2162 (other researchers, unspecified discipline); 

• 2463 (clergy); 

• 3431 (sports players); and 

• 3432 (sports coaches, instructors, and officials) 

Employer Checklist: Key Steps Sponsors Should Take 

Next Steps and Expert Guidance 

Major UK immigration changes, including the 32% ISC increase and stricter B2 English language requirements from January 2026, necessitate urgent strategic planning. 

If you are thinking of applying for a visa that the forthcoming increase in criteria may impact, you may wish to apply sooner rather than later. The government has also suggested that the higher standard of English may also eventually be rolled out to other visas, including those for family dependents.