Are you planning to continue your professional journey in the United Kingdom? Extending your UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2026 is a significant milestone, but it comes with a complex web of updated costs, from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to the newly adjusted salary thresholds.
Whether you are an individual professional or an employer planning your 2026 budget, understanding these fees is crucial to avoiding application rejections. In this guide, we break down every pound and penny of the UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension Fees for 2026.
Main Application Fees in 2026
The UK Home Office has different fees. The fee depends on your job type.
- There are two groups: Normal jobs (not on shortage list) Shortage jobs (on Immigration Salary List – ISL)
- Normal Jobs Up to 3 years: £827. More than 3 years: £1,636
- Shortage Jobs (ISL) Up to 3 years: £551. More than 3 years: £1,084 These are the basic fees to extend your visa inside the UK.
- Extra Fees for Fast Service Do you need your decision very quickly? You can pay more for faster service. Priority Service: £500 extra (answer in 5 working days) Super Priority Service: £1,000 extra (answer next working day)
- For ID check: Free with phone app £75 to £200 if you go to an office in person
These extra options help when you are in a hurry.
Big Extra Costs: IHS and Skills Charge
These are the biggest costs many people forget.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) You must pay this to use the NHS (free doctor and hospital). Cost: £1,035 for each year For 5 years: £5,175 in total Some jobs (like Health and Care Visa) do not pay IHS. This makes them much cheaper. Good news: If your visa is refused, you get IHS money back.
- Costs for Your Employer (Skills Charge) Your company must pay the Immigration Skills Charge. This helps train British workers. The charge became more expensive in 2025. Big companies: £1,000 per year (some say even more now) Small companies or charities: £364 per year
- Also, one-time fee: Certificate of Sponsorship: £239 The employer pays this. You (the worker) cannot pay it for them.
These extra costs make the total very high. Plan your money early.
New Salary and Other Rules in 2026
In 2026, you cannot get extension easily. You must follow strict rules.
- Salary Rules Normal rule: You need £41,700 per year or more Special rule: £31,300 if you started before April 2024
- English Language From January 2026, many jobs need B2 level English. This means good upper-intermediate level. You must be good in: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing.
- Money in Bank Show £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days. Or your employer can say they will support you.
If you do not meet these rules, your extension will be refused.
No More Plastic Card – Now Everything is Digital
Old plastic cards (BRP) are finished. Now everything is online (eVisa).
- When you extend: You get a digital visa It connects to your UKVI online account
- How to prove your right to work: Use eVisa share code (a special code)
- ID check: Mostly free with UK phone app No need to pay £19.20 for old biometric
If you have an old BRP that ended in 2024, change to digital now. Do it before you apply for extension.
Path to Permanent Stay (ILR) in 2026
Many people extend visa in 2026 because they are close to 5 years. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR means you can stay in UK forever.
Rules for ILR: Salary at least £41,700 (or higher going rate for your job) Pass Life in the UK test Do not stay outside UK more than 180 days in any 12 months
If you want permanent life in UK, follow these rules carefully.
FAQ: Common Questions
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Can I pay fees little by little?
No. You must pay all fees and IHS at the same time.
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Do I get IHS money back if visa is refused?
Yes. Home Office gives IHS back automatically. But application fee stays with them.
This is a simple guide for 2026 costs. Fees and rules can change. Always check the official website: GOV.UK Talk to an immigration expert if you need help. Next Step for You Do you want a simple cost table? It can show total money for one person or a family of four.
Disclaimer: This is only information. Check all details from official sources before you apply.