UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost for South Africans: Fee + Health Surcharge (2026)
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Quick answer
A UK Skilled Worker visa costs £819 (about R17,950) for up to 3 years, or £1,618 for longer. With the £1,035-a-year health surcharge, one adult pays about £3,924 (about R86,010) for a 3-year visa. Your employer pays the sponsorship costs.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main UK work visa for South Africans with a job offer. The visa fee is only part of the cost. The health surcharge, paid upfront for every year of the visa, is usually the biggest bill.
All rand figures use R21.92/£ (Oct 2026). Fees apply from 8 April 2026, for applications made from outside the UK.
How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost?
| Visa | Fee (GBP) | Approx. ZAR |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker, up to 3 years | £819 | R17,950 |
| Skilled Worker, over 3 years | £1,618 | R35,470 |
| Immigration Salary List role, up to 3 years | £628 | R13,770 |
| Immigration Salary List role, over 3 years | £1,235 | R27,070 |
| Health and Care Worker, up to 3 years | £324 | R7,100 |
| Health and Care Worker, over 3 years | £628 | R13,770 |
The length of your visa depends on the job dates on your Certificate of Sponsorship, so ask your employer how long they're sponsoring you for.
How much is the health surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to the NHS. You pay it upfront for every year of your visa.
| Person | Per year | 3 years | 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | £1,035 (R22,690) | £3,105 (R68,060) | £5,175 (R113,440) |
| Child under 18 | £776 (R17,010) | £2,328 (R51,030) | £3,880 (R85,050) |
Health and Care Worker visa holders don't pay the surcharge, and neither do their eligible dependants. If you're a nurse, doctor or other eligible health worker, that saves you thousands of pounds.
What's the total for one person?
| Visa length | Visa fee | Health surcharge | Total | Approx. ZAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | £819 | £3,105 | £3,924 | R86,010 |
| 5 years | £1,618 | £5,175 | £6,793 | R148,900 |
What does it cost for a family?
Your partner and children can usually come as dependants. Each person pays the visa fee plus their own surcharge. For a 3-year visa:
| Family | Total (GBP) | Approx. ZAR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | £3,924 | R86,010 |
| 2 adults | £7,848 | R172,030 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | £10,995 | R241,010 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | £14,142 | R309,990 |
Not every Skilled Worker can bring family. Most new applicants in medium-skilled roles (on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List) can't bring dependants, and new care worker visas have closed. Check your route before you plan the move.
What does your employer pay?
Your employer pays the sponsorship costs, and legally can't pass the skills charge on to you:
| Cost | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £525 (R11,510) | Employer |
| Immigration Skills Charge (medium or large employer) | £1,320 (R28,930) for the first 12 months, then £660 per extra 6 months | Employer |
| Immigration Skills Charge (small employer or charity) | £480 for the first 12 months, then £240 per extra 6 months | Employer |
Your own visa fee and health surcharge are normally your cost. Some employers cover them, so ask before you accept an offer.
How much money do you need in your bank account?
| Person | Amount | Approx. ZAR |
|---|---|---|
| You | £1,270 | R27,840 |
| Partner | £285 | R6,250 |
| First child | £315 | R6,900 |
| Each extra child | £200 | R4,380 |
You need to hold the money for at least 28 days in a row before you apply. You don't need to show it if your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship (an "A-rated" sponsor can do this), so check with them first.
What are the main requirements?
- A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor. Most roles need to be graduate level (RQF 6 or above).
- Salary of at least £41,700 a year, and at least the going rate for that job. New entrants, some PhD holders and Immigration Salary List roles have lower thresholds.
- English at B2 for first applications since 8 January 2026.
- A TB test, because the visa is for 6 months or more and South Africa is on the UK's testing list.
What other costs should you budget for?
| Extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| TB test | Per person, at an approved clinic |
| English test (if your degree doesn't cover it) | Varies by test provider |
| Priority service | £500 (R10,960), decision in about 5 working days, if available at your centre |
| Travel to a VFS centre | Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha (plus a limited service in Bloemfontein) |
What happens after 5 years?
Skilled Worker is currently a route to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years. The UK has been reviewing its settlement rules, and from 26 March 2027 settlement applications need B2 English. Check the current requirements on GOV.UK well before your 5 years are up.
Common questions
How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost in rands?
For a 3-year visa, one adult pays about £3,924 (about R86,010): the £819 visa fee plus £3,105 health surcharge. For a 5-year visa it's about £6,793 (about R148,900). Rates at R21.92/£ (Oct 2026).
Does my employer pay for my Skilled Worker visa?
Your employer must pay the Certificate of Sponsorship (£525) and the Immigration Skills Charge, and can't pass the skills charge on to you. Your own visa fee and health surcharge are usually your cost, unless your employer agrees to cover them.
What salary do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Usually at least £41,700 a year, and at least the going rate for the job. Lower thresholds apply to new entrants, some PhD holders and Immigration Salary List roles.
What English level do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
B2 for first applications made on or after 8 January 2026. South Africans often still need to prove it, so check whether your degree or a test covers it.
How much money do I need in my bank account?
£1,270 for at least 28 days, plus £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each extra child. You don't need it if your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Do I need a TB test for a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. South Africa is on the UK's TB-testing list, and the visa is for 6 months or more, so each applicant needs a TB certificate from an approved clinic.
Sources
General information, not legal or financial advice. Costs change; check official sources.