Specialist immigration practice Five Star International reported on 26 October 2025 that the Home Office intends to hike a range of border-related fees to generate an extra £269 million a year. The biggest headline for business travellers is the proposed increase of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) charge—from £10 to £16—before the scheme expands to cover all non-visa visitors in 2026.
Corporate sponsors also face higher costs: Certificates of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker visas would jump from £239 to £525, while the Immigration Skills Charge is expected to rise by 32 % under separate legislation. Naturalisation fees for British citizenship are slated to increase by £105 for adults.
Although no implementation dates were given, mobility budget holders should model the impact now—especially organisations planning bulk renewals before April 2026, when higher English-language requirements and salary thresholds also take effect. Five Star advises employers to bring forward Certificate of Sponsorship assignments where possible and to brief travellers about the ETA price rise well ahead of the EES–ETIAS rollout in mainland Europe.
The fee-increase consultation reinforces the government’s stated goal of making the migration system "self-funding," reducing its reliance on general taxation. Critics argue the cumulative effect risks pricing out smaller firms and deterring high-potential talent.
Corporate sponsors also face higher costs: Certificates of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker visas would jump from £239 to £525, while the Immigration Skills Charge is expected to rise by 32 % under separate legislation. Naturalisation fees for British citizenship are slated to increase by £105 for adults.
Although no implementation dates were given, mobility budget holders should model the impact now—especially organisations planning bulk renewals before April 2026, when higher English-language requirements and salary thresholds also take effect. Five Star advises employers to bring forward Certificate of Sponsorship assignments where possible and to brief travellers about the ETA price rise well ahead of the EES–ETIAS rollout in mainland Europe.
The fee-increase consultation reinforces the government’s stated goal of making the migration system "self-funding," reducing its reliance on general taxation. Critics argue the cumulative effect risks pricing out smaller firms and deterring high-potential talent.
