How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a Skilled Worker visa?

Immigration solicitor fees for a Skilled Worker visa typically range from £1,000 to £3,500 depending on the complexity of the case, the firm, and whether it is an initial application or extension. Some solicitors charge a fixed fee, while others bill by the hour at rates of £150 to £400 per hour.

Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a solicitor?

Yes. The Skilled Worker visa application can be completed without a solicitor. The online application form is relatively straightforward, and the requirements are clearly set out. Many applicants with straightforward cases successfully apply without professional help.

When should I definitely use an immigration solicitor?

You should strongly consider a solicitor if you have a previous visa refusal, a complex immigration history, criminal convictions, gaps in employment, issues with your sponsor licence, or if your salary is close to the minimum threshold. These cases have a higher risk of refusal.

Does my employer usually pay for an immigration solicitor?

Many employers, particularly larger companies, cover the cost of immigration legal advice as part of the sponsorship process. This is especially common in sectors that regularly sponsor overseas workers, such as tech, healthcare, and finance. However, there is no legal requirement for employers to pay.

Skilled Worker Visa: Solicitor vs DIY Application

Many Skilled Worker visa applications are straightforward enough to handle without a solicitor. However, complex cases benefit significantly from professional advice. This guide helps you decide which approach is right for your situation.

The DIY Approach

The Skilled Worker visa application process is designed to be completed online. The GOV.UK application page walks you through each step, and the questions are relatively clear. If your case is straightforward — you have a confirmed job offer, your employer has a valid sponsor licence, your salary meets the threshold, and you have no complications in your immigration history — doing it yourself is a realistic option.

The advantages of DIY include:

No solicitor fees, saving £1,000 to £3,500
Direct control over your application and timeline
Faster submission (no waiting for solicitor availability)
Learning the process, which helps with future extensions

The Risks of DIY

The main risk of applying without professional help is making a mistake that leads to refusal. Common DIY errors include:

Misunderstanding which documents are required
Failing to spot an issue with the Certificate of Sponsorship
Incorrectly calculating whether your salary meets the threshold
Not realising that a previous overstay or refusal needs to be addressed
Missing the maintenance funds requirement for non-A-rated sponsors

A refusal costs more than a solicitor. You lose the application fee, you may lose your job start date, and future applications must declare the refusal. For borderline cases, professional advice is a worthwhile investment.

When a Solicitor Is Worth It

Consider using an immigration solicitor if any of the following apply:

Previous refusal or adverse immigration history. A solicitor can assess how this affects your new application and frame it appropriately.
Borderline salary. If your salary is close to the threshold, a solicitor can check whether any discounts apply and ensure the calculation is correct.
Criminal convictions. Even minor convictions require careful handling. A solicitor can advise on disclosure and how the Home Office is likely to assess them.
Complex switching scenarios. If you are switching from another visa route with limited time remaining, a solicitor can ensure the timing and eligibility requirements are met.
New sponsor. If your employer is new to the sponsorship system and uncertain about their compliance duties, a solicitor can advise both parties.

What a Solicitor Actually Does

An immigration solicitor for a Skilled Worker visa typically:

Reviews your eligibility before you apply
Checks the Certificate of Sponsorship for errors
Advises on which documents to submit
Prepares a cover letter addressing any complex aspects of the case
Completes the online application form on your behalf
Handles any follow-up queries from the Home Office

Some solicitors offer a "review only" service, where you complete the application yourself and they check it before submission. This is cheaper than a full-service package and can be a good middle ground.

How to Choose a Solicitor

If you decide to use professional help, make sure the adviser is properly regulated:

Solicitors must be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Immigration advisers must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) at Level 1, 2, or 3

You can check registration on the GOV.UK immigration adviser search. Avoid unregulated advisers — they are operating illegally and you have no recourse if something goes wrong.

When comparing solicitors, ask about:

Fixed fee vs hourly rate
What is included (just the visa application, or also the sponsor's side?)
Their experience with Skilled Worker visa cases
Expected timeline

The Employer's Role

In many cases, the employer arranges and pays for immigration legal advice. This is particularly common in sectors that regularly use the Skilled Worker route, such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Some employers have panel solicitors or use immigration consultancy firms on retainer.

If your employer is covering the cost, ensure you understand who the solicitor's client is. In most cases, the solicitor acts for the employer on sponsor licence matters and for you on the visa application. This dual arrangement works well but be clear about who is giving instructions.

A Practical Decision Framework

To decide between DIY and professional help, ask yourself:

Is my case genuinely straightforward? (No refusal history, no complications, clear salary threshold)
Am I confident completing the online form accurately?
Does my employer have experience with sponsorship?
Can I afford the consequences of a refusal?

If the answer to all four is yes, DIY is reasonable. If any answer is no, professional advice is worth the cost. Read our broader guide on DIY vs solicitor for UK visas for more context.

Next Steps

Assess the complexity of your case honestly. If it is straightforward, start with the Skilled Worker visa guide and work through the requirements methodically. If it is complex, shortlist regulated solicitors and get quotes before committing.

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