UK Skilled Worker visa from Kenya
The UK Skilled Worker visa application fee is £819, about KES 143,000 at today's rate. For stays over 6 months, UK rules require people who have lived in Kenya to take a TB test at an approved clinic; there are clinics in Nairobi.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what governments publish for applicants from Kenya. Confirm every figure on the official pages before you pay or apply.
Last checked 27 Oct 2026
Costs in KES
Official amounts, converted at the rate of 27 Oct 2026 (£1 = KES 174). Banks and card providers use different rates, so allow a margin.
| Item | Official amount | About in KES |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee, up to 3 years | £819 | KES 143,000 |
| Visa fee, more than 3 years | £1,618 check | KES 282,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge, per year | £1,035 | KES 180,000 |
| General salary threshold | £41,700 | KES 7,260,000 |
| Lower threshold: relevant non-STEM PhD | £37,500 | KES 6,530,000 |
| Lower threshold: STEM PhD, Immigration Salary List or new entrant | £33,400 | KES 5,810,000 |
| Listed health and education jobs | £25,000 | KES 4,350,000 |
| Money to show (unless sponsor certifies) | £1,270 | KES 221,000 |
| Extra for a partner | £285 check | KES 49,600 |
| Extra for the first child | £315 check | KES 54,800 |
| Extra for each further child | £200 check | KES 34,800 |
All Skilled Worker visa figures, with sources and family costs
TB test in Kenya
The UK requires a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic for people coming for more than 6 months who have lived in Kenya. Tests at other clinics are not accepted.
- Clinic locations
- Nairobi
- Run by
- IOM
- Test fee
- USD 107 (aged 11 and over); USD 62 (under 11)
Addresses, phone numbers and the latest fees are on the gov.uk list of approved clinics in Kenya (checked 29 Oct 2026).
Requirements at a glance
These apply to everyone, wherever they apply from.
- A job offer from a licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship
- A job at degree level (RQF 6) since 22 July 2025
- Salary of at least £41,700 and the occupation's going rate, with lower thresholds in set cases (£33,400 or £37,500)
- English at CEFR B2 for applications from 8 January 2026
- Visa fee of £819 for up to 3 years, plus the health surcharge at £1,035 a year for each person
- Money to show of £1,270, unless the employer certifies maintenance
Checking a recruiter in Kenya
Recruitment agencies in Kenya are licensed by the National Employment Authority (NEA) check. Check an agency there before you pay it.
Sources
- UK Skilled Worker visa (official page) · gov.uk · Official · checked 27 Oct 2026
- Approved TB test clinics in Kenya · gov.uk · Official · checked 29 Oct 2026
Skilled Worker visa from other countries
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.