In 2026, moving to another country for work is not just about a new job. It is a big money decision. If you want to live in the UK, Australia, or Canada, you have a big choice. Do you pick a temporary work visa that costs less at first? Or do you pay more upfront for Permanent Residency (PR)?
The temporary visa looks cheap when you start. But it has many extra costs that come again and again. Over five years, these costs add up a lot. Often, the temporary way ends up more expensive. This guide looks at costs in 2026. It helps you see the real money picture and your Return on Investment (ROI).
Upfront Application Fees: The First Cost You See
The first thing you pay is the government fee to apply. In 2026, permanent options cost more at the start because of higher admin fees.
Visa Application Charge (VAC)
This is the main fee.
- For temporary visas, it is lower. In the UK Skilled Worker visa, it is about £719 to £1,751.
- For permanent, it is higher. In Australia skilled PR, it is around $4,765 to $5,000 AUD. In Canada, the main fee is about $950 CAD plus other costs.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
In Canada, you pay this extra fee of about $575 CAD when you get PR. Only for permanent paths.
Costs for Family Members
If you bring a spouse or children, costs go up fast. Each family member pays 50% to 75% of the main fee. This makes family moves much more expensive.
Extra Must-Pay Items Before Applying
For permanent visas in Australia and Canada, you need skills checks first. These cost $500 to $3,000. You pay this before you even send your application.
Employer Sponsorship and Compliance Costs
Temporary work visas often need an employer to sponsor you. You are tied to that job. The employer pays some fees, but it can hurt your pay talks.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) In the UK, employers pay this every year. In 2026, it is £1,320 per year for big companies. Employers cannot take this money from your salary by law. But it can make them offer you less pay.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee Employers pay this to give you a work spot. It costs about £525 in 2026.
- No Access to Public Help Temporary workers pay full taxes. But they get “No Recourse to Public Funds”. This means no help if you lose your job or need child benefits. PR holders get these. This is a big hidden cost if things go wrong.
Recurring and Health Costs: The Ongoing Payments
In 2026, temporary workers pay extra fees many times. Experts call it “double payment” because you pay tax and big health fees.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) In the UK, this is £1,035 per year for adults in 2026. For a 5-year visa, that is more than £5,000 extra. PR holders do not pay this.
- Health Benefits in Australia Temporary workers in Australia may not pay the 2% Medicare levy. This gives a small tax save. It helps a little with visa costs.
- Renewal and Biometric Fees Temporary visas often last 2-3 years. To stay 5 years, you renew. Each renewal costs fees again, plus biometrics ($20-$100).
Transition Costs: The Cost of Changing to Permanent Later
Many people start with temporary visa and plan to change to PR. This two-step way is often the most expensive.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Fees In the UK, changing to PR costs about £3,029 in 2026.
- English Test Costs You need tests like IELTS. They cost $250 or more. Scores expire in 2 years. If your process takes longer, you pay again.
- Help from Experts The rules are hard in 2026 points systems. Many pay consultants $2,000 to $5,000 for help.
Comparison: Total Cost Over 5 Years (2026 Estimates)
Here is a simple table for one person. Costs can change with family or exact visa.
| Cost Part | Temporary (Skilled Worker Example, mostly UK) | Permanent Residency (Skilled/Points) |
|---|---|---|
| First Government Fee | Low (£719 – £1,751) | High ($2,500 – $5,000) |
| Health Surcharge | High (£5,175 over 5 years) | $0 (included in PR) |
| Renewal Fees | Yes (about £1,500 or more) | $0 (one-time) |
| Employer Hidden Costs | High (sponsorship fees) | $0 (you are free) |
| Total Over 5 Years | Higher (many repeats) | Lower long-term (saves thousands) |
| ROI Over 5 Years | Lower (more waste) | Higher (big savings) |
Over 5 years, permanent can save £7,000 or more in places like the UK.
FAQ: Making Your Choice
Can I go straight to Permanent Residency without temporary visa?
Yes. If you have enough points for skilled independent routes, you can. It costs more on day one. But it saves a lot by year 5.
Does my employer pay the health surcharge?
Usually no. Employers may pay sponsorship fees. But health surcharge like IHS is often your cost. You can try to ask them to pay in job talks.
Plan Your Move Well
The 2026 numbers show clear facts. Permanent Residency is like buying something once. It saves you thousands over time. Temporary visas have low start cost but high repeat costs.
Think about your family size, job offers, and long plans. Check official sites for exact fees.
- Do you want me to make a simple Visa Cost Calculator for your family?
- Do you want tips on how to ask your employer to pay some fees?
Disclaimer: This is just information to help you learn. Fees and rules change. Always check official government websites like Home Office (UK), Department of Home Affairs (Australia), or IRCC (Canada) before you decide or pay money.