In This Guide
Cost Overview
The Health and Care Worker visa is one of the most cost-effective UK work visa routes. With reduced application fees and full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you save thousands of pounds compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa. Here is a complete breakdown of every cost you need to budget for.
How much you save vs Skilled Worker visa
On a 5-year visa, a Health and Care Worker visa holder saves approximately £5,735 compared to the Skilled Worker visa: £5,175 in IHS savings (5 x £1,035) plus £560 in reduced visa fees. For a family of 4, total savings exceed £22,000 over 5 years.
Application Fees
The visa application fee depends on the length of visa you are applying for:
| Duration | HCW Fee | Skilled Worker Fee | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 years | £284 | £719 | £435 |
| More than 3 years | £551 | £1,420 | £869 |
Most applicants apply for 3 years initially, then extend. The application fee is paid per person — each dependant pays the same fee. Fees are paid online by debit or credit card during the application process.
IHS Exemption — Your Biggest Saving
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) normally costs £1,035 per person per year. As a Health and Care Worker visa holder, you and your dependants are completely exempt. This is the single biggest financial advantage of this visa route.
IHS Savings by Visa Length
Despite being exempt from the IHS, you have full access to the NHS from day one, including GP appointments, hospital treatment, prescriptions (free in Scotland, Wales, and NI; £9.90 per item in England), and mental health services.
Priority Processing Costs
| Service | Cost | Processing Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | £0 | 3–8 weeks | All applicants |
| Priority | ~£500 | 5 working days | Most locations |
| Super Priority | ~£1,000 | Next working day | In-UK only |
Priority processing is recommended if you have a firm start date with your employer. For most applicants from outside the UK, standard 3-week processing is sufficient if you plan ahead. See our application process guide for timeline planning.
Additional Costs
Beyond the visa application fee, you may need to budget for these additional costs:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | £170–210 | Unless exempt (English-speaking country or degree in English) |
| Tuberculosis test | £65–100 | Only if applying from a listed country |
| Criminal record certificate(s) | £20–80 | Per country. Required from each country you lived 12+ months |
| Document translation | £30–60 | Per document. Only for non-English documents |
| Travel to UK | £300–1,000+ | Varies by origin country. Book early for best fares |
| Initial accommodation deposit | £400–1,500 | If renting privately. Some employers provide initial accommodation |
Dependant Costs
Dependant Restriction
From March 2024, new care worker visa applicants (SOC 6145/6146) cannot bring dependants. This section applies to nurses, other healthcare professionals, and care workers who were granted visas before the restriction.
For eligible applicants, each dependant pays:
| Fee | Per Dependant |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (up to 3 years) | £284 |
| Visa fee (over 3 years) | £551 |
| IHS | £0 (exempt) |
See our dependant visa guide for full details.
What Your Employer Pays
Your employer bears significant costs for sponsorship. These are NOT passed on to you — it is illegal for employers to charge workers for sponsorship:
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Licence (small org) | £536 |
| Sponsor Licence (medium/large) | £1,476 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 per worker |
| Immigration Skills Charge (small) | £364/year |
| Immigration Skills Charge (medium/large) | £1,000/year |
Know Your Rights
It is illegal for your employer to charge you for the cost of sponsorship or deduct these fees from your salary. If an employer asks you to pay for your CoS or Sponsor Licence, this is a red flag. Report it to the relevant authorities.
Total Cost Calculator
Here are typical total costs for different scenarios:
Scenario 1: Single applicant, 3-year visa, standard processing
Scenario 2: Single applicant, 3-year visa, priority processing
Scenario 3: Nurse + partner + child, 5-year visa (if eligible for dependants)
Money-Saving Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the visa cost?
£284 (up to 3 years) or £551 (over 3 years). You are exempt from IHS. Total out-of-pocket is typically £500–900.
Do I pay the NHS surcharge?
No. Full IHS exemption. Saves £1,035/year per person. You still get full NHS access.
How much is priority processing?
~£500 for 5-day priority. ~£1,000 for next-day super priority (in-UK only). Standard is free (3–8 weeks).
What does my employer pay?
Sponsor Licence (£536–1,476), CoS (£239), Immigration Skills Charge (£364–1,000/year). These are never charged to you.
How much for dependants?
Same visa fee per person (£284 or £551). Also IHS exempt. Note: new care workers from March 2024 cannot bring dependants.
Can I get a refund if refused?
No, visa fees are non-refundable. Ensure you meet all requirements before applying. Accidental IHS payments can be refunded.