Skilled Worker vs Health & Care: which UK visa is right for you?
Both are employer-sponsored work routes to settlement, but the Health and Care Worker visa has lower fees, no Immigration Health Surcharge and faster processing for eligible roles.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) | Health and Care Worker visa (Health & Care) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Points-based | Points-based |
| Who it's for | For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation. | For qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care workers with an NHS or eligible care sponsor. |
| Government cost | ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year | ~£304-£590 application; IHS exempt (no surcharge) |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) | ~3 weeks |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per grant (renewable) | Up to 5 years per grant (renewable) |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside the UK | Outside or inside the UK |
| Work rights | Work only for your licensed sponsor in the sponsored role | Work only for your licensed health or care sponsor |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. |
Which is right for you?
Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker)
For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation.
Full Skilled Worker guide →Health and Care Worker visa (Health & Care)
For qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care workers with an NHS or eligible care sponsor.
Full Health & Care guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Skilled Worker or Health & Care?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Health and Care Worker visa (Health & Care) is the lowest at ~£304-£590 application; IHS exempt (no surcharge). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Skilled Worker or Health & Care?
Indicatively Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) is the quickest at ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Skilled Worker and Health & Care?
Skilled Worker visa (Skilled Worker) is for for people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation. Health and Care Worker visa (Health & Care) is for for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care workers with an NHS or eligible care sponsor.