| Skilled Worker visa | Health & Care Worker visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Eligible graduate-level roles across sectors | Eligible health and care professionals (e.g. nurses, doctors) |
| Sponsor licence | Standard Worker licence | Worker licence covering the health & care route |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Usually payable; specific exemptions apply | Usually payable; specific exemptions apply |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Payable (usually by the worker) | Exempt |
| Care worker / senior care worker | Not the intended route | Closed to new overseas applicants since 22 July 2025 |
| Typical cost to sponsor | Higher (ISC + IHS apply) | Reduced visa fees and no IHS; ISC may apply |
Which should you choose?
Eligible Health & Care Worker applicants pay reduced visa fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge. Employers may still owe the Immigration Skills Charge; healthcare sponsorship has no blanket exemption.
But the overseas care-worker and senior-care-worker route closed to new applicants in July 2025, so that specific group can no longer be recruited from abroad under it. The mainstream Skilled Worker route covers most other roles.
We confirm which route a specific role qualifies for — and whether Ireland is the better market for care roles — before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker visa?
Both are sponsored UK routes, but the Health & Care Worker visa is for eligible health and care professionals and has reduced application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge exemption. The Immigration Skills Charge may still be payable by the employer. The Skilled Worker visa covers eligible roles more broadly.
Which visa is cheaper for employers?
The Health & Care Worker route reduces the applicant’s visa fee and removes the IHS. Employer savings depend on which costs the employer covers. The ISC usually applies to both routes, subject to specific exemptions.
Last reviewed: 16 July 2026. General information for employers, not legal advice.
Sources: UK Home Office / UKVI.