Skilled Worker Visa vs Health and Care Visa: Key Differences

If you're planning to work in the UK, you've probably come across the Skilled Worker visa and the Health and Care Worker visa. While they may seem similar, there are some important differences to understand, especially if you're working in health or social care.

The Skilled Worker visa covers a wide range of jobs, while the Health and Care Worker visa is a specialised subcategory limited to NHS and care roles.

Not sure whether to apply for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa? Contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 for guidance.

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Understanding the Basics

The Health and Care Worker visa is actually a special category within the Skilled Worker visa route. It's specifically designed for qualified medical professionals, like doctors, nurses, social care workers, and other allied health professionals, who want to work in the UK's health and social care sector.

Both visa types allow overseas nationals to live and work in the UK, but the Health and Care Worker visa comes with some unique perks.

What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main work visa, replacing the old Tier 2 (General) visa. It's designed for skilled professionals across a wide range of sectors, from engineering and IT to teaching and healthcare.

If you're coming to the UK to take up a job that requires a certain skill level (RQF Level 3 or above, equivalent to A-levels), and your employer is licensed to sponsor overseas workers, you may qualify.

As of June 16, 2025, most applicants need to earn a salary of at least £38,700 per year, though some exceptions exist for roles on the Shortage Occupation List.

What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?

The Health and Care Worker visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa, specifically created for overseas professionals working in the NHS, with NHS suppliers, or in adult social care.

It's aimed at roles such as:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Care workers
• Paramedics
• Senior care workers
• Physiotherapists
• And other approved healthcare and social care roles

This visa offers several unique benefits that are especially helpful for people working in health and social care.

Main Differences Between the Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Visa

Not sure whether to apply for the Skilled Worker visa or the Health and Care Worker visa? Let's simplify things by breaking down the key differences, so you can make the right choice for your career in the UK.

1. Who Can Apply

Skilled Worker visa is open to skilled professionals across a wide range of sectors, including IT, engineering, finance, teaching, and healthcare.

The Health and Care Worker visa is specifically for qualified healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, care workers, and social care staff working for the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.

2. Eligible Job Roles

While the Skilled Worker visa supports applications from professionals in multiple industries, the Health and Care Worker visa is tailored for medical and social care workers filling critical shortages in the UK.

3. Application Fees

If you're applying for the Skilled Worker visa, expect to pay between £769 and £1,751. In contrast, the Health and Care Worker visa comes with reduced fees, £304 for up to 3 years or £590 if staying longer.

4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

With the Skilled Worker visa, you'll need to pay the IHS at £1,035 annually. In contrast, Health and Care Worker visa applicants don't pay this charge; it's fully exempt for qualifying healthcare jobs.

5. Minimum Salary Requirement

As of April 2024, the Skilled Worker visa generally requires a minimum salary of £38,700 per year. However, the Health and Care Worker visa offers lower salary thresholds for roles like care workers and senior care assistants.

6. Processing Time

Both visas are usually processed within 3 weeks. Health and Care Worker visa may be prioritised for urgent healthcare roles.

7. Family Members (Dependants)

While both visas allow dependants, there are exceptions. Care workers and senior care workers applying for the Health and Care Visa after 11 March 2024 may not be eligible to bring family members.

Do You Need a Job Offer to Apply?

Absolutely. For both visa types, you must:

• Have a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor
• Be issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Meet the relevant salary and skill level
• Prove your English language ability

Common Eligibility Requirements

Both visas have some requirements in common:

• You must have a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor overseas workers.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• You must meet the minimum salary threshold for your role.
• You must be able to speak English at an acceptable level.
• You must have enough savings (usually £1,270) to support yourself when you arrive, unless your employer covers it.

For the Health and Care Worker visa, your job must also be listed on the Shortage Occupation List and fall under an eligible health or care profession.

Can You Bring Your Family (Partner and Children) to the UK?

A UK Skilled Worker visa allows you to bring your partner and children to the UK on a dependent visa. They'll have the right to live, work, and study in the UK.

If you're a care worker or senior care worker, you can only bring your partner and children to the UK if you were already working in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa before 11 March 2024. You must also still be on that visa, be renewing it with the same employer, or switching to a similar job in the same occupation code.

If you started your role after 11 March 2024, unfortunately, your partner or children will not be eligible to join you under the dependent visa route.

What Are You Allowed to Do on a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

• Work in a qualifying job for your sponsor
• Study or take additional training
• Do voluntary work
• Travel freely in and out of the UK
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
• Bring your spouse/partner and children with you on dependent visas

What Are You Allowed to Do on a Health and Care Worker Visa in the UK?

• Work in an approved healthcare role
• Extend your visa as long as you remain eligible
• Apply for settlement after 5 years
• Bring your dependents with you
• Take on some secondary work and do voluntary work (subject to restrictions)

Which Visa Should You Choose?

If you are employed in a non-healthcare profession such as IT, engineering, or education, the Skilled Worker visa is the route you will take.

However, if you're a qualified healthcare or social care worker and planning to work for the NHS, a registered NHS supplier, or in adult social care, the Health and Care Worker visa is likely your best option. It's cheaper, quicker, and exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving you hundreds of pounds per year.

Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?

Both the Skilled Worker visa and the Health and Care Worker visa offer excellent opportunities to build a life and career in the UK. But the right option for you depends on your profession, salary, and intended employer.

Choosing the wrong route could mean paying more than necessary or facing delays in your application. That's why it's smart to get professional advice before you apply.

If you're unsure which UK work visa to apply for, call our experienced immigration solicitors on 0203 417 3700 or fill in our contact form for guidance.