UK Skilled Worker Visa NHS Surcharge Breakdown
A complete breakdown of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the UK Skilled Worker visa, including 3-year and 5-year calculations.
Published 2026-09-22
The Cost of the NHS Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is one of the most significant upfront costs for the UK Skilled Worker visa. As of 2026, the standard adult rate is £1,035 per year.
How It's Calculated
You must pay for the full duration of the visa upfront. If your certificate of sponsorship is for 3 years, you must pay £3,105 when applying. If it's for 5 years, the cost is £5,175.
Exemptions
Those applying for the Health and Care Worker visa are entirely exempt from paying the IHS. This makes the Health and Care pathway significantly cheaper.
Calculate exact costs for your situation
Use our calculator to see your total Skilled Worker visa costs, including the IHS based on visa duration.