Health & Care Visa Cost Calculator 2026
Health & Care visa costs in 2026: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Health & Care visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Health & Care
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Health & Care application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (up to 3 years) | £324 | £628 if the visa is for more than 3 years. | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | Health and care workers are exempt from the IHS. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,000 – £5,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Health & Care
- 1
Secure an eligible job offer
From a Home Office-licensed employer (new overseas recruitment for care worker roles closed July 2025).
- 2
Employer assigns a CoS
Confirming role, salary, and duties.
- 3
Apply online
Up to 3 months before the start date; the Immigration Health Surcharge is waived for this route.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
Submit supporting documents.
Typical processing time: Usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK. Since July 2025, new overseas applications for care worker/senior care worker roles are not accepted — only in-country extensions for existing sponsored workers (transitional arrangements run until 22 July 2028).
Documents you'll need
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Valid passport
- English language proof (test, degree, or nationality exemption)
- Proof of personal savings (£1,270), unless certified by sponsor
- Professional registration/qualification evidence where applicable
Common mistakes to avoid
- CoS salary below the required threshold or "going rate" for the occupation code
- Job duties not genuinely matching the stated occupation code
- Incomplete or inconsistent supporting documents
- Applying for new overseas recruitment in a now-closed care worker category
Sources: gov.uk — Health and Care Worker visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £324 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £2,324 – £5,324 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £3,859 – £7,894 |
How to save money on your Health & Care
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,000–£5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Health & Care cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Health & Care visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Health & Care visa in 2026 ranges from about £2,324 to £7,894, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Health & Care application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Health & Care visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Health & Care visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Health & Care visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Health & Care visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.