NHS & Healthcare Exemption Visa Guide 2026

UK Health & Care Worker Visa & IHS Savings Calculator

Check minimum NHS pay band requirements, 100% IHS exemption savings, reduced application fees, and 2026 dependant rules for doctors, nurses, and care workers.

Calculate Your IHS & Fee Savings

Total Exemption Savings100% IHS Exemption
IHS Fee Saved£9,315(3 Persons × 3 Yrs)
Visa Fee Saved£1,305(Reduced £284 vs £719)
Total Saved£10,620Grand Exemption Total
Selected NHS Band Base Salary:£30,229 / year

Health & Care Worker Visa Key Benefits (2026 Rules)

1. Reduced Application Fees

Health & Care Visa fees are reduced to **£284** per person (up to 3 years) or **£551** (over 3 years), compared to standard Skilled Worker fees of £719 / £1,420.

2. 100% IHS Exemption

Applicants and family dependants pay **£0 in Immigration Health Surcharge**, saving £1,035 per person per year over the lifetime of the visa.

3. Fast-Track Processing

Applications are automatically prioritized by UKVI with standard processing targets of **3 weeks** without requiring priority fees.

4. 5-Year Route to Settlement (ILR)

Time spent on the Health & Care Visa counts fully towards 5-year Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Dependant Rules Update

Under recent Home Office rules, care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6145 / 6146) employed by private care providers cannot bring dependants. However, NHS nurses, doctors, radiographers, and allied health professionals continue to have full dependant rights.