The True Cost of UK Migration: £6,800 Skilled Worker vs £791 Health & Care
When Nigerians plan to migrate to the UK, the first shock is the cost. The Skilled Worker visa route can swallow up to £6,800 per person, while the Health & Care visa is dramatically cheaper at just £791. The difference isn’t just numbers — it reflects how the UK incentivises critical workers in health and social care. Let’s break down the real costs, hidden extras, and what each pathway means for your budget.
Quick Answer (TL;DR)
Skilled Worker Visa: £6,800 total — £1,500 visa fee + £5,000 Immigration Health Surcharge + £300 biometrics/medical.
Health & Care Visa: £791 total — £247 visa fee + £544 biometrics/medical. No IHS required.
Plus flights (£900–1,800 one-way) and first 3 months of living costs (£5,000–10,000 single, more for families).
1. Visa Application Fees
UKVI charges different fees depending on your route. The Skilled Worker visa is broad — covering IT, engineering, finance, and other professions. The Health & Care visa is targeted at nurses, doctors, and social care workers, with reduced fees and exemptions.
| Route | Visa Fee | IHS | Other Costs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (5 years) | £1,500 | £5,000 | £300 | £6,800 |
| Health & Care (5 years) | £247 | £0 | £544 | £791 |
Tip: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is the biggest difference. Skilled Worker applicants pay £624 per year per adult, while Health & Care visa holders are exempt. That’s why the gap is so huge.
2. Proof of Funds
Unless your employer certifies maintenance, you must show funds:
- Single applicant: £1,270 (~₦1.4M)
- Spouse: £285 (~₦320k)
- Child: £315 (~₦350k) per child
These funds aren’t paid to UKVI — they just need to sit in your account for 28 days before application.
3. Flights and Arrival Costs
- Lagos → London one-way: £900–1,800 depending on season
- First month in UK: £3,500–6,000 (rent, transport, groceries, SIM, winter clothing)
4. Hidden Costs
- Currency conversion losses: 3–5% spread on ₦ transfers
- Credential recognition fees: GMC, NMC, ACCA — £500–2,000
- Consultant fees (optional): £2,000–5,000
- Relocation inside UK: Moving from London to cheaper cities (Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham) can save 30% on rent but costs £1,000–2,000 in moving expenses.
5. Scenario Comparison
| Scenario | Skilled Worker | Health & Care |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | £6,800 + £5,000 living | £791 + £5,000 living |
| Couple | £13,600 + £8,000 living | £1,582 + £8,000 living |
| Family of 4 | £27,200 + £12,000 living | £3,164 + £12,000 living |
Final Number to Remember
If you’re migrating through the Skilled Worker route, budget at least £12,000–15,000 including flights and settlement. For Health & Care, the upfront cost is under £6,000 even for families — making it the most affordable UK migration pathway in 2026.
Next step: Use our UK Visa Calculator to check your eligibility, then explore the full UK migration pathway page for step-by-step guidance.