The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an additional fee imposed on most UK visa applicants to support the National Health Service (NHS). Introduced in 2015, the surcharge ensures that migrants contribute to healthcare costs during their stay. This post provides an overview of the IHS in 2025, covering who needs to pay, exemptions, costs, payment processes, and refund eligibility.
Why Do I Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The IHS, also known as the NHS fee, is a legal requirement under Section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014. It grants visa holders access to NHS services free at the point of use for the duration of their stay. However, it does not cover services such as prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests, which remain chargeable.
The charge applies to most temporary visa holders, ensuring they contribute to the NHS while benefiting from its services. Paying the IHS is mandatory, even if you have private health insurance.
Who Needs to Pay the IHS?
Most UK visa applicants are required to pay the IHS, including:
- Individuals applying for a visa exceeding six months from outside the UK
- Anyone applying for any visa duration from within the UK
- Dependants (spouses, children) applying alongside the main applicant
Applicants do not need to pay the IHS if they are:
- Applying for a visitor visa
- Seeking indefinite leave to enter or remain
- A health and care worker (or their dependant)
- Applying under the EU Settlement Scheme
- A diplomat or visiting armed forces member
- A British Overseas Territory citizen from the Falkland Islands
- An asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection
- A victim of slavery or human trafficking
- Applying under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
- A Frontier Worker permit holder with an S1 certificate
- Employed by NATO or the Australian Department of Defence
How Much Does the IHS Cost?
The IHS fee is based on the type and duration of the visa:
- £776 per year for:
- Students and their dependants
- Youth Mobility Scheme applicants
- Applicants under 18 years old at the time of application
- £1,035 per year for all other visa applicants
Fee Calculation Based on Visa Duration:
- Less than six months (from outside the UK) – No IHS fee
- Six months to one year – Pay for a full year
- 18 months or less – Pay for 1.5 years
- More than 18 months but less than two years – Pay for two full years
- Dependants pay the same amount as the main applicant
How to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
The IHS must be paid before submitting a visa or immigration application. Failure to pay results in an automatic refusal.
Payment Process:
- Payment is made online during the visa application process
- A credit or debit card is required
- Applicants receive an IHS reference number upon successful payment
Consequences of Non-Payment:
- Applicants receive an email notification from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with payment instructions
- Payment must be completed within:
- 10 working days if applying from inside the UK
- 7 working days if applying from outside the UK
- Failure to pay results in visa refusal
Can I Get an IHS Refund?
Applicants may be eligible for a full or partial refund in certain circumstances.
Full Refunds:
- If the IHS was paid twice for the same visa
- If the visa application is refused
- If the visa application is withdrawn before a decision
Partial Refunds:
- If the visa is granted for a shorter duration than applied for
- If a dependant’s visa is refused while the main applicant’s visa is approved
- If the IHS was paid twice for the same period when switching visas
No Refund Situations:
- If the visa is granted but the applicant does not enter the UK
- If the applicant leaves the UK before the visa expires
- If the applicant is granted indefinite leave to remain
- If the applicant switches to an exempt visa category
Special Refund Cases:
EU Citizens with an EHIC Card:
- Eligible for a refund if they:
- Are a full-time student in UK higher education
- Hold an EHIC card
- Do not work during their studies
Healthcare & Social Care Workers:
- May qualify for an IHS refund if employed in the UK healthcare sector for at least six months
- Refunds for dependants only apply if their visa covers the same period as the main applicant
How Long Does an IHS Refund Take?
Refunds are typically processed within 28 days of a visa decision or withdrawal.
- If an appeal or administrative review is ongoing, refunds may be delayed
- If an appeal is successful after a refund is issued, the applicant must repay the IHS
Frequently Asked Questions
An IHS number is a unique reference number issued upon payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge. It confirms your payment and must be used when completing your immigration application.
Yes, the IHS is mandatory for most foreign nationals applying for a UK visa. Only those with Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship are exempt, as they contribute through National Insurance payments.
If your UK visa is cancelled or your employer sponsorship is terminated, you will have 60 days to apply for a different visa or leave the UK. Your IHS payment is non-refundable and will be void at the end of the 60 days, after which you will be considered an overstayer unless you arrange a visa extension or alternative visa.
How Whytecroft Ford can help
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a key component of UK visa applications, ensuring migrants contribute to the NHS. Understanding the payment process, exemptions, and refund eligibility is crucial for avoiding unnecessary costs or visa refusals.
For expert advice on UK visa applications and IHS payments, contact Whytecroft Ford today.
