The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) adds £1,035 a year to most UK visa applications — but not everyone pays the full amount, and some don’t pay at all. This 2026 guide explains who is exempt, who gets the reduced rate, and the cases where there’s no IHS.
Who is fully exempt?
- Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants — see our Health & Care Worker guide;
- applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme;
- diplomats, certain visiting military personnel (and NATO/agreement cohorts) and their exempt dependants;
- protected groups: asylum seekers, refugees and humanitarian protection, victims of trafficking or modern slavery, victims of domestic abuse, stateless persons and those on the Ukraine schemes.
Who pays the reduced rate (£776/year)?
Instead of the £1,035 standard rate, a reduced rate of £776 per year applies to:
- full-time students and their dependants;
- Youth Mobility Scheme applicants;
- any applicant who is under 18 on the date of application.
Where there’s no IHS at all
You don’t pay the IHS when applying for settlement (ILR), or as a visitor (though the NHS may charge visitors for treatment).
Important: each person pays their own
The IHS is charged per applicant, including dependants. A Skilled Worker bringing a partner and one child pays three separate surcharges (at the rates that apply to each). Budget for the whole family up front.
Frequently asked questions
Who is exempt from the IHS?
Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants, EU Settlement Scheme applicants, diplomats and certain military, and protected groups such as refugees, trafficking and domestic abuse victims, and Ukraine scheme applicants.
Do students pay the IHS?
Yes, but at the reduced rate of £776 per year — which also applies to their dependants.
What is the reduced IHS rate?
£776 per year (instead of £1,035) for students and dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and anyone under 18 on the application date.
Do I pay the IHS for ILR?
No — settlement (indefinite leave to remain) applications don’t require the IHS.
Do visitors pay the IHS?
No — there’s no IHS for visitors, although the NHS may charge them for treatment.
Does each family member pay separately?
Yes — the IHS is charged per applicant, so each dependant pays their own.
