When you make a visa application to the UK you may have to pay an extra charge, called an ‘Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)’, in order to use the National Health Service (NHS).
However, services like prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatment will still have to be paid for.
Introduction
You are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment just like an ordinarily resident person in the UK, from the date your visa is granted, so long as you have paid the IHS or you don’t have to pay it because you are exempt.
Also, your visa must allow you to stay in the UK for more than 6 months.
If the Home Office decides to end your visa early then any NHS treatment from then on will become chargeable, even if you have already paid the IHS.
Any non-exempt treatment received before your visa started will also be chargeable.
Any extension of visa applications may lead to another IHS having to be paid. You will not have to pay for the IHS if you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and it is granted.
By paying the IHS you will not get any preferential treatment from the NHS as the IHS only gives you access to NHS services and you will be treated in the same way as patients who are ordinarily resident in the UK.
Who has to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
You will have to pay the IHS if you are applying from OUTSIDE the UK and you:
- are from a country that is not in the European Economic Area
- made your application and paid the visa fee on 6 April 2015 or after
- are applying for a visa for more than 6 months in order to study or work or join your family in the UK (but not to permanently remain in the UK)
You will have to pay the IHS if you are applying from INSIDE the UK and you:
- are from a country that is not in the European Economic Area
- made your application and paid the visa fee on 6 April 2015 or after
- are making an immigration application for any length of time (but not to permanently remain in the UK)
Who does not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
You won’t have to pay if you:
- are under 18 and have been taken into local authority care; or
- are a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or their dependant)
You will, however, still have to use the service in order to get a IHS reference number.
The online IHS system will recognise that you are exempt from paying the IHS fee and you will be issued an IHS reference number.
You can access NHS services even if you are exempt from paying the IHS.
Who does not need an IHS reference number?
You will not have to pay the IHS or get an IHS reference number if:
- you have applied for a visitor visa – instead, you’ll have to pay for any NHS services that you use.
- you have a family member who is a European national and they have European Union treaty rights
- you have applied for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) – if you applied for ILR but the UKVI decide to grant you limited leave you will have to pay the immigration health surcharge.
- you have applied for a visa to the Channel Islands or to the Isle of Man.
- you have applied for humanitarian protection or you are an asylum seeker (or you’re their dependant)
- you are resident in the Falkland Islands as a British Overseas Territory citizen
- you are a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces
- you are the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control
- you are a member of a visiting armed forces or you are a diplomat and you are not subject to immigration control
- you are a domestic worker and you have been identified as a victim of human trafficking or slavery
- you have been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking and you have applied for discretionary leave to remain in the UK on these grounds (or you’re their dependant)
- you are subject to the Home Office’s domestic violence concession (or you are their dependant)
- it would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights to make you leave the country (or you’re their dependant)
If you are exempt from paying then you can still use the NHS but if you have a visitor visa then you will have to pay for any NHS services that you use.
How much will you have to pay?
From 8 January 2019, the IHS Fee is:
- £150 – £300 per year as a student (youth mobility)
- £400 per year for all other visa applications
If, when you apply, there are more than 6 months left in the year then you will have to pay for the whole year.
If there are less than 6 months left in the year you pay half of the yearly amount.
Normally, any dependants will have to pay the same fee that you do. You can calculate how much you will have to pay for the IHS using this handy calculator.
Your application can be delayed if you don’t pay the right IHS fee or even refused if you fail to pay at all.
When do you have to pay?
Before you submit your application or book an appointment at a premium service centre you will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for you and any dependants.
If you don’t pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, or you didn’t pay the right amount, then UK Visas and Immigration will contact you to find out why this has not been paid.
Failing to pay the right amount could lead to your visa application being refused. If you are INSIDE the UK, you must pay within 10 working days.
If you are OUTSIDE the UK, you must pay within 7 working days.
How do you make payment?
Paying the immigration health surcharge is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, you must register in order to use the service.
- Then, you will have to answer the questions. This will determine whether you have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge or if you are exempt from it.
- Then you will be prompted to make payment providing you are not exempt. Payment will be made in the same currency as your visa application fee.
- You should receive an email which will have your IHS reference number. The IHS reference number should also come up on the main screen once you have made payment. It’s important that you save this number because you will need to add this reference number to your visa application.
- Complete the rest of your visa application and pay the relevant visa fee.
Information you will need when you make payment
You will need the following information:
- your full name
- your date of birth
- your email address
- your nationality
- your passport number or your travel document number
- the visa you are applying for
- if you are applying from outside the UK, you will need the name of your visa application centre
You must provide all of the above details for:
- anyone who is applying for a visa with you like a dependant
- anyone who is already in the UK who you are applying to join or remain with (unless they are a British citizen or EEA citizen). You will also need the expiry date of their leave or IHS reference number.
FAQs
Instead of paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, can I get private health insurance?
No, you will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge when you make your visa application.
You can take out private healthcare insurance if you wish but the Home Office will not waive the Immigration Health Surcharge just because you have your own private healthcare insurance.
If I don’t use the NHS can the Immigration Health Surcharge be refunded?
No, even if you do not use any NHS services, you will not be refunded the IHS fee.
I have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge but my visa application was refused. What happens now?
Whilst your visa application fee will not be refunded, the IHS fee will be refunded to you.
What is a ‘partial refund’ of the Immigration Health Surcharge?
If you paid for a period which was longer than the leave you were granted then you will automatically get a partial refund of the IHS fee that you paid.
Hello not to sure if you can assist my wife and my daughter both paid IHS about 4 years ago and I was only made aware recently that you can apply for a partial Refund. My wife works for the NHS and has done so for 6 years. but unfortunately i cant locate the IHS number for either of them. I have searched my e mails but cant find the e mail when I paid for both of them how can I find these numbers in order to apply for a refund. If you could assist I would be more than grateful.
Regards Roy Mercer
Hello Roy,
I’m more than happy to help you out with your query regarding the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) refund process. As you’ve mentioned, your wife and daughter both paid the IHS about four years ago, and you’re now looking to apply for a partial refund since your wife works for the NHS.
Firstly, kudos to your wife for her dedication and service at the NHS! Now, let’s tackle the issue of locating their IHS reference numbers, which is essential for the refund application process.
I understand that you’ve already tried searching through your emails but couldn’t find the one containing the IHS reference numbers. No worries, we can still explore a few other avenues to retrieve this information:
1. Check visa application documents: When you initially applied for their visas, you should have received a document called a “biometric residence permit” (BRP) or a vignette (sticker) in their passports. The IHS reference number is usually printed on these documents. Take a close look at them, and you might find the elusive numbers.
2. Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): If you still can’t locate the IHS numbers after checking their visa documents, your next step would be to reach out to UKVI. They should have a record of your wife’s and daughter’s IHS payments tied to their visa applications. You can contact UKVI via email or phone – here’s their helpline number: +44 (0)300 123 2241 (charges may apply).
3. Seek assistance from an immigration adviser: In case the above options don’t work out, you may consider consulting a registered immigration adviser who can help you find the IHS reference numbers and guide you through the refund application process. You can search for a licensed immigration adviser using the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner’s (OISC) online database: https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
Once you have the IHS reference numbers, you can proceed with the refund application process, which typically involves filling out a form and providing supporting documents to prove your wife’s employment with the NHS. Keep in mind that there might be specific deadlines and other conditions for applying for a refund, so it’s essential to review the latest IHS refund guidance provided by the UK government: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-workers-immigration-health-surcharge-reimbursement-scheme
I have applied for family reunion for my child (Child of a person with Refugee leave to remain in the UK) during when filling the form for IHS I forgot to add my name as the person to join in UK hence she did not get an IHS refrence number although her application is completed and she’s got an appointment at the embassy. I need to know how this can affect her appointment and also how it can be sorted without applying for a new application.
thank you
Raperin
Hi Raperin,
First of all, I’d like to commend you for taking the necessary steps to reunite your family in the UK. Navigating the immigration process can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to ensuring that all the required paperwork is completed accurately. But don’t worry – I’m here to help guide you through this situation and provide some advice on how to address the missing IHS reference number.
To give you a brief background, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that non-EU nationals must pay when applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. This fee helps cover the costs of using the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK. When you fill out the IHS form, it’s essential to include all relevant information to receive an IHS reference number, which is needed for a successful visa application.
Now, let’s address your concern about how the missing IHS reference number could affect your child’s appointment at the embassy and how you can rectify this issue without starting a new application.
1. Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – It’s important to get in touch with UKVI as soon as possible and inform them about the error in your IHS application. They may be able to provide guidance on how to correct the mistake without requiring a new application. You can reach UKVI via email or phone.
2. Consider rescheduling the embassy appointment – If you’re unable to resolve the issue before your child’s scheduled embassy appointment, it may be wise to reschedule it. This will give you more time to sort out the IHS reference number and avoid any potential complications during the appointment.
3. Gather supporting documents – It’s crucial to have all relevant documents, including proof of your refugee status, your child’s birth certificate, and any other required paperwork, readily available. This will help support your case when explaining the IHS error to the embassy or UKVI.
4. Be prepared to explain the situation – During your child’s embassy appointment, be ready to explain the error in the IHS application and provide any correspondence you had with UKVI about the issue. Demonstrating that you’ve been proactive in addressing the problem can help your case.
5. Stay calm and be patient – Remember that mistakes can happen, and it’s essential to remain calm and patient throughout the process. While rectifying the issue may take some time, being persistent
Hi,
I am applying for ILR visa as my spouse has Settlement Visa and is working in the UK as a Health Carer. Thus, I do not have to pay for the IHS fee while applying for VISA, correct? But how do I go about it? Any suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Bidhan Pradhan
Dear Bidhan,
Thank you for reaching out with your question.
You are correct that there are certain exemptions for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, and one of those exemptions applies to individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As an applicant for ILR, you would not be required to pay the IHS fee.
Here’s how you proceed:
When you complete your ILR application form, the system should automatically recognise your eligibility for an IHS exemption based on the information you provide. Therefore, you should not be prompted to pay the IHS fee during the application process.
In the event that the system does ask you to pay the IHS fee, I would advise not making the payment and seeking further assistance. You could contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for guidance.
Please remember that, while you are exempt from the IHS fee, you will still need to pay the application fee for ILR. This is separate from the IHS and is not exempted.
I hope this clarifies your query. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Josh
I have paid IHS for my children both under 12 years old, are they entitled to free eye tests?
All informations I could find stated children under 16 have free eye tests but I am not sure if this applies to IHS / immigrants.
Dear David,
Thank you for your query.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that you’ve paid as part of your children’s visa application gives them access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, similar to a person who is ordinarily resident in the country.
Under the NHS, all children under the age of 16 are entitled to free NHS sight tests. This includes children of immigrants who have paid the IHS. Therefore, your children, being under the age of 12, should indeed be entitled to free eye tests under the NHS.
However, it’s always a good idea to confirm this with the optician prior to the appointment, as private opticians may have their own policies. You can also directly contact the NHS for more information about the services included in the IHS coverage.
I hope this answers your question. If you require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Josh
Hey hii, I have paid my ihs fee for tier 4 visa (student visa) and got the ihs reference number but haven’t received the IHS payment receipt from the worldpay. I m very much worried about the same and desperately need an advice
Dear Sania,
Thank you for reaching out with your concern.
When you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your Tier 4 visa application, you should receive an IHS reference number. This is usually sufficient evidence that you have paid the IHS fee.
The WorldPay payment receipt, while useful, is not typically required as part of your visa application. The most crucial piece of information is your IHS reference number, which you said you have already received.
However, if you’re concerned about not receiving a receipt from WorldPay, you might want to consider the following steps:
Check your email’s spam or junk folder: Sometimes emails from service providers like WorldPay can end up in these folders.
Contact WorldPay: You could get in touch with WorldPay customer service to inquire about the status of your payment receipt.
Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): If you’re still concerned, you could contact UKVI directly to confirm that they have a record of your IHS payment.
Remember, every visa application is unique, and if you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from an immigration advisor or legal professional.
I hope this information helps to alleviate your concerns. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Josh
Hi, I’m currently studying in the Uk. I paid for my ihs July 2022. I want to get a refund now and I realised I can’t find my ihs reference number anymore. It’s not in my mail as I’ve thoroughly checked. I must have deleted it mistakenly or lost it when I flashed my phone. Please how can it be retrieved?
Hello Nero,
I understand you’re looking to retrieve your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) reference number. Without the reference number, it can be challenging to proceed with a refund request. Here’s what you can do:
First, you should contact the IHS enquiries team at the UK Visa and Immigration. They can help you retrieve your lost IHS reference number. You can reach them by phone at +44 (0)300 330 9256 (note that charges may apply) or via email at [email protected]. Be prepared to provide them with your full name, date of birth, passport number and other details they might need to locate your IHS payment record.
Secondly, keep in mind that IHS refunds are not automatically processed. You must be eligible for a refund. Refunds are typically processed when you paid the healthcare surcharge (or ‘immigration health surcharge’) twice, your visa application was refused or you withdrew your visa application. If your situation doesn’t fall within these categories, you may not be eligible for a refund.
Lastly, the refund process may take some time, so patience is required. If you continue to experience issues, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a legal professional experienced in UK immigration matters.
I have paid IHS from Nigeria and I was told I paid incorrect visa application. What should I do pls
Dear Ofuoma,
I’m sorry to hear about the issue you’ve encountered. In the case of incorrect visa application payment, it’s important to correct the situation promptly to avoid potential issues with your visa processing.
You should follow these steps:
I highly recommend getting in touch with a legal professional or immigration adviser who can guide you through the process and ensure everything is handled correctly.
Good luck, and I hope your issue gets resolved soon.
Best regards,
Josh
I already paid for my IHS but on my visa application it is not reflecting and i have a reference number already. please what do i do ?
Dear Florence,
I understand your concern. It seems there might be a minor technical glitch causing your IHS payment to not reflect on your visa application. Here are a couple of suggestions you could try:
1. Check your bank statement to confirm if the payment was successful.
2. Double-check the reference number and make sure it’s correctly inputted into your application.
3. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try to access the application again.
4. Try accessing your application on a different device or browser.
If none of these solutions work, I would recommend contacting the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre for further assistance. They can guide you on the next steps or rectify the issue if it’s on their end.
Best regards,
Josh
Hi Josh, unsure if this situation is assistable but im still shooting my shoot
Year ago I got accepted to a course with 5 years length and started my foundation year. Now I have transfered to a different college continuing my education and that is going to be 2 years instead of the remaining 4. It is a new visa application which means I am paying for the next two years, but my can i get refunded for the 4 years that i paid for in my last application?
Dear Meltem Orujova,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your question regarding your visa application and the possibility of a refund for the previous years’ payment. I understand that you have transferred to a different college, resulting in a change in the duration of your course from 5 years to 2 years.
In such cases, where there is a change in the duration or nature of the course, it is important to review the specific guidelines and policies set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). To accurately determine if a refund is possible for the years you paid for in your previous application, I recommend contacting the UKVI directly or seeking advice from a qualified immigration attorney.
They will be able to assess your individual circumstances, take into consideration any relevant regulations, and provide you with the most accurate information regarding any potential refund.
Please note that as an immigration attorney, I am unable to provide specific advice without a comprehensive understanding of your situation and without reviewing the relevant documentation. It is always best to seek professional guidance to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific case.
I hope this information is helpful to you, and I wish you the best of luck with your visa application and your studies.
Warm regards,
Josh
Hi,
I applied vor a student visa, did all the payment (including the health surcharge payment) and got a receipt for these payment, including a transaction reference for my payments with starts with an IHS. The email says “On completion of your IHS application you will also be emailed a copy of your IHS reference number, which you will need for your immigration application.” Unfortunately I didn’t get this email.
What can I do?
Dear Steffi,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your student visa application and the issue you encountered with not receiving the email containing your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) reference number. I understand the importance of having this reference number for your immigration application.
In situations like this, it is crucial to take immediate action to rectify the problem. I recommend the following steps to address your concern:
1. Check your spam or junk email folder: Sometimes, emails can be misdirected and end up in these folders. Please thoroughly search your email account to ensure that the email with your IHS reference number hasn’t been filtered out.
2. Contact the relevant authorities: If you have already checked your spam folder and still cannot find the email, I advise you to contact the appropriate authority responsible for the IHS application. In the United Kingdom, you can reach out to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) contact center for further assistance. They have the expertise to help resolve your issue and provide guidance on the next steps.
3. Provide necessary information: When contacting the UKVI contact center, make sure to provide them with all the relevant details regarding your application, such as your full name, date of birth, and any payment reference numbers or receipts you have received. This will assist them in locating your application and resolving the issue more efficiently.
4. Keep records of your communication: It’s essential to keep a record of all communication with the UKVI contact center. This includes noting down the dates, times, and names of the representatives you speak with. This documentation will be helpful in case any further issues arise or if you need to provide evidence of your efforts to resolve the matter.
5. Follow any instructions provided: Once you have contacted the UKVI contact center, they will guide you on the necessary steps to obtain your IHS reference number. It’s important to carefully follow their instructions and provide any additional information or documentation they may require.
Remember, timely action and effective communication are key in resolving this matter. I trust that by following these steps, you will be able to obtain your IHS reference number promptly and proceed with your immigration application smoothly.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’m here to assist you throughout this process.
Warm regards,
Josh
Hi,
I applied vor a student visa, did all the payment (including the health surcharge payment) and got a receipt for these payment, including a transaction reference for my payments with starts with an IHS. The email says “On completion of your IHS application you will also be emailed a copy of your IHS reference number, which you will need for your immigration application.” Unfortunately I didn’t get this email. I already received my visa confirmation.
What can I do?
Dear Steffi,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your student visa application and the issue you encountered with receiving the email containing your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) reference number. I understand that this can be concerning, but I’m here to assist you.
In such cases, where you have not received the email with your IHS reference number despite completing the payment and receiving the visa confirmation, it is advisable to take the following steps:
1. Check your spam or junk email folder: Sometimes, legitimate emails can end up in these folders by mistake. Please search your email folders thoroughly, including the spam or junk folder, to ensure that the email hasn’t been filtered there.
2. Contact the relevant authorities: If you have checked all your email folders and still cannot find the email, it is recommended that you reach out to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) directly. They will be able to assist you further and provide guidance on how to obtain your IHS reference number. You can contact them through their official helpline or email address stated on their website.
3. Prepare necessary documentation: While getting in touch with the UKVI, make sure to have all the relevant documents related to your visa application readily available. This may include your visa confirmation, payment receipts, and any other supporting documents that you have received throughout the application process. Having these documents at hand will help facilitate the resolution of your issue.
Remember, it is important to maintain open communication with the UKVI, as they are the proper authorities to address your specific situation. They have the expertise and resources to guide you appropriately and resolve any concerns you may have regarding your visa application.
I hope this information proves helpful to you, Steffi. Should you have any further queries or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or the UKVI directly. Good luck with your studies in the UK!
Warm regards,
Josh
my credit card statement reveals a debit of Rs. 1,76,896.72 on 15th June with ref # IHS254433985PA03 2023.
to the best of our knowledge and records , our billing is not done for this entry.
we would be obliged if you could kindly share details like passenger names etc. of this entry on an urgent basis and oblige.
Dear Rakesh,
Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the debit on your credit card statement related to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). I understand that you are seeking details about this entry and the passenger names associated with it.
As a UK visa attorney and consultant, I am here to assist you. However, please note that I am unable to access personal information or specific details about individual transactions through this platform. To obtain the necessary information regarding the debit on your credit card statement, I recommend contacting the relevant authorities directly.
You can reach out to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department or the Home Office directly to inquire about the specific entry in question. They will be able to provide you with the necessary details and assist you further with any concerns you may have.
I hope this guidance helps you in obtaining the information you are seeking. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to ask.
Warm regards,
Josh