Immigration Health Surcharge

What happens if I don't pay the healthcare surcharge?

If you don’t pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application then UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will notify you by email. After receiving the email you will have between 7 and 10 working days to pay the immigration health surcharge, failure to do so will result in a rejected visa or immigration application.

When do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Applicants wishing to enter or extend their stay in the UK must pay the immigration health surcharge before they submit their application. The cost paid is based on the maximum period of time for which permission could be granted under the relevant application route. For instance, for family members applying under Appendix FM the period will usually be two-and-a-half years. Whereas, a student undertaking a one year course may have to pay for one-and-a-half years as this reflects the maximum length of leave that may be granted in that instance. 

Full refunds are given if you paid the IHS twice, your visa application was refused, or you withdraw your visa application. Whereas,a partial refund is given when a visa application has been successful but you did not come to the UK, you left the UK before your visa expired (this includes leaving because you were told to do so), and you applied for indefinite leave to remain. These refunds are usually received within 6 weeks of the decision being given, however if you are making an appeal or wanting an administrative review then it may take longer.

Can the immigration health surcharge be refunded?

Yes, in the following circumstances you can get a refund on the immigration health surcharge: 

• If you paid the fee twice.

• If your immigration application was refused or you withdrew it.

• A partial refund will be given if dependants have been refused or if you have received less leave than what you applied for.

You may also be eligible to receive an IHS refund if you work in health and care. If you are a medical professional (working in an eligible job) in the UK on a Tier 2 visa you are eligible to apply to receive a partial or full refund depending on when you paid the fee. If you meet this eligibility criteria then your dependants can also get a refund.

If your application is refused then you will receive a refund. This refund will automatically happen upon a refused application and the refund will go to the card which was used to pay for the immigration health surcharge. It may take six weeks (or longer) to receive the refund.

If your case goes to administrative review or appeal, then this refund of the immigration health surcharge will be put on hold until the outcome of this is settled.

You will not get a refund of the IHS even if you do not use the services offered by the NHS. Nor will you get a refund if you leave the UK before your visa expires.

How do I apply for a immigration health surcharge refund?

If you believe that you are entitled to a refund, then you must contact UKVI with details of: 

1. Your (and any dependants’) immigration health surcharge reference number; 

2. The date when you paid the charge; 

3. Your Certificate of Sponsorship number; and 

4. The name of your employer.

What occupations are eligible to receive an IHS refund?

If you are in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) visa and have one of the following jobs, then you are eligible to apply for am IHS refund:

Can I apply for a refund if I don’t have a Tier 2 visa or if I work in another healthcare role?

Yes, if you don’t meet the requirements directly but are a medical professional without a Tier 2 visa or you have a Tier 2 visa but don’t work in an eligible occupation then you are able to apply for a refund if you meet the following:

• You work for an eligible organisation.

• You have been in your role for the last 6 months for at least 16 hours per week.

How do I get my IHS refund

How do I get my IHS refund if I pay twice?

If you pay your IHS twice then you will automatically get refunded and your IHS refund will go to the card used to make the payment. However, if you haven’t received your immigration healthcare surcharge refund within 6 weeks then contact UKVI.

What to do if you have not received your IHS refund

If your IHS refund has not been received within 6 weeks, then you will need to contact UKVI.

What is the IHS reference number?

The IHS reference number is given to you once you have paid the IHS and essentially acts as confirmation of payment. You need the IHS reference number in order to complete your immigration application.

When you have paid the IHS the reference number will be displayed on your screen and you will also receive an email with the reference number on. The IHS reference number is ‘IHS’ followed by nine numbers.

How can I find my IHS number? How to retrieve or check your IHS reference number

Providing that your email address was entered correctly, you would have received an email which contained your IHS reference number. Therefore, the best way to retrieve or check your IHS reference number would be to use the search function in your emails to find your confirmation receipt which will contact your IHS number.

IHS reference number email not received

In case your IHS reference number email is not received, it is important to note down your IHS reference number when it appears on the screen at the time of payment.

When your IHS number is displayed either make a note of it or print a copy of it to ensure that you have the number to hand in case you do not receive the IHS reference number email.

Your IHS reference number begins with IHS and is followed by nine digits.

How can Paragon Law help?

If you require assistance or advice in relation to the immigration health surcharge or another immigration application then please get in touch with us and one of our immigration advisors will be in touch with you shortly.