How to Apply for a UK Visa Fee and IHS Refund

How to Get a Refund if You Withdraw a UK Visa Application

If you choose to withdraw your application, the application fee may be refunded — but only if the withdrawal is made at the right stage.

You must request a withdrawal before certain steps in the process are completed, for example:

• If your application requires biometrics data to be taken in person at a visa centre, the request to withdraw must be made before biometrics are taken and submitted.

• If your application involves submitting documents at a visa application centre, the request to withdraw must be made before attendance at the application centre.

• If using the UK Immigration ID Check app, the request to withdraw must be made before clicking ‘confirm and upload’.

• Where after submission, a request for an application to be predetermined or the requirement for an individual to enrol biometrics at a visa application centre is deferred, the request to withdraw must be made before the applicant is notified that the application will be pre-determined or that the requirement to enrol biometrics has been waived.

• If you applied for citizenship, any ceremony fee paid will be refunded if the application is withdrawn before a ceremony is arranged.

📌 IHS refunds for withdrawals: If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, you’ll usually get a full refund within 28 days, provided the application is withdrawn before a decision is made. 

 👉 Thinking of withdrawing your application? Applicants can withdraw most types of immigration application if they are no longer wishing to proceed. Our solicitors can advise on whether you’re eligible for a refund and guide you through the process to avoid losing your fees.

Will I Get a Refund if My UK Visa is Refused?

If your application for a UK visa or citizenship is refused, the application fee will not be refunded.

However, if you paid the IHS fee, this will normally be refunded within 28 days of the refusal.

👉 Need advice after a refusal? Our solicitors can guide you on your next steps, including reapplying or exploring alternative visa options.

IHS Refunds for Health and Care Workers 

• If you work in health and care and have a Skilled Worker Visa

If you have a Skilled Worker Visa, although you will need to make payment of the IHS fee when submitting your application, you can claim a full refund of the IHS fee if you work in one of the following eligible roles (dependants may also qualify):

• Biological Scientist

• Biochemist

• Dental Practitioner

• Doctor

• Midwife

• Medical Radiographer

• Nurse

• Ophthalmic Optician

• Paramedic

• Pharmacist

• Physiotherapist

• Physical scientist

• Podiatrist

• Psychologist

• Social Worker

• Speech and Language Therapist

• Therapy Professional

📌 If you paid the IHS fee on or after 31 March 2020, you will be entitled to a full refund of the IHS fee and if you’re eligible, your dependents could also be entitled to a refund.

If eligible, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration here to get the process started: Contact UKVI here to start your refund application.

• If you work in health and care but do not hold a Skilled Worker Visa

If you have a different type of visa but work in a healthcare setting, you and your dependents may still be eligible for IHS fee refund if you work for an eligible company or organisation such as NHS.

In order to apply, you must be able to show that:

• You work for an eligible organisation such as the NHS or certain care providers. See full list of eligible organisations.

• You’ve worked at least 6 months in your role for at least 16 hours per week.

If your application is successful, you will get a refund of up to 6 months’ worth of IHS fee at a time and will need to keep applying every 6 months to claim a refund for additional periods of time.

👉 Unsure if you qualify? Our team can check your eligibility and assist with your IHS refund application.