When applying for a visa to the United Kingdom, one of the key fees that applicants must be aware of is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the applicant’s stay. In this article, we will explain how much the IHS fee costs, how it is calculated, the payment process, and other essential details.
What is the IHS Fee?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most visa applicants are required to pay to access the NHS during their stay in the UK. This fee ensures that individuals from outside the UK can benefit from healthcare services while living and working in the country.
Fee Amounts
For most visa applicants, the IHS fee is £624 per year. This applies to a wide range of visa categories, including:
Student visas
Worker visas
Dependent visas
However, there are exceptions. For instance, applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme visas will pay a reduced fee of £470 per year.
Visa Categories and Their Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the IHS fee depending on the visa type and duration:
Student visas: £624 per year
Worker visas: £624 per year
Dependent visas: £624 per year
Youth Mobility Scheme visa: £470 per year
The fee structure is designed to ensure that applicants contribute towards the healthcare services they will use during their stay in the UK.
Duration-Based Fees
The IHS fee is calculated based on the length of the visa being applied for. Below is a guide to how the fee is structured for different visa durations:
1 Year Visa: £624 or £470, depending on the visa category.
2 Year Visa: £1,248 or £940 (for Youth Mobility Scheme).
3 Year Visa: £1,872 or £1,410 (for Youth Mobility Scheme).
The IHS fee is automatically adjusted to reflect the length of the visa granted, so if the visa is issued for a specific time frame, the corresponding fee will be applied.
For Example:
A 1-year student visa would require a payment of £624 (if the applicant is applying for a general visa).
A 2-year worker visa would cost £1,248 (for most visa types).
It’s important to note that the IHS fee is an annual fee, so the payment reflects the full duration of the visa.
Part-Year Fees
If the visa is granted for less than one year, the IHS fee is pro-rated. This means that applicants are required to pay a portion of the annual fee based on the length of their stay. For instance:
A 6-month visa would cost half of the annual fee, so the fee would be £312 (for most applicants).
This part-year calculation ensures that applicants only pay for the healthcare coverage they will actually use.
Payment Process for the IHS Fee
The IHS fee must be paid as part of the UK visa application process. It should be paid online during the application process, and applicants will not be able to proceed with their visa application without paying this fee.
How to Pay the IHS Fee
Online Payment: The IHS fee is paid online through the UK government’s official visa application portal.
Payment Method: Applicants can use a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
Visa Application: During the visa application, applicants will be prompted to pay the IHS fee before submitting their application.
To ensure that your payment is processed successfully, you will need to have the following information:
Valid debit or credit card details
Visa application reference number
Personal details (such as name, passport number, and visa type)
Once the payment is completed, applicants will receive a receipt that confirms their IHS fee payment.
Refund Policy
It is important for applicants to understand the circumstances under which the IHS fee is refundable:
Refunds in Case of Visa Refusal
If your visa application is refused, the IHS fee is refunded. This is a standard practice, ensuring that applicants who are unable to proceed with their visa due to refusal are not financially burdened by the surcharge.
Non-Refundable Fee
If your visa is granted but you decide not to travel to the UK, the IHS fee is non-refundable. This is because the fee provides access to the NHS once the visa is granted and is tied to the visa’s validity. Therefore, if you choose not to use your visa, the IHS fee remains non-refundable.
Using NHS Services
Once the IHS fee is paid and the visa is granted, applicants can use NHS services starting from the beginning of their visa. It’s important to know how to access healthcare services in the UK:
Presenting Documentation
Applicants must present their biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital status when seeking healthcare services. This serves as proof of their entitlement to use NHS services during their stay in the UK.
What’s Covered by the NHS?
The NHS covers a wide range of services, including:
General practitioner (GP) visits
Hospital treatment
Emergency care
It’s important to note that while the NHS provides abroad range of services, applicants may still need to pay for certain services, such as prescriptions or dental care, which are not always included.
Conclusion
The IHS fee is an essential part of the UK visa application process, ensuring that applicants have access to healthcare during their stay. With £624 per year being the standard fee for most visa categories, this amount may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Understanding how the IHS fee is structured, how to pay it, and how to access NHS services can help smooth the application process and ensure you’re prepared for your stay in the UK.
By carefully following the payment guidelines and understanding the pro-rated system for shorter visas, applicants can easily navigate the IHS fee requirements and proceed with confidence.
