The UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory payment for individuals applying for visas to stay in the country for more than six months. The surcharge grants visa holders access to NHS (National Health Service) services without further charges during their stay. This article will provide a detailed overview of the cost, payment process, and exceptions to the Immigration Health Surcharge, covering all essential aspects for prospective applicants.
Current Cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge is set at £1,035 per year for most visa applicants. This cost is applicable to individuals who are applying for a visa that lasts more than six months. The annual fee must be paid in full at the time of the application, and the cost may vary depending on the length of the visa and the category of the applicant.
Duration-Based Cost
The total cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge depends on the duration of the visa for which an applicant is applying. Here’s how it breaks down:
For a 2-year visa, the total cost of the surcharge will be £2,070 (£1,035 per year for two years).
For a 3-year visa, the total cost would amount to £3,105 (£1,035 per year for three years).
For a 5-year visa, the surcharge would be £5,175 (£1,035 per year for five years).
Applicants need to calculate the full amount based on the duration of their stay in the UK. This will be required during the visa application process.
Exceptions and Discounts
Not all applicants are subject to the same rate of the Immigration Health Surcharge. There are certain exceptions and discounts for specific categories of individuals, including students, their dependants, and people on the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Students and their dependants: The surcharge is reduced to £776 per year for students, their dependants, and applicants on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This reduced rate makes it more affordable for international students and those accompanying them.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders: Individuals applying under the Youth Mobility Scheme, which allows young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years, also pay the discounted surcharge rate of £776 per year.
It’s essential for applicants to verify their eligibility for these discounts to ensure they are paying the correct amount. This can help save substantial costs, especially for families or students coming to the UK.
Payment Process
The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid in advance at the time of making the visa application. The payment process is straightforward and can be completed online through the UK government’s official website.
Steps to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:
Complete the visa application
Begin by filling out the appropriate visa application form.
Access the IHS payment page
Once the visa application is in progress, applicants will be directed to the IHS payment page.
Enter required details
You will need to enter personal details and visa information to calculate the surcharge amount.
Choose payment method
Payments can be made using debit or credit cards, and other electronic payment methods.
Receive confirmation
After payment is completed, a receipt and confirmation will be issued. This will be part of the visa application documentation.
It is essential to ensure that the surcharge is paid before submitting the visa application. Missing or incomplete payments can result in the rejection of the application.
Usage of NHS Services
Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge provides visa holders with access to the NHS without additional charges. Once the surcharge has been paid, applicants and their dependants can use NHS services free of charge, including:
General Practitioner (GP) visits
Emergency treatment in hospitals
Maternity services
Medical treatment for illnesses or injuries
This gives visa holders peace of mind, knowing they are covered for necessary health services throughout their stay in the UK. However, applicants should be aware that some services may still incur additional fees, such as dental services, eye tests, or prescriptions.
Refunds
Refunds are available under certain circumstances if the visa application is refused or if the visa holder leaves the UK before the visa duration ends. The refund policies are as follows:
Visa refused
If the visa application is refused, applicants are entitled to a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Leaving the UK early
If a visa holder leaves the UK before their visa expires, they may be eligible for a partial refund based on the unused period of their surcharge.
To apply for a refund, applicants must contact the Home Office or the relevant government department responsible for immigration services. The process for requesting a refund will require proof of the visa refusal or evidence of leaving the UK earlier than expected.
Dependants and Additional Requirements
In most cases, dependants accompanying the main applicant must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants are typically defined as:
A spouse or partner
Children under the age of 18
The cost for dependants aged 18 or over is the same as for the main applicant, which is £1,035 per year. Dependant children under the age of 18 may be subject to the same cost, depending on the visa type and other factors.
It is crucial for applicants to ensure that the surcharge is paid for each dependant as part of the visa application process.
Recent Changes to the Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge has undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent increase occurring in October 2020. Prior to this, the surcharge was set at £400 per year for most applicants. The increase to £1,035 per year marked a significant rise in the cost, especially for individuals applying for longer-term visas.
These changes were introduced as part of the UK government’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and improve the sustainability of the NHS. Despite the increase, the surcharge remains an essential part of visa applications for individuals seeking to live and work in the UK.
Conclusion
The Immigration Health Surcharge is an essential cost for individuals applying for a UK visa to stay for more than six months. While the standard surcharge rate is £1,035 per year, there are discounts and exceptions for students, their dependants, and individuals on the Youth Mobility Scheme. Applicants must pay the surcharge in advance through the official UK government website, and this payment ensures access to NHS services during their stay. Refunds are available in specific circumstances, such as when a visa is refused or if the visa holder leaves the UK early.
By understanding the surcharge structure, payment methods, and exceptions, applicants can better plan their finances and make sure they are in compliance with UK immigration requirements.
