Immigration Health Surcharge: Fees and How to Get a Refund

Last reviewed: 18 October 2026

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a separate charge paid with many UK visa applications. This guide explains the current rates and how to check whether an immigration health surcharge refund is due.

Current Immigration Health Surcharge Fees

The total depends on the immigration permission being applied for, including chargeable part-years. It is normally paid upfront, separately from the visa application fee.

IHS Examples for Family Applications

Rates checked on 18 October 2026. Examples exclude application fees and other costs. Check the actual charge generated by your application.

Who Normally Pays?

IHS normally applies to overseas applications for more than six months and to in-country applications for limited permission, unless an exemption applies.

Visitor applications and applications for indefinite leave to remain do not attract IHS. Eligible Health and Care Worker visa applicants and their dependants are also exempt.

Private medical insurance does not remove an otherwise applicable IHS charge.

See the official list of exemptions for other categories.

When Can You Get an IHS Refund?

A full refund applies to a refused application, withdrawal before a decision, or duplicate payment for the same application.

A partial refund can arise from shorter permission, a refused dependant or overlapping IHS payments when extending or switching inside the UK. Overlap refunds require at least six months and are rounded down to complete six-month periods.

How Do You Get Your Refund?

These ordinary refunds are automatic and return to the original payment account or card. If someone else paid, they receive the refund.

Refunds usually arrive within six weeks of the decision. Appeals and administrative reviews can affect timing. Contact UKVI if the applicable six-week period has passed.

Chasing a Missing Refund

We recommend preparing the following before making an enquiry:

• Your full name, date of birth and application reference.
• The IHS reference and payment receipt.
• The relevant decision or withdrawal confirmation.
• The date, amount and currency paid.
• A short explanation of why you believe a refund is outstanding.

Check the original payer’s records first, then use the official UKVI contact service. Keep the enquiry reference and any response.

When Is a Refund Not Normally Available?

Leaving early, not travelling after approval, or obtaining ILR does not normally refund unused IHS. Switching to an exempt visa also does not automatically produce a refund of earlier payments.

Check the official refund guidance for the full rules.

Refunds for Health and Care Workers

People who paid IHS and work in health or care may qualify under a separate reimbursement process. This can require an application, and eligibility depends on the visa and employment.

Use the official health and care reimbursement guide to select the appropriate process. Do not assume this operates like an automatic refusal refund.

Keep Your Payment Records

We recommend saving each IHS receipt with the corresponding application and decision. Where family members apply together, clearly identify which payment belongs to each person.

If another person pays on your behalf, agree how you will check and account for any refund. Keep visa application fees and IHS payments separately recorded.

Official Guidance

• IHS rates and calculations
• IHS refund eligibility and timescales
• Health and care worker reimbursement

This guide provides general information. Charges, eligibility and procedures can change. Check the current guidance against your individual application.