If you’re planning to move to the United Kingdom, one of the essential costs you will need to consider is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge is a mandatory payment that most visa applicants need to make as part of their application process. The funds collected from this surcharge contribute to the National Health Service (NHS), helping to cover your access to healthcare services during your stay in the UK.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, including how much it costs, who needs to pay it, and how it works. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, student visa, or family visa, understanding this cost is crucial for planning your budget and ensuring a smooth immigration process.
What Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee that most individuals applying for a visa to the UK are required to pay. This fee provides applicants with access to the NHS, the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system. The surcharge was introduced in 2015, with the aim of ensuring that immigrants contribute to the healthcare services they will use while in the UK.
The IHS is applicable to most visa categories, including work visas, student visas, and family reunion visas, and it covers your healthcare costs while you are living in the UK. However, there are some exceptions, and the amount you need to pay depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and the length of your stay.
How Much Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
The amount you need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge is determined by the length of your visa and whether you’re applying for a work, student, or other type of visa. Below, we will break down the charges based on the type of visa you are applying for and the duration of your stay.
Standard Immigration Health Surcharge
As of 2025, the standard Immigration Health Surcharge rate is:
£624 per year for most visa applicants (except students, young people on the Youth Mobility Scheme, and certain others).
The amount is calculated based on the number of years your visa is valid. For example:
If your visa is for 1 year, you will pay £624.
If your visa is for 2 years, you will pay £1,248.
If your visa is for 5 years, you will pay £3,120.
These fees apply to the majority of visa categories, including skilled worker visas, family visas, and other long-term visas.
Reduced Surcharge for Students and Youth Mobility Visa Holders
For students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, the Immigration Health Surcharge is lower:
£470 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders.
This lower rate applies to individuals who are studying at a university or other educational institution in the UK, as well as to young people from certain countries who are participating in the Youth Mobility Scheme (which allows individuals from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years).
For a 1-year student visa, the surcharge would be £470.
For a 2-year student visa, the surcharge would be £940.
Family and Dependent Visas
If you are applying for a family visa to join a partner or parent in the UK, you will generally need to pay the standard surcharge of £624 per year. However, if you are applying as a dependent of someone with a lower surcharge rate (such as a student), you will pay the same lower rate as that individual.
For example:
If your partner is a student and you are applying as their dependent, you will pay the £470 per year surcharge.
Special Cases and Exemptions
Not all visa applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. There are some exceptions, and certain individuals may be exempt or pay a reduced amount.
Exemptions from the Immigration Health Surcharge:
Certain categories of people are exempt from paying the IHS, including:
Individuals applying for a visitor visa (short-term visas for tourism or business visits).
Individuals applying for a health and care worker visa or international student under the NHS workers scheme (special conditions apply).
Diplomats and their family members.
Certain individuals with Humanitarian Protection or Refugee status.
Reduced or Exemptions for Specific Groups:
Some groups may qualify for a reduced fee or be exempt from paying the IHS altogether. These groups include:
Applicants from the European Union (EU) who were in the UK before Brexit and have pre-settled or settled status.
Children under the age of 18 in certain cases.
Dependents of individuals who are applying for specific visa categories, such as Health and Care Worker visas.
Dependents of Students or Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Holders:
If your partner is a student or holds a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, and you are applying as their dependent, you will pay the same lower surcharge rate as your partner, i.e., £470 per year.
How Is the Immigration Health Surcharge Paid?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is typically paid as part of the visa application process. When you apply for a visa to the UK, you will be asked to pay the IHS before your visa application is processed. You can pay the surcharge online through the UK Home Office website during your visa application.
Payment for the surcharge can be made by credit or debit card, and you will be required to enter the visa application reference number to link the surcharge payment to your application.
After payment, you will receive a confirmation of your payment, which you must keep as proof. This confirmation will be required when you attend your visa appointment or when your application is being processed.
Why Is the Immigration Health Surcharge Important?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a key component of the UK immigration process because it ensures that people who are coming to the UK for long-term stays contribute to the cost of healthcare services they will use during their time in the country. This helps reduce the financial burden on the NHS, which is funded largely through taxes paid by residents of the UK.
By paying the IHS, you gain access to a wide range of NHS services, including:
General medical care from your GP (general practitioner).
Emergency services and hospital treatment.
Maternity services.
Vaccinations and preventive healthcare.
However, it’s important to note that the surcharge does not cover certain types of medical treatments, such as dental care, eye care, and certain specialist treatments. These services may still require additional payment, and individuals will need to check the specifics of what is covered under their visa status.
Can I Get a Refund for the Immigration Health Surcharge?
In some cases, you may be entitled to a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge if:
You leave the UK earlier than expected.
Your visa application is rejected or canceled before you enter the UK.
You are granted permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK.
If you believe you’re eligible for a refund, you can contact the UK Home Office or the relevant visa processing body to request reimbursement. Be aware that refunds are generally only granted under specific circumstances, and the process can be slow and require supporting documentation.
Conclusion: Planning for the Immigration Health Surcharge
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is a vital part of the immigration process, ensuring that long-term visa holders have access to necessary healthcare while residing in the UK. Understanding how much it costs, when to pay it, and who is exempt from it can help you better plan for the financial aspects of your immigration process.
Before applying for a UK visa, make sure you are aware of the specific surcharge applicable to your visa category and calculate your costs accordingly. Whether you’re coming to work, study, or reunite with family, budgeting for the Immigration Health Surcharge is an essential step in your journey to the UK.
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