UK Immigration Health Surcharge. Image: AdobeStock
People unfamiliar with UK visa application procedures are often surprised to hear that they need to contribute to the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
UK Immigration Health Surcharge. Image: AdobeStock
Breytenbachs have provided a brief guide to the UK Immigration Health Surcharge for potential UK Visa applicants below.
The UK Government introduced the Immigration Health Surcharge for UK visa applicants. They wanted to make sure that migrants to the UK make an appropriate financial contribution to the cost of using the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
The advantage for migrants coming to the UK is that they can use the National Health Service as soon as they have paid for it, and their visa application is granted. However, migrants still need to pay for health services such as prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests.
Migrants applying for UK visas valid for more than six months need to pay the IHS. People coming to the UK on visitor visas thus do not have to pay the IHS.
There are also some other exemptions:
The above is not an exhaustive list but covers the most important exemptions. Your Breytenbachs consultant will advise you if you are exempt from paying the IHS.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is payable as part of the UK visa application process. Your visa will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount within the prescribed time.
Immigration Health Surcharge costs | |
Students | £470 per year |
Youth Mobility Scheme applicants | £470 per year |
Children under the age of 18 years | £470 per year |
All other visa applicants | £624 per year |
You have to pay the IHS to cover the entire period of your visa application. E.g. If you are applying for a UK Ancestry visa for five years, you will have to pay £624 x 5 years = £3,120.
Fortunately, you will get a refund of the IHS payment if your UK visa application is unsuccessful or if you withdraw your visa application.
You will also get a partial refund on the IHS payment if you get less time on your visa than you have requested or if any of your dependents on your visa application are refused.
You will NOT get a refund under the following circumstances;
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants have offices in London, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. You can email us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit www.bic-immigration.com. Our consultants can assist with all UK immigration matters, visas, permits, including appeals and reviews.
Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.