Understanding the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and How to Pay It- Lahore Academy

📅 30-Day UK Student Visa Consultant Plan (Day 12)

Step-by-step guide to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and payment process

When applying for a visa to the UK, one of the essential requirements is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK, ensuring you receive necessary health care without incurring exorbitant costs. In this article, we will delve into what the IHS is, who needs to pay it, how much it costs, and the steps to make the payment.

 

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee that international migrants must pay as part of their visa application process for the UK. Introduced in 2015, the IHS allows you to use NHS services during your stay in the UK, similar to British residents. However, while the IHS covers your access to most NHS services, but it does not cover certain services such as dental treatment or prescriptions, which may incur additional costs.

 

Who Needs to Pay the IHS?

You are required to pay the IHS if you are applying for:

Student Visas: Including Tier 4 or Student Route visas.

Work Visas: Such as the Skilled Worker visa, Intra-company Transfer visa, or Health and Care Worker visa.

Family Visas: To join family members residing in the UK.

Short-term Student Visas: If you are studying in the UK for more than six months.

Exemptions from the IHS

Not everyone is required to pay the IHS. Exemptions include:

Individuals applying for a visitor visa. Those applying for a short-term study visa for six months or less. Certain asylum seekers and individuals are under specific humanitarian protection schemes.

How Much Does the IHS Cost?

The cost of the IHS is determined by the length of your intended stay in the UK. The current fee is £624 per year for most visa applicants, while those applying under the Tier 4 (Student) visa or the Youth Mobility Scheme pay £470 per year.

 

Example Calculation

If you are applying for a work visa for two years, the total IHS would be:

Regular IHS: 2 years x £624 = £1,248

If you are a student applying for a one-year postgraduate course, the IHS would be:

Student IHS: 1 year x £470 = £470

How to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge

Step-by-Step Payment Process

Prepare Your Visa Application:

Before you can pay the IHS, you need to complete your visa application online through the UK government's official website. You will need to enter details such as your passport number, the visa you are applying for, and the duration of your stay.

Select the Immigration Health Surcharge:

During the online visa application process, you will come across the IHS payment section. You will be prompted to determine the duration of your visa and the relevant IHS charge will be calculated automatically based on your application details.

Provide Required Information:

You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact information. Make sure that the information you enter matches your passport and other identification documents.

Payment Method:

The IHS can be paid using a credit or debit card. All major credit or debit cards are 

accepted. Ensure your card is authorized for international transactions to avoid payment 

issues.

Receive IHS Reference Number:

After completing your payment, you will receive an IHS reference number. It’s important to 

keep this number safe, as you will need to enter it in your visa application form and for any 

future correspondence regarding your health surcharge.

Confirmation of Payment:

You will receive an email confirmation of your payment. Keep this email as proof of payment; it may be needed for your visa application.

Important Considerations When Paying IHS

Timing of Payment: It’s advisable to pay the IHS at the same time you’re submitting your visa application. If you do so later, it may delay your application processing time.

Refund Policy: If your visa application is refused, you may request a refund of the IHS. This refund request can usually be initiated through the online portal where you made the payment.

Accessing NHS Services in the UK

Once you have paid the IHS, you are entitled to access NHS services during your stay in the UK. This includes access to general practitioners (GPs), hospital treatment, and emergency services. Keep your IHS reference number handy, as you may need to show it when accessing services.

 

Exceptions to Coverage

It’s important to remember that the IHS does not cover certain services, including:

Routine dental care.

Private medical treatment.

Prescriptions (though you'll generally only pay a standard NHS prescription charge).

Eye tests and glasses.

If you require these services, be prepared to pay out of pocket.

Explore the complete UK Student Dependent Visa process to bring your family members with you while studying in the UK.

Conclusion

The Immigration Health Surcharge is an essential part of the visa application process for those wishing to live and study or work in the UK. Understanding how to calculate and pay the IHS will help streamline your application and ensure you have access to vital health services during your stay. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the IHS payment process and focus on your upcoming journey to the UK. Remember to keep all documentation related to your payment, as it may be required for your visa application and future health service usage.