Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Refund Guide

If you're applying for a visa to enter or remain in the UK, you're likely to be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee allows you to access NHS services during your stay. However, if your visa application is unsuccessful or withdrawn, you may be eligible for a refund.

Understanding the IHS system and the refund process can be complex. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamental aspects of the IHS, including who needs to pay it and the current payment structure. You'll also learn about the scenarios that qualify you for a refund, whether full or partial, and the steps to claim it.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the circumstances under which you're entitled to an IHS refund.

• Learn how to navigate the IHS refund process.

• Understand the different scenarios that may affect your refund eligibility.

• Find out how to track your refund status.

• Get advice on troubleshooting common issues with your refund application.

Understanding the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The UK's Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee for many visa applicants, and grasping its details is key to a smooth application process. You need to understand what the

IHS entails and how it affects your visa application.

The Immigration Health Surcharge Explained

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that certain individuals must pay as part of their UK visa application. It allows access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The exact surcharge depends on the type of visa you're applying for and the duration of your stay as granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Current IHS Rates and Payment Structure

The current IHS rates vary according to your visa type. For instance, students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders pay £470 per year, while other applicants pay £624 per year. If you're under 18, the rate is also £470 per year. It's also important to note that the payment structure is based on the length of your stay. You pay for a full year if your application includes more than six months of the year, but only half the yearly amount for stays less than six months. Dependents aged 18 or over usually pay the same amount as the main applicant. The IHS rates are set to increase in 2024, with main applicants paying £1,035 and students or children paying £776.

Who Needs to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee for certain visa applicants, but not everyone is required to pay it. When applying for a visa to enter the UK, understanding your liability for the IHS is crucial.

Visa Types Subject to IHS

Most non-settlement visa applications are subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge. This includes various worker visa categories, among others. If you're applying for a visa that falls under these categories, you'll typically be required to pay the IHS as part of your application process. The health care worker visa, while related to the NHS, is an exception under specific circumstances.

Exemptions from the Immigration Health Surcharge

Certain individuals are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. For instance, applicants for a Health and Care Worker visa are exempt, as this visa is designed to support the NHS workforce. Additionally, those applying for indefinite leave to remain or leave to remain in the UK are also exempt, as they are transitioning to a more permanent residence status. Other exemptions include dependents of members of the UK's armed forces and certain diplomatic staff. Furthermore, while nationals of Australia and New Zealand are not entirely exempt, they benefit from reciprocal healthcare agreements, which may allow them to claim reimbursement.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Refund Guide: Eligibility Criteria

Knowing whether you're eligible for an IHS refund can help you manage your finances better after applying for a UK visa. The eligibility criteria for a refund are directly linked to the outcome of your visa application and the specifics of your IHS payment.

Scenarios for Full Automatic Refunds

Full automatic refunds are typically processed when your visa application is refused. In such cases, the entire amount you've paid towards the IHS is refunded. This is because the surcharge is directly tied to the validity and duration of your visa.

Scenarios for Partial Automatic Refunds

Partial refunds are issued under specific circumstances. You may be eligible for a partial refund if your visa is approved, but for a shorter duration than you initially applied for. Similarly, if any dependents included in your application are refused visas, you'll receive a partial refund for the amounts paid for those dependents.

Scenario	Refund Eligibility	Refund Amount
Visa granted for less time than applied for	Yes	Proportional to the difference in duration
Dependants refused visas	Yes	Amount paid for dependents
Visa application refused	Yes (Full Refund)	Full IHS amount paid

These refunds are processed automatically and returned to your original payment method, typically within 6 weeks of the visa decision. Understanding these scenarios can help you anticipate whether you're eligible for an IHS refund.

When You Are Not Eligible for an IHS Refund

Understanding the scenarios where you're not eligible for an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) refund is crucial for managing your expectations. The IHS refund policy is designed to return unused portions of the surcharge under specific circumstances. However, not all situations qualify for a refund.

Successful Applications with No Refund Entitlement

If your visa application is successful, you won't be entitled to a refund simply because you've received your visa. The IHS is calculated based on the duration of your visa, and having a successful application doesn't inherently mean you're eligible for a refund. For instance, if you've applied for a 2-year visa and your application is approved, the IHS you've paid covers the entire period. You won't receive a refund just because your application was successful.

Early Departure from the UK

Leaving the UK before your visa expires doesn't automatically qualify you for an IHS refund. If you voluntarily leave the UK before your visa's end date, you won't be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your IHS. This policy applies even if you're departing early to submit a new visa application from outside the UK. The table below summarises key scenarios where IHS refunds are not applicable.

Scenario	Refund Eligibility	Reason
Voluntary early departure from the UK	No	IHS is non-refundable if you leave before your visa expires.
Visa curtailed by the Home Office	No	No refund is given even if your visa is curtailed and you must leave the UK earlier than planned.
Successful visa application	No	A successful application doesn't entitle you to a refund; the IHS covers the visa duration.

It's essential to understand these conditions to manage your expectations regarding IHS refunds. The policy reflects the upfront nature of the IHS payment, which is based on the visa duration requested rather than the actual time spent in the UK.

Step-by-Step Process to Claim Your IHS Refund

Understanding the process to claim your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) refund is crucial for a hassle-free experience. The UK's Home Office has a system in place for automatic refunds in certain cases, making it easier for eligible individuals to receive their refunds without extensive paperwork.

Automatic Refund Process

The automatic refund process is initiated after a decision has been made on your visa application, appeal, or administrative review. If your application is refused, you can expect your IHS refund to be processed automatically. It's essential to note that this process may take some time.

Typically, you should allow approximately 6 weeks for your IHS refund to be processed after the decision on your visa application or administrative review. If you haven't received your refund after this period, you should contact the IHS refunds team.

How to Track Your Refund Status

If you haven't received your IHS refund within the expected timeframe, you can track the status by contacting the IHS refunds team directly. Since the Home Office doesn't provide a dedicated tracking system for IHS refunds, emailing the refunds team is the primary method for checking your refund status.

To inquire about your refund, email nhsbsa.IHSreimbursements@nhs.net with the following details: your full name, date of birth, IHS reference number, and the date of your visa decision. This information will help the team locate your case and provide an update on your refund status.

Scenario	Refund Timeline	Action Required
Visa Application Refused	Approximately 6 weeks	Wait for 6 weeks, then contact IHS refunds team
Administrative Review or Appeal	An extended timeline, dependent on a final decision	Wait for the final decision, then contact IHS refunds team if necessary

Special Refund Categories for Healthcare Workers

If you're a healthcare worker in the UK, you might qualify for an IHS refund, depending on your role and visa status. The UK government has introduced special refund categories to support healthcare professionals who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Tier 2 Visa Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals holding a Tier 2 visa may be eligible for an automatic IHS refund if their application is successful. This category includes medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. To qualify, you must have worked for an eligible organisation, such as the NHS, for at least 6 months and averaged 16 hours or more of work per week.

Other Healthcare Roles Eligible for Reimbursement

Beyond Tier 2 visa holders, many other healthcare workers can apply for IHS reimbursements if they work in qualifying roles within healthcare settings. Eligibility extends to those working in hospitals, GP practices, care homes, and community healthcare facilities, even in non-clinical roles. To qualify, you must have paid the surcharge, worked for an eligible organisation for at least 6 months, and averaged 16 hours or more per week. Applications must be submitted online, providing evidence such as payslips covering the 6-month period.

EU Citizens and IHS Refunds

EU citizens who have obtained a UK visa may be eligible for an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) refund under specific conditions. The UK's healthcare system allows certain individuals to claim back part or all of their IHS payment, depending on their circumstances.

S1 Certificate Holders

If you're an EU citizen with an S1 certificate, you're entitled to an IHS refund. The S1 certificate is issued by an EU country, and it allows you to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS) without additional charges. To qualify for a refund, you must have been granted a UK visa on or after 1 January 2021.

• You must hold a valid S1 certificate issued by an EU country.

• Your UK visa should have been granted on or after 1 January 2021.

• The refund amount will be calculated based on the duration of your S1 certificate's validity and your UK visa.

Students with European Health Insurance Cards

As a full-time student from an EU country studying in a UK higher education institution, you may be eligible for an IHS refund if you meet specific criteria. You must hold a valid

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by an EU country and have been granted a UK visa on or after 1 January 2021. Additionally, you must not be working in the UK alongside your studies.

• You must be a full-time student at a UK higher education institution.

• You must hold a valid EHIC card issued by an EU country.

• You must not be employed in the UK during your studies.

Troubleshooting Your IHS Refund

Troubleshooting your IHS refund involves understanding the potential pitfalls and knowing how to address them. If you've encountered issues with your refund, you're not alone; many applicants face similar challenges.

Common Refund Issues and Solutions

Several factors can cause delays or complications with your IHS refund. These include incomplete or incorrect information on your application, issues with your visa application status, or misunderstandings about the refund process. To avoid these issues, ensure that your application details are accurate and up-to-date.

• Verify that your visa application number and IHS reference number are correctly stated.

• Check that your personal details, such as your name and date of birth, match those on your visa application.

• Understand that refunds are processed automatically; however, delays can occur if there are discrepancies in your application.

Contacting the IHS Refunds Team

If you haven't received your IHS refund within 6 weeks of a decision on your visa application, appeal, or administrative review, you should contact the IHS refunds team. You can reach them via email at nhsbsa.IHSreimbursements@nhs.net. When contacting the team, include essential details such as your full name, date of birth, IHS reference number, visa application number, and the date of your visa decision or refusal.

For complex cases or urgent queries, you can also contact our business solutions team in London at 02045375050 for personalised assistance.

Conclusion

Most refunds are processed automatically within 6 weeks, but you should be proactive in contacting the IHS refunds team if you experience delays or have special circumstances. For complex cases or urgent assistance with your IHS refund, our expert team at our Head Office (61 Mosley Street, Manchester City Centre, M2 3hz) or London office (02045375050) can provide personalised guidance.

Staying informed about your rights to refunds becomes increasingly important as the Home Office continues to update immigration policies, including potentialincreases to the health surcharge rates.