Immigration Health Surcharge Explained

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is payable by the vast majority of applicants for longer-term visas and those extending their leave to remain in the UK. It is characterised as allowing access to the National Health Service, which is free at point of use. Effectively, it is an additional application fee. Without payment, your application will not be valid, and will be rejected. It is important to understand this, as it can have a significant impact on your continuous lawful residence in the UK.

The IHS is payable once a visa or further leave application has been submitted online; a simple redirect in the booking system takes you to the payment page. It is calculated with reference to the number of years you wish to remain in the UK and there are discounts for students and children under 18. If your application is refused, the IHS will be refunded to you; in this way, it differs from standard Home Office application fees.