Immigration Health Surcharge
Definition
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee most people pay when applying for a UK visa or immigration permission lasting longer than six months. Paid upfront for each year of the permission, it gives the applicant access to the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as UK residents.
How the IHS is calculated
The IHS is charged per year of the immigration permission being granted, and the full amount is normally paid in advance as part of the online visa application. Part-years are rounded, so a permission of two and a half years is charged at the higher whole-year band.
The per-year rate is set by the UK government and reviewed periodically, with a reduced student rate applying to students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and applicants under 18. Because the figures change, applicants should always confirm the current rate on GOV.UK rather than relying on a quoted amount. Agencies serving UK routes usually surface the live IHS total alongside the government visa fee — see UK work visa management.
Who pays and who is exempt
The surcharge applies regardless of nationality to most long-stay routes, including the Skilled Worker and student visas. It is separate from, and additional to, the visa application fee itself.
Several groups are exempt or refunded. Health and Care Worker visa applicants and their dependants do not pay the IHS; short-stay visitors (under six months) are outside its scope; and certain protection and diplomatic categories are excluded. If a visa is refused or withdrawn, the surcharge is generally refunded because NHS access never begins.
Visa agencies handling UK routes must show clients the IHS as a distinct line item from the government visa fee, since it can dwarf the visa cost on multi-year permissions. A platform like VisaCRM records the surcharge per applicant and flags it during payment collection, but the agency confirms current rates against GOV.UK.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge for?
It funds the applicant's access to the UK's National Health Service during their stay. Once paid and the visa is granted, the person can use the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident, though some services (such as certain prescriptions or dental treatment) may still carry standard charges that everyone pays.
How much is the IHS?
The IHS is charged as a per-year rate set by the UK government, with a lower rate for students, dependants, Youth Mobility applicants, and under-18s. The rates are reviewed periodically and can change, so verify the current amount on GOV.UK before quoting a client a total. It is paid upfront for the whole length of the permission.
Who is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Health and Care Worker visa applicants and their dependants are exempt, as are visitors staying under six months and certain protection, diplomatic, and specified categories. Everyone else on a long-stay route generally pays it regardless of nationality. If the visa application is refused or withdrawn, the surcharge is usually refunded.
Related visa types
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