Useful Guide On What Is UK Immigration Health Surcharge 2023

In this article we have covered these important points:

• Introduction
• What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
• Who is required to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
• How much does the UK Immigration Health Surcharge cost?
• How to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
• Who is exempted from paying the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
• Refunds for the UK Immigration Health Surcharge
• What to do if your IHS is not refunded? Whom should you contact for UK IHS refunds?
• Conclusion
• Contact The SmartMove2UK for a successful UK visa application

Introduction

If you are planning to move to the UK for business, work, study, or to join family, you would be required to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Payment of the IHS entitles you to use any NHS-provided healthcare services. This payment is not optional; you cannot opt out because you do not anticipate needing health care during your leave. Even if you have private health insurance, you must still pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and answer the most frequently asked questions about the same.

What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee that is paid by an applicant who is applying for a UK visa or a UK visa extension. Payment of the IHS entitles you to use any NHS-provided healthcare services.

Who is required to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

All individuals who apply for a UK visa or UK visa extension are required to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge. This includes business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, skilled workers, students, family members, and dependents.

How much does the UK Immigration Health Surcharge cost?

As of April 2023, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge costs £624 for adults, which has to be paid for each year granted to an applicant on their UK visa. And £470 for children, to be paid for each year granted on their visa.

Please note:

If you apply for a UK visa that is valid for more than 6 months but less than a year, you must pay the IHS cost of a full year regardless of where you apply from.

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is payable upfront and is non-refundable. However, if your UK visa gets refused by the UK Home Office, the surcharge fees will be refunded to you.

How to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid online, at the time of making the UK visa application. The surcharge must be paid in full upfront and can be paid using a debit or credit card. Once the surcharge is paid, a reference number will be provided, which must be included in the UK visa application.

Who is exempted from paying the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

Certain individuals are exempted from paying the UK Immigration Health Surcharge. This includes those applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, those applying for a UK visa that is valid for not more than 6 months, and those who are seeking asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK.

Refunds for the UK Immigration Health Surcharge

In some cases, individuals may be entitled to a refund of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge. This includes situations where a UK visa application is refused, withdrawn, or cancelled. The UK Immigration Health Surcharge refund processing time is about 6 weeks after receiving a decision on your UK visa application.

What to do if your IHS is not refunded? Whom should you contact for UK IHS refunds?

You must Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in case of IHS not yet refunded to your account.

Online:

• You can reach out to UK Visas and Immigration online. Any queries will cost you £2.74. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry
• You will get a reply to your query within 5 days, except on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and UK public holidays
• If you have not had a response within 5 working days, check your email’s spam or junk folder before contacting UKVI again

Phone:

• You can get help on the phone with English-speaking staff. Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 – select option 1 (Monday to Friday, 24 hours)
• Calls cost 69 pence per minute on top of your standard network charges
• If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, use +44 (0)203 875 4669

Conclusion

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is an important aspect of the UK visa application. Applicants who are applying for certain UK visas or UK visa extensions must pay this fee to qualify. By understanding the surcharge and its requirements, you can ensure that your visa application process goes smoothly.

Contact The SmartMove2UK for a successful UK visa application

• If you’re planning to move to the UK, it’s important to understand the UK Immigration Health Surcharge and how it may affect you
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to our UK immigration specialist if you have any questions or concerns about the process
• Take the first step towards a successful UK visa application by being informed and prepared
• Our UK-qualified lawyers and experts are based out of major cities in India – Mumbai | Delhi | Bengaluru

You can reach out to us at,

	+91 9819127002		+91 9819127002
	Book your Consultation		info@smartmove2uk.com