Immigration Health Surcharge Refund

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most non-British nationals must pay when applying for a UK visa from overseas for more than six months or when applying from within the UK for any visa length beyond six months. The surcharge is intended to give visa holders access to NHS services on broadly the same terms as UK residents during their period of leave. It is paid in advance during the application process and is separate from the visa application fee.

In some cases, a person may not use the full period of their visa, or their application may be withdrawn or refused. Where specific eligibility conditions are met, a refund of the IHS may be available. Certain categories, including health and care workers, may also qualify for reimbursement through dedicated schemes. This guide explains how the IHS refund system operates under current UK immigration law and Home Office guidance. It is intended for visa applicants, their dependants and sponsors who wish to understand how IHS refund rules apply in practice.

 

Section A: What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

 

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee payable by most applicants seeking permission to enter or remain in the UK for an extended period. It is designed to support the cost of NHS services accessed by visa holders during their stay. Payment of the surcharge is a requirement for the application to be valid and is made online as part of the visa application process.

 

1. Definition and purpose of the IHS

 

The IHS is not a replacement for private health insurance and does not provide cover for all NHS services or guarantee faster treatment. It is a statutory charge introduced to fund public health services accessed by temporary migrants. Once paid, the IHS allows eligible individuals to register with a GP, receive hospital treatment and access emergency care in the UK without paying additional charges for most routine services.

 

2. Who has to pay the surcharge

 

The surcharge applies to most applicants seeking visas for more than six months from overseas, as well as to those applying from inside the UK for time-limited permission. This includes routes such as Skilled Worker, student and family visas. Dependants are charged separately at the same rate as the main applicant. Some groups are exempt from the charge, including applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme, children in care, certain Armed Forces dependants and individuals applying for asylum or humanitarian protection.

Applicants entering the UK for six months or less, such as visitors, are not required to pay the IHS but may be charged for any NHS treatment received during their stay.

 

3. Standard rates for different visa types

 

As of August 2025, the IHS is charged at £1,035 per year for most applicants. A reduced rate of £776 per year applies to students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under 18 at the time of application. The total amount payable is based on the full duration of leave being requested. If the visa includes part of a year exceeding six months, the full yearly rate is charged for that additional period.

For example, an applicant granted a Skilled Worker visa for three years and four months will be required to pay for four full years of the surcharge.

 

4. How and when the IHS is paid

 

The IHS is paid through the GOV.UK application system before the visa application is submitted. The surcharge and visa fee are paid together in a single transaction using the government’s integrated payment platform. Once payment is complete, the applicant receives an IHS reference number, which is required to finalise the visa submission. Applications without a valid IHS reference will not be processed.

 

5. Conclusion

 

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory component of most long-term UK visa applications. It must be paid in full before the application is submitted and is calculated based on the visa type and length of stay. Applicants should be aware of the current rates and any exemptions that may apply to their situation. Proof of payment must be retained as it may be required during later stages of the application or refund process.

 

Section B: When Is an IHS Refund Available?

 

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is generally non-refundable. However, under specific conditions set out in the Immigration (Health Charge) Regulations 2015, a refund may be issued either in full or in part. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for administering IHS refunds in accordance with these rules. Whether a refund is processed automatically or must be claimed manually depends on the reason for the refund and how the application was handled.

 

1. Eligibility for a Full or Partial Refund

 

A full refund may be issued where an application is withdrawn before a decision is made, is refused and not appealed, or is deemed invalid. A partial refund may apply where an applicant is granted a shorter visa than originally requested, has paid more than required due to a system error or has been charged the standard rate when eligible for the reduced rate.

Applicants who submit multiple applications but are only granted one visa may receive a refund for the IHS paid on any unused application. Where dependants apply alongside a main applicant but are refused, the surcharge paid for those dependants may also be refunded. Refunds are not issued if the applicant receives a visa but chooses not to travel to the UK or decides not to access NHS services during their stay. Curtailment of leave after arrival does not result in a refund unless UKVI confirms that an overpayment occurred or the period of leave was shortened due to administrative error.

 

2. Circumstances That May Lead to a Refund

 

UKVI issues a refund automatically where an application is refused and no administrative review or appeal is lodged, or where the application is withdrawn or deemed invalid. Duplicate payments caused by technical error or multiple applications may also result in an automatic refund. In limited cases, UKVI may exercise discretion to approve a refund if an administrative error has occurred or an applicant has been charged incorrectly based on their visa type.

Partial refunds may be granted where the actual visa duration is shorter than applied for or where an applicant was eligible for the reduced rate but paid the standard fee. A refund is not issued where the applicant receives a visa and fails to travel unless the visa is subsequently cancelled before entry with official notice.

 

3. Automatic vs Manual Refunds

 

Automatic refunds are typically issued where an application is refused, withdrawn before a decision or declared invalid. These refunds are processed to the original payment method used during the application. Applicants are advised not to contact UKVI unless more than six weeks have passed since the refund was due.

Manual refund claims must be submitted in circumstances where automatic refunds are not triggered. These include partial overpayments, requests for the reduced rate after payment at the standard rate or refunds claimed under reimbursement schemes. The Health and Care Worker Reimbursement Scheme operates separately from the standard IHS refund process and follows its own eligibility rules.

Manual claims must be made using the designated form on GOV.UK and require the applicant to provide full details of the original payment, visa application reference and supporting documentation where applicable. If the information does not match UKVI records, the refund may be delayed or rejected.

 

4. Conclusion

 

An IHS refund may be available in specific circumstances where an application is not processed, where an overpayment is identified or where a shorter grant of leave results in a lower IHS liability. Automatic refunds apply in some cases, but others require a manual claim supported by accurate references and relevant documentation. Refunds are not granted for unused visas or lack of NHS use. Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility conditions and provide accurate information if requesting a refund.

 

Section C: Partial Refunds and Exemptions

 

While most Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payments are non-refundable once the visa is granted, there are limited circumstances where a partial refund may be available. The refund rules are strict and apply only where UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) identifies a clear overpayment or error, or where specific exemption or reimbursement schemes apply. Voluntary departure from the UK or a decision not to use NHS services does not qualify an applicant for a refund.

 

1. Refunds following early departure or visa curtailment

 

Leaving the UK before the expiry of a visa does not result in a refund unless the Home Office issues a formal curtailment and confirms that an overpayment of the surcharge has occurred. Curtailment usually arises when a visa is shortened due to a change in sponsorship, breach of conditions or administrative error. Even where curtailment is granted, a refund will only be issued if UKVI determines that the IHS paid exceeds the charge due for the revised duration of leave. Refunds are not given for part-years or discretionary early exits.

Applicants who leave the UK voluntarily or choose not to use their visa to enter the country will not receive a refund unless the visa is cancelled before entry and a formal notice is issued confirming refund eligibility.

 

2. Exempt groups under current rules

 

The IHS is not payable for certain immigration categories that have been granted exemption under the Immigration (Health Charge) Regulations. These include individuals applying under the EU Settlement Scheme, children under the care of a local authority, asylum seekers, applicants for humanitarian protection, victims of trafficking or modern slavery, diplomats and their dependants, and some applicants under the Ukraine or Afghan resettlement schemes. Members of the UK armed forces and their eligible dependants are also exempt.

Where an exempt applicant pays the IHS in error, a refund may be claimed using the standard manual application form. Supporting documentation will be required to show that the applicant met the exemption criteria at the time of application. Exemptions cannot be applied retrospectively if they did not apply at the time the application was submitted.

 

3. Reimbursement scheme for health and care workers

 

Health and care workers who paid the IHS after 31 March 2020 but were later found to be eligible under the reimbursement scheme may apply for repayment through the NHS Business Services Authority. This scheme is separate from the UKVI refund system and is available to those who worked in an eligible role, for an eligible organisation, and who meet the employment criteria set by the Department of Health and Social Care.

To qualify, applicants must have worked continuously in a qualifying job for at least six months and have paid the surcharge themselves. Claims may also be submitted for dependants where they applied as part of the same application and the main applicant qualifies. The scheme is not open to individuals who were exempt from paying the IHS at the point of visa application, including those issued Health and Care Worker visas from 1 October 2020 onwards.

Reimbursement must be applied for through the dedicated online portal, and evidence such as payslips and employment records will be required. Applications submitted directly to UKVI will not be processed under this scheme.

 

4. Conclusion

 

Partial IHS refunds are only available in clearly defined cases where a formal curtailment has occurred and an overpayment is identified, or where the applicant was charged the incorrect rate. Those covered by exemptions do not pay the charge in the first place. Health and care workers who paid the IHS while eligible for the reimbursement scheme can apply separately through the appropriate channel. Early departure, non-use of the NHS or cancellation of plans to travel to the UK do not provide valid grounds for a refund.

 

Section D: How to Apply for an IHS Refund

 

A refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) may be issued either automatically or through a manual request, depending on the outcome of the visa application and how the payment was processed. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses internal systems to detect valid refund scenarios, but some cases require the applicant or their representative to apply manually. Knowing which process applies helps avoid delay and ensures the correct information is submitted.

 

1. Automatic refund process

 

In certain situations, UKVI will issue an automatic refund without the need for an application. This usually applies where a visa application is refused with no appeal, withdrawn before a decision is made or declared invalid. The refund is typically returned to the original debit or credit card used for payment. If the application is refused and the applicant appeals or requests administrative review, the IHS is not refunded unless the refusal is upheld. If the outcome is reversed, the IHS is retained as the individual remains entitled to NHS access.

Automatic refunds may also be triggered when a duplicate application is withdrawn and not used to support a visa grant. Where a visa is granted for a shorter period than applied for, a partial refund may be generated if the Home Office system identifies that an overpayment has occurred. These automatic refunds are processed within six weeks of the application being closed. Applicants are advised not to contact UKVI unless more than six weeks have passed since a refund was expected. Refunds are only processed if the original payment method remains valid.

 

2. Manual refund process

 

If an automatic refund is not issued, a manual request must be submitted through the GOV.UK refund application form. This process applies in cases of technical errors, overpayment or where the applicant has been charged the incorrect rate. A separate process applies for those seeking a reimbursement under the Health and Care Worker Reimbursement Scheme, which is not managed by UKVI but by the NHS Business Services Authority.

To submit a manual claim, the applicant must complete the online form, providing the IHS reference number, visa application reference, payment method and date, and the country from which the application was made. Supporting evidence may be required, such as a curtailment notice, proof of withdrawal or documentation confirming eligibility for the reduced rate. The information provided must match the original visa application, as discrepancies may cause the refund to be delayed or refused. UKVI may reject applications that are incomplete or inaccurate.

 

3. What information is required

 

To process an IHS refund, UKVI requires the IHS reference number, the visa application reference (usually starting with GWF), the applicant’s full name, date of birth, the payment method and date used, and the country in which the application was lodged. Where the refund relates to curtailment or reimbursement claims, UKVI or the relevant authority may also require employment records, letters of curtailment or confirmation of eligibility. All records should be kept until the refund has been received.

 

4. Timescales and payment method

 

Automatic refunds are generally processed within six weeks. Manual claims can take longer, particularly if additional evidence is required or if the claim needs to be reviewed by a caseworker. UKVI does not publish a statutory timeframe for processing manual refunds but aims to respond within 60 working days. In most cases, the refund will be returned to the same card used for payment. If the card has expired or been cancelled, the applicant should contact UKVI or their card provider to make arrangements. Until the refund has been issued, applicants should retain all relevant confirmation and reference numbers.

 

5. Conclusion

 

Whether an IHS refund is issued automatically or must be requested manually depends on the reason for the refund and how the visa application was handled. Refunds are only available in clearly defined cases and are subject to confirmation by UKVI. Applicants are encouraged to retain all reference numbers, payment receipts and relevant documentation. Refunds are not issued for unused visas or lack of NHS use, and cannot be claimed simply because an individual chose not to enter the UK after receiving their visa.

 

Section E: Common Reasons for IHS Refund Delays or Rejections

 

Not all Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) refund requests are approved. Some applicants experience significant delays or receive notification that their claim has been rejected. Although UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) issues refunds in cases that meet the eligibility criteria, errors in payment details, application references or supporting documentation may prevent the claim from being processed.

 

1. Incorrect or mismatched payment details

 

One of the most common reasons for delays is the use of invalid or inconsistent payment information. If the card originally used to pay the IHS has expired or was cancelled before the refund is processed, UKVI may be unable to complete the payment automatically. Where payment was made using a third-party card, such as a sponsor or employer, and the refund request lists the applicant’s bank details, the mismatch may trigger verification issues or rejection. UKVI systems rely on consistent data to verify refund eligibility and authorise release of funds.

Applicants should take care when entering reference numbers on the refund form. The IHS reference number (beginning with ‘IHS’) and visa application reference (usually starting with ‘GWF’) must exactly match the records on the original application. Email addresses, names and payment details should also match those used during the initial submission. Small inconsistencies may cause the claim to be flagged or blocked within the system.

 

2. Using the wrong refund route

 

Refunds must be requested through the correct route depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Standard IHS refunds are handled by UKVI via the GOV.UK refund application form. Reimbursements under the Health and Care Worker Reimbursement Scheme are handled separately through the NHS Business Services Authority. Submitting a claim under the wrong process may result in automatic rejection or no response at all.

IHS refunds are not issued where the only reason given is that the applicant left the UK early, changed their plans or did not use the NHS. Refunds are also not given where applicants attempt to claim reimbursement for a category that is not eligible, such as visitors or those who received a visa and later chose not to travel. Duplicate refund applications can also cause confusion and delay. Applicants should wait for the outcome of a previous claim before submitting a follow-up request, unless specifically asked by UKVI to provide further information.

 

3. Lack of documentation or eligibility evidence

 

Manual refund applications require supporting evidence to confirm the basis of the claim. If a refund is being claimed due to curtailment, early withdrawal or overpayment, the applicant must provide documentation showing why the IHS was overcharged or no longer valid. For example, where curtailment is cited, the official Home Office curtailment notice must be submitted. Claims based on withdrawal should include proof of the withdrawal submitted before a decision was made.

Where a health and care worker applies for reimbursement, documentation such as payslips and employer confirmation covering at least six months of eligible employment will be required. These documents must clearly show the applicant’s name, dates of employment and employer details. If any documents are missing, unclear or inconsistent with the original application, UKVI may reject the claim without further contact. Applicants should keep records of what was submitted and be prepared to re-submit if requested.

 

4. Conclusion

 

IHS refund requests can fail for a number of reasons. These include payment mismatches, incorrect reference numbers, use of the wrong refund channel or failure to provide the required evidence. Applicants can avoid unnecessary delay by ensuring all details match the original visa application, selecting the correct process for their circumstances and submitting clear supporting documents. Refunds are not issued for unused visas or non-use of the NHS and will only be processed where UKVI confirms that the eligibility conditions have been met.

 

Section F: Appeals, Reclaims and Follow-up

 

Where an IHS refund has not been issued, or a request has been refused without explanation, the applicant may contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or raise the issue through the appropriate complaints process. There is no formal right of appeal for IHS refund decisions, but UKVI may reconsider a case or provide clarification if the request is submitted through the correct channels.

 

1. What to do if your refund was refused or delayed

 

If a refund has been refused, the applicant should first check whether the decision aligns with current Home Office policy. The refusal may be linked to a missing document, incorrect reference number or use of the wrong application process. Where no refund has been received within six weeks of a visa refusal, withdrawal or curtailment, the applicant should determine whether an automatic refund was expected or if a manual claim is required. For automatic refunds, a manual request is not needed unless more than six weeks have passed and no payment has been received.

For manual claims, the applicant should ensure that the correct GOV.UK refund form was completed and that all required details, including reference numbers and evidence, were provided. If the refund has not been processed and the applicant still believes they are eligible, they may submit a follow-up enquiry through the GOV.UK contact system. The enquiry should include the IHS reference number, visa application reference, full name and a clear description of the refund issue and steps already taken.

 

2. Who to contact at UKVI

 

Refund queries should be submitted using the GOV.UK contact tools. There is no dedicated helpline for IHS refunds, but the general UKVI customer service teams can handle refund-related issues where accurate references and details are provided. The contact form is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Applicants should clearly state whether their refund claim was automatic or manual and confirm whether they have already received a response. If the applicant is based outside the UK, the “outside UK” enquiry option should be selected. Response times vary depending on the case and workload of the relevant UKVI team.

 

3. Escalation and complaint options

 

If UKVI does not respond within a reasonable period, or if the refund outcome appears to contradict published policy, the applicant may raise a formal complaint. The UKVI complaints procedure is available on GOV.UK and allows applicants to report delays, service issues or administrative errors. The complaint must include the reference numbers and a summary of all attempts made to resolve the matter informally.

Although submitting a complaint does not guarantee a refund will be issued, it can lead to a review of the case by a senior officer. If the complaint is upheld, UKVI may issue the refund or provide a formal explanation of the decision. Applicants should be aware that a complaint is not a legal appeal, and outcomes remain discretionary within the refund policy framework.

Legal advice may be appropriate where there is evidence of repeated misapplication of policy or unreasonable delay. However, legal action over IHS refunds is uncommon and may not be proportionate unless the amount is significant or there is evidence of persistent non-compliance by UKVI.

 

4. Conclusion

 

There is no formal appeal process for IHS refund decisions, but applicants may raise a complaint or follow up through GOV.UK channels if the refund has not been received or the claim was refused in error. Clear communication, accurate reference information and supporting evidence improve the chances of a case being reviewed. Where informal contact has not resolved the issue, a complaint may prompt further assessment or a policy explanation.

 

Section G: Conclusion

 

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory element of most UK visa applications for individuals staying more than six months. It enables access to NHS services throughout the visa period. While the charge must usually be paid in full at the time of application, a refund may be available in specific scenarios. These include situations where a visa is refused without appeal, the application is withdrawn before a decision, or the applicant qualifies under a recognised exemption.

Some refunds are issued automatically where eligibility is clear, while others must be claimed manually using the GOV.UK refund form. Manual applications require accurate details and supporting evidence. Payment information, reference numbers and documentation must match the original visa records to allow the refund to be processed correctly.

Applicants should keep a copy of all correspondence and payment records in case a refund request needs to be followed up. Reimbursement claims under the Health and Care Worker Scheme are managed separately from standard IHS refunds and must be submitted through the NHS Business Services Authority using the dedicated process.

Not all IHS payments are refundable, and entitlement is determined under the Immigration (Health Charge) Regulations and published Home Office policy. Refunds are not issued simply because a person leaves the UK early, decides not to travel or does not use NHS services during their stay.

Applicants who experience problems with a refund request may contact UKVI using the tools available on GOV.UK. If no resolution is provided, a formal complaint can be submitted, setting out the details and the steps already taken. Where necessary, a further review may follow. Legal advice may be considered in rare cases involving repeated errors or unusually long delays, although this is not typical for refund disputes.

 

Section H: FAQs

 

Do I automatically get an IHS refund if my visa is refused?

If your visa application is refused and you do not pursue an appeal or administrative review, the Immigration Health Surcharge is usually refunded automatically within six weeks.

 

What if I withdraw my application—can I get the IHS back?

Yes. If you withdraw your visa application before a decision is made, you are normally entitled to a full refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

Can I get a refund if I leave the UK before my visa ends?

No. You will not receive a refund if you leave the UK early unless UKVI formally curtails your visa and identifies an overpayment of the surcharge. Refunds are not granted for voluntary early departure.

 

What is the IHS reference number and where can I find it?

The IHS reference number is a unique code generated when you pay the surcharge. It appears on your payment confirmation and must be included in your visa application.

 

How do I apply for a manual refund?

To request a manual refund, you must complete the online IHS refund form on GOV.UK. You will need to provide your IHS reference number, visa application number, personal details and any supporting documents if requested.

 

Can I claim a refund if I didn’t use the NHS while in the UK?

No. The IHS is not usage-based. You cannot claim a refund simply because you did not access healthcare services during your stay.

 

How long does it take to receive an IHS refund?

Most refunds are processed within six weeks. Manual claims or those requiring additional checks may take longer. UKVI aims to process manual refund claims within 60 working days.

 

Can I get a refund for my dependants’ IHS if their visas are refused?

Yes. If a dependant’s visa application is refused and they do not appeal or request an administrative review, the IHS paid for that individual is usually refunded.

 

Do I qualify for a refund as a health or care worker?

You may be eligible for full reimbursement if you paid the IHS after 31 March 2020 and worked in an eligible health or care role for at least six months. You must apply separately through the NHS Business Services Authority, not UKVI.

 

What if I accidentally paid the IHS more than once?

If you paid the IHS more than once for the same application, you can request a manual refund by submitting evidence of both payments and the related visa references.

 

 

Section I: Glossary of Key Terms

 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee paid by most UK visa applicants to access NHS services during their stay. It is paid in full at the time of application and is separate from the visa fee.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)	The division of the UK Home Office responsible for processing visa applications, administering IHS refunds and issuing immigration decisions.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	An electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor to support a work visa application under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa.
IHS Reference Number	A unique code generated at the time of IHS payment. It begins with ‘IHS’ and must be included in the visa application and refund requests.
GWF Number	The reference number for a UK visa application submitted online. It typically begins with ‘GWF’ and is used to track application status and link to IHS payments.
Automatic Refund	A refund issued by UKVI without a manual request, typically triggered when a visa application is refused, withdrawn or deemed invalid.
Manual Refund	A refund that must be requested using the GOV.UK IHS refund form, often required in cases involving overpayment, incorrect rates or technical errors.
Health and Care Worker Reimbursement Scheme	A government scheme for eligible health and care workers to reclaim the IHS if they paid it on or after 31 March 2020 and meet the required criteria. This is managed by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Visa Curtailment	The shortening of a visa by UKVI, usually due to a change in circumstances or breach of conditions. Curtailment may in limited cases lead to a partial IHS refund.
Refund Window	The period in which an IHS refund is typically processed, usually within six weeks for automatic refunds or up to 60 working days for manual claims.

 

 

Section J: Links and Additional Resources

 

Resource	Description	Link
GOV.UK – IHS Refund Guidance	Official Home Office page on Immigration Health Surcharge refunds, including eligibility and application instructions.	https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/refunds
IHS Refund Application Form	Online form to submit a manual IHS refund request for visa withdrawals, refusals or overpayments.	https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y/inside-the-uk/refund
GOV.UK – Contact UKVI	Submit follow-up queries or contact UKVI about a delayed or missing refund using the official online contact form.	https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
GOV.UK – Complaints Procedure	Submit a complaint if your refund has been delayed, mishandled or refused without explanation.	https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration/about/complaints-procedure
NHS Business Services Authority – Reimbursement Scheme	Apply for a refund under the Health and Care Worker Reimbursement Scheme, managed by NHSBSA.	https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/immigration-health-surcharge-reimbursement-scheme