Process & Timing

UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Explained

The IHS is £1,035 per year of visa for adults; Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt; refundable if you leave the UK before the visa’s expiry.

Key fact

£1,035 per adult per year of visa; £776 per child per year

Step-by-step

  1. 1IHS payable upfront with the visa application.
  2. 2Calculated as years of visa rounded up x £1,035 (adult) or £776 (child).
  3. 3Health and Care Worker visa: full IHS exemption.
  4. 4IHS refund: prorated if leaving UK early (apply via gov.uk).
  5. 5NHS access free at point of use once IHS paid.

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