Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Complete guide to understanding IHS requirements for IUFP students — eligibility, fees, payment timing, and refund policies for UK visa applications.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. It must be paid as part of your visa application process.
Who Must Pay the IHS?
- • Students applying for UK student visas
- • Dependants accompanying students
- • 11-month short-term English language visas
- • Graduate visa and Skilled Worker visa holders
- • Visitor visas (up to 6 months)
- • Short-term visas ≤ 6 months
- • Irish citizens
- • Isle of Man and Channel Islands residents
IHS Fee Structure
Current Rates
Partial Year Calculation
📊 Example Calculation
If your Student visa covers 1 year + 4 months:
When Can You Get a Refund?
✓ Full Refund
- • You paid the IHS twice by mistake
- • Your visa application was refused
- • You withdrew your visa application
⚡ Partial Refund
- • Visa granted for less time than requested
- • Dependants on your application are refused
- • Visa shortened due to administrative changes
- • Visa granted but you don't travel to UK
- • You leave UK before visa expires
- • You're required to leave the UK early
- • You apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Eligible refunds are paid automatically to the original payment method (card or account) used during your visa application.
Helpful Links & Tools
💡 Pro Tip: Always carry your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or have your online share code ready when accessing NHS services in the UK.