If you have paid the immigration health surcharge as part of a UK visa application, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund.
An immigration health surcharge refund is possible when a visa is refused, an application is withdrawn before a decision, the IHS is paid twice, or less leave is granted than requested.
Some IHS refunds linked to a UK visa application are automatic, while separate reimbursement schemes for certain health workers and some EU/EEA students require a specific IHS refund application. You will not normally get a health surcharge refund just because you did not travel, left the UK early or did not use NHS services.
This guide explains who is eligible for IHS refund, how the process works and what to do if your money has not arrived. Axis Solicitors can review individual cases and help resolve complex or delayed IHS refunds.
What Is an Immigration Health Surcharge Refund UK?
An immigration health surcharge refund is the repayment of all or part of the IHS fee paid during a UK visa application when specific Home Office or NHS reimbursement rules are met. The immigration health surcharge is mandatory for visa applicants and contributes to access to UK healthcare services.
IHS fees vary based on length of stay and dependents, and since 2021, the surcharge applies to all non-EEA nationals. The immigration health surcharge can be refunded in several different circumstances, but the rules differ depending on whether the refund is automatic or requires an application.
Who Can Get an Immigration Health Surcharge Refund?
Eligibility depends on the outcome of the visa application and on any specific reimbursement schemes that apply. The following table summarises common scenarios:
| Situation | Full or partial refund? | Do you normally need to apply? |
| Visa application refused | Full | Normally no |
| Application withdrawn before decision | Full | Normally no |
| IHS paid twice for the same application | Full | Normally no |
| Less permission granted than requested | Partial | Normally no |
| Eligible dependant refused | Dependant’s IHS | Normally no |
| Certain health and care workers | Depends on scheme | Yes |
| Eligible EU/Swiss/EEA students with EHIC | Full or partial | Yes |
| Other qualifying circumstances | Depends | Check applicable rules |
Key points to note:
- Some IHS refunds are processed automatically by UKVI following a visa decision, without the need for a manual claim.
- Immigration health surcharge reimbursement schemes for healthcare workers or students require a separate online application.
- Not everyone who paid the IHS can claim an IHS fee refund. Always check the most recent guidance for current rules.
With over 20 years’ experience and 8,000+ immigration cases handled, Axis Solicitors can assess complex eligibility questions, especially where multiple visas or dependants are involved.
When Do You Automatically Get an IHS Refund?
Certain refunds are processed automatically when the underlying immigration decision triggers them, without a separate IHS refund application form. Automatic refunds are usually returned to the card or account used to pay the surcharge, typically within about six weeks of the final decision.
Your visa application is refused
IHS refunds apply if visa applications are refused or terminated. If a UK visa application is refused and no leave is granted, a full immigration health surcharge refund is normally triggered automatically. However, if the refusal is appealed or placed into administrative review, the refund may only be processed after all appeal rights are exhausted.
If you have submitted multiple applications, the refund position can be more complex and may need professional immigration advice.
You withdraw your application before a decision
Withdrawing before a decision is made usually leads to a full IHS refund. The immigration application fee and the healthcare surcharge are treated separately. You will not receive a refund if you withdraw your application after your visa has been granted.
You paid the IHS twice
You can apply for a refund if you overpaid the IHS, for example by submitting two payments for one application. A full IHS surcharge refund is usually due when the surcharge was paid twice for the same person and same period of leave. Include all payments in one refund request for multiple applications where possible.
Contact the Home Office before your biometrics appointment if you suspect a duplicate payment.
You were granted less immigration permission than requested
If you asked for a longer period but UKVI granted a shorter one, you may receive a partial refund. Refunds are normally calculated in six-month blocks, and any remaining period under six months is not refunded. For example, if you paid for three years but received a two-year UK visa, one year’s surcharge may be refunded.
A dependant’s application was refused
Dependants can qualify for a refund if included in the application and their visa is refused. The refund usually goes back to the original payer. Complex family setups or mixed decisions can complicate IHS refund tracking, so consider seeking advice from a family or partner visa specialist.
When Will You Not Get an IHS Refund?
You will not usually get an immigration health surcharge refund simply because you leave the UK early, do not travel or do not use NHS services. Some visas are exempt from the IHS refund policy. Situations where no refund is normally available include:
- Withdrawing or cancelling your application after the visa has been granted.
- Being granted a UK visa but deciding not to travel to the UK.
- Leaving the UK earlier than your visa expiry date.
- Applying for indefinite leave to remain, where the IHS is not paid and therefore not refunded.
- Switching into a visa route that does not require the IHS after already paying it under a previous route.
Be cautious of relying on informal forum advice. Always check official government guidance for up-to-date rules.
How Axis Solicitors Can Help with IHS Refund Issues
Axis Solicitors is an SRA-regulated UK law firm (SRA No: 653526) with offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London. We have more than 20 years’ combined experience across 8,000+ immigration cases. While many IHS refunds are straightforward, problems can arise where:
- Multiple UK visa applications or withdrawals are involved.
- Large IHS sums have been paid for family members.
- Applicants are applying under healthcare or student reimbursement schemes.
We can assist by:
- Reviewing whether an applicant is eligible for IHS refund in law and policy.
- Checking whether the amount refunded is correct.
- Contacting UKVI or NHSBSA where an IHS refund has not been received in a reasonable time.
- Advising on next steps, including fresh UK visa applications or appeals.
Book a consultation today to get tailored advice on your immigration health surcharge refund and wider immigration strategy.
How to Apply for an IHS Refund
Many IHS refunds linked directly to a single visa decision are automatic. However, separate schemes exist where applicants must actively apply for IHS refund through an online form. You can apply for a refund using the Immigration Health Surcharge Refund Service if you meet specific eligibility rules. Submit your IHS refund application online after gathering documents.
Refunds that do not require an application
For most standard situations (refusal, timely withdrawal, duplicate payment, shorter grant, dependant refusal), no separate application is needed. UKVI uses the IHS reference number linked to the UK visa application to trigger the refund. Keep records of your payment confirmation email and visa decision letter in case of delays.
Refund schemes where you must apply
Certain groups must submit an application online. What this typically involves:
- Confirming eligibility (for example, role, employer, visa type or student status).
- Providing personal and immigration details, including dates.
- Confirming IHS payments and uploading evidence such as payment receipts.
- Submitting the form online and waiting for confirmation or further queries.
Different schemes are administered by different bodies. UKVI handles some, while NHSBSA manages many health worker reimbursements. Expect a refund within 30 to 40 working days after approval for scheme-based claims.
IHS Refund for Health and Care Workers
Obtaining a refund for the immigration health surcharge primarily applies to eligible individuals in health and social care roles. Workers with a Health and Care Worker visa are often exempt from paying the surcharge in the first place. Other eligible workers who paid IHS may need to apply for reimbursement through NHSBSA by submitting a manual claim through the online portal.
To qualify under the health and care reimbursement scheme, you must:
- work for an eligible health or social care organisation,
- have continuously worked in your qualifying role for at least six months
- average a minimum of 16 hours per week.
Healthcare workers without a Tier 2 visa can still apply for immigration health surcharge refunds. But the ones that are unemployed for 28 consecutive days become ineligible for that block. Healthcare workers can receive a 100 percent IHS refund, though refunds depend on specific circumstances.
Can dependants get a health and care IHS refund?
Some schemes allow eligible workers to claim for dependants who live with them and meet the scheme conditions. The worker usually submits the claim for them, with evidence of the family relationship and immigration status.
How often can healthcare workers claim?
Refunds are generally calculated in six-month blocks. Claims must be re-applied for every six months to cover subsequent employment blocks. Refunds are claimed in six-month blocks for periods starting on or after 31 March 2020. Keep detailed records of IHS payments, payslips and employment dates to support each claim.
IHS Refund for Students
Not all students can obtain an IHS refund. IHS applies to international students staying over six months, but a specific health surcharge refund scheme exists for certain EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein students. Full-time students with a valid European Health Insurance Card may qualify for a refund if they meet specific criteria. These students must usually:
- Be full-time students at a recognised UK higher education provider.
- Hold an eligible UK Student visa for the relevant period.
- Have an appropriate EHIC or successor card.
- Not work or plan to work in the UK during the period covered by the refund.
Students may receive a partial or full IHS refund depending on EHIC validity. Working during studies can disqualify a student from reimbursement, even if other conditions are met. An IHS refund student visa claim is made through a separate online form and is not automatic.
How Much IHS Will You Get Back?
An IHS fee refund can be full or partial depending on why it is being paid back.
Full refund examples:
- Your UK visa application is refused and no leave is granted.
- You withdraw your visa application before a decision is made.
- You paid the immigration health surcharge twice for the same period.
- An eligible student or healthcare worker successfully claims under a full reimbursement scheme.
Partial refund examples:
- You requested a longer visa but were granted a shorter period of leave.
- Only part of a duplicate IHS payment covers a qualifying six-month block.
- One dependant in a family group is refused while others are granted leave.
Refunds are normally calculated in six-month units, with periods under six months not refunded. Always check the latest official guidance for the current formula.
How Is the IHS Refund Paid?
The refund is typically returned to the card or account used for the original payment. If someone else paid (for example, an employer or family member), the money usually goes back to that person’s account. For scheme-based reimbursements, payment may be made separately by NHSBSA.
Can IHS be refunded to a different bank account?
For automatic refunds, government guidance states that the Home Office will normally try to repay the IHS to the original payment method. Applicants cannot usually choose a different bank account. If the original card has expired or the account is closed, the bank may still route the payment, but sometimes the refund fails and further contact with the bank or UKVI is needed.
How Long Does an IHS Refund Take?
IHS refunds are usually processed within six weeks of the final visa decision. Refund requests are also processed within six weeks after approval for scheme-based claims. This timeframe can be longer if:
- There is an appeal or administrative review ongoing.
- There are technical issues with the payment provider.
- The applicant has submitted multiple visa applications close together.
Refunds are usually processed within six weeks of denial for refused applications as well.
What if my IHS refund has not arrived after six weeks?
- Check the bank account or card statement used to pay the IHS fee.
- Confirm the exact date of your visa refusal, withdrawal or decision letter.
- Check whether you have any pending appeal or administrative review that could pause the refund.
- Check whether someone else paid the IHS, and ask them to review their account.
If all checks show no refund, contact UKVI via the official website for standard refunds or NHS Business Services Authority for healthcare worker reimbursement issues. Do not rely on unofficial IHS refund tracking tools.
IHS Refund Contact Number and How to Get Help
There is no single dedicated IHS refund contact number for every situation. The right contact point depends on the type of refund:
- UKVI: via the official contact form or telephone numbers on GOV.UK, used for standard IHS refund UK queries linked to visa decisions.
- NHS Business Services Authority: for health and care worker IHS reimbursement, using the contact details on the scheme page.
- University or sponsor: for student refund questions, who may provide guidance or written confirmation.
Have your IHS reference number, visa application reference and payment confirmation ready before calling or emailing.
Common IHS Refund Questions
Can I get an IHS refund if I leave the UK early?
No. Leaving the UK before your visa expires does not normally entitle you to a health surcharge refund. The IHS covers access to NHS services during the whole grant of leave, not based on how long you actually stay.
Do I need to apply for an IHS refund?
In many standard refusal or withdrawal cases, no application is needed because the refund is processed automatically. For special schemes (certain healthcare workers and eligible students), an IHS refund application must be submitted online through the relevant GOV.UK portal.
Can someone else receive my IHS refund if they paid for my visa?
Yes. The refund is normally returned to the card or account used to make the original IHS payment. If an employer or family member paid, the refund goes back to them, not to you.
Can I get an IHS refund after switching visas?
Switching to a visa route that does not require the IHS does not normally entitle you to a refund for the surcharge already paid under your previous route. Refund rules are tied to specific decision outcomes, not route changes.
What should I do if my IHS refund has not arrived?
Check the correct bank account, confirm at least six weeks have passed since the final decision, and make sure no appeal or review is pending. If everything checks out, use the official UKVI or NHSBSA contact channels to report the missing IHS reimbursement. Axis Solicitors can help if the delay is significant or impacting new immigration plans.
