Can I get a refund of my Immigration Health Surcharge?

Yes, in certain circumstances. You may be entitled to a full or partial refund if your visa application was refused, you paid more than required, you left the UK before your visa expired, or you are a health and care worker who was incorrectly charged.

How do I apply for an IHS refund?

Apply online through the GOV.UK IHS refund page. You will need your IHS reference number, passport details, and the reason for your refund. Processing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.

How long does an IHS refund take?

The Home Office aims to process IHS refunds within 6 weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks or longer during busy periods. Refunds are paid to the original payment method or by bank transfer.

IHS Refund: How to Get Your Immigration Health Surcharge Back

The Immigration Health Surcharge is refundable in several situations, including visa refusal, overpayment, early departure from the UK, and incorrect charging of exempt applicants. Refunds are claimed online through GOV.UK and typically take 6 to 12 weeks to process.

When You Can Get a Refund

You may be entitled to a full or partial IHS refund in the following situations:

Visa refused: If your visa application was refused, the IHS is automatically refunded. You do not usually need to apply separately.
Overpayment: If you paid more IHS than required (for example, paying for 3 years when your visa is only for 2.5 years).
Left the UK early: If you left the UK permanently before your visa expired, you can claim a refund for the unused period.
Exempt category: If you are a health and care worker or their dependant and were incorrectly charged the IHS.
Granted ILR: If you receive ILR before your current visa expires, you can claim a refund for the remaining IHS period. See our IHS refund for spouse visa guide.
Diplomatic exemption: If you are exempt under diplomatic status.

How to Apply for a Refund

Find your IHS reference number: This was provided when you paid the IHS. Check your email confirmation or your visa application documents.
Apply online: Visit the GOV.UK IHS page and follow the refund process.
Provide your details: Passport number, IHS reference, dates of UK residence, and the reason for your refund.
Submit evidence if required: For early departure claims, you may need to provide flight tickets or stamps showing your departure date.

Refund Amounts

The refund amount depends on the reason:

Visa refusal: Full refund of the IHS paid.
Overpayment: Refund of the excess amount.
Early departure: Pro-rated refund for complete months remaining on your visa after departure.
ILR granted early: Pro-rated refund for the period after ILR was granted.

Processing Times

IHS refunds typically take 6 to 12 weeks to process. The refund is returned to the original payment card. If the original card is no longer active, the Home Office will arrange an alternative payment method.

For visa refusal refunds, the process is usually automatic and you should receive the refund within 6 weeks of the refusal decision. If you have not received it after 6 weeks, contact the Home Office.

IHS for Dependants

Each dependant pays their own IHS. If a dependant's visa is refused or they leave the UK early, they are entitled to their own refund. Apply separately for each person.

For more on the IHS generally, see our Immigration Health Surcharge guide. For spouse visa-specific IHS information, see our IHS and spouse visa guide.

Common Issues

Lost IHS reference number: Check your email for the payment confirmation. If you cannot find it, contact the IHS helpdesk.
Card expired: If the card you paid with has expired, the refund may still go to the same account. Contact your bank if unsure.
Refund not received: If more than 12 weeks have passed, contact the Home Office via the contact guide.