Can I get an IHS refund after receiving ILR on a spouse visa?

Yes. When you receive ILR, you no longer need the IHS because you have permanent residence and full NHS access. You can claim a pro-rated refund for the remaining months of IHS you paid for but will not use.

How much IHS refund will I get after ILR?

The refund covers the unused complete months between the date your ILR was granted and the date your previous visa would have expired. For example, if your visa had 8 months remaining when ILR was granted, you would receive a refund for 8 months of IHS.

Do I need to apply for the IHS refund or is it automatic?

You need to apply. IHS refunds after ILR are not automatic. Apply through the GOV.UK IHS refund page with your IHS reference number and ILR grant details.

IHS Refund After Receiving ILR on a Spouse Visa

Spouse visa holders who receive ILR are entitled to a pro-rated refund of their unused Immigration Health Surcharge. The refund covers complete months remaining on the visa after the ILR grant date. You must apply for the refund through GOV.UK. Processing takes 6 to 12 weeks.

Why You Get a Refund

When you apply for a spouse visa or extension, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full duration of your visa. When you then apply for and receive ILR, your visa is effectively replaced by permanent settlement. The remaining IHS period is unused.

The Home Office allows you to claim back the IHS for the unused period. This can be a significant amount, especially if you applied for ILR early in your visa extension period. See our visa fees guide for the full cost picture.

How to Calculate Your Refund

The refund calculation is straightforward:

Find the date your ILR was granted (on your decision letter or eVisa).
Find the date your previous visa would have expired.
Count the complete months between these two dates.
Multiply by the monthly IHS rate you paid.

For example, if ILR was granted on 1 March 2026 and your visa would have expired on 1 November 2026, you have 8 unused months. At the current IHS rate of £1,035 per year (£86.25 per month), the refund would be approximately £690.

How to Apply

Gather your information: IHS reference number (from your payment confirmation email), passport number, ILR grant date.
Apply online: Visit the GOV.UK IHS refund page.
Select the refund reason: Choose the option for receiving ILR before your visa expired.
Provide your details: Enter all requested information accurately.
Wait for processing: 6 to 12 weeks.

Refunds for Dependants

If your dependants (children on your spouse visa) also received ILR, they are each entitled to their own IHS refund. Apply separately for each person. Each dependant will have their own IHS reference number.

If You Cannot Find Your IHS Reference

Check the following:

Your email inbox (search for "immigration health surcharge").
Your visa application documents or confirmation.
Your bank or credit card statements for the IHS payment.

If you still cannot find it, contact the Home Office IHS helpdesk. For general IHS information, see our IHS refund guide and IHS and spouse visa guide.

After ILR: Do You Still Need to Pay IHS?

No. Once you have ILR, you have permanent access to the NHS without paying the IHS. You will never pay IHS again unless you lose your ILR and need to apply for a new visa. See our benefits after ILR guide for everything that changes after receiving settlement.