Understanding the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Refund Process

The process of immigrating to a new country can be a complex and financially demanding endeavour. Among the various fees and charges associated with immigration applications, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an important aspect that applicants need to be aware of. The IHS is a healthcare surcharge that individuals may be required to pay as part of their immigration application to the United Kingdom. While this surcharge helps cover the cost of healthcare services for immigrants during their stay in the UK, it's essential to understand the refund process associated with it.

When Can You Get a Refund?

In some cases, applicants may be eligible for a refund of the IHS. Here are the circumstances under which a refund may be granted:

1. Overpayment: If you accidentally paid the IHS fee twice, you are entitled to a full refund of the excess amount.
2. Visa Application Refusal: If your visa application is refused, you will receive a full refund of the IHS.
3. Withdrawal of Visa Application: If you decide to withdraw your visa application before a decision is made, you will also receive a full refund of the IHS.
4. Partial Refund: If your visa application is successful but you receive less time on your visa than you initially requested, or if any dependants on your visa application are refused, you may be eligible for a partial IHS refund.

How Does the Refund Process Work?

In cases where you are due a full or partial refund of the IHS for the reasons mentioned above, you do not need to take any action to claim it. The refund will be automatically processed and credited back to the account or card you used to make the initial payment.

When Won't You Get a Refund?

It's important to note that there are situations where you will not be eligible for an IHS refund:

1. Visa Application Success but Non-Arrival: If your visa application is successful, but you do not come to the UK, you will not receive a refund.
2. Early Departure: If you leave the UK before your visa expires, such as to make a new application or if you are told to leave the UK before your visa's expiration, you will not be eligible for a refund.
3. Indefinite Leave to Remain Application: If you are applying for indefinite leave to remain, you will not be eligible for an IHS refund.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an IHS Refund?

Typically, you can expect to receive a refund of the IHS within approximately 6 weeks of receiving a decision on your visa application. However, there are certain scenarios that may cause delays in the refund process:

• Appeals or Administrative Reviews: If you are appealing a visa refusal or have requested an administrative review, it may take longer to receive your refund. In such cases, if you applied from inside the UK, you should receive a refund within 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed. If you applied from outside the UK, you should still expect to receive your refund within 6 weeks of your visa refusal.

If you believe you are due an IHS refund but haven't received any communication about it within 6 weeks or the alternate timeframes mentioned above, it's advisable to contact UKVI for assistance: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk .