Applicants wishing to submit an immigration application to the Home Office should firstly check whether they are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. The fee is not a part of the Home Office fee, but a separate payment which will give migrants who are in the UK for more than 6 months, access to the National Health Service.
Apply to the UK Home Office with LEXVISA Immigration SolicitorsImmigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee
Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee that applicants might need to pay as a part of their immigration application.
Applicants applying online through the premium service centre will pay the surcharge as part of the application when booking an appointment.
For those applying by post, it is required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge online before submitting the application. The IHS reference number will need to be included in the application form and sent to the Home Office. Payment of this fee will allow applicants to use the National Health Service and you should bring your biometric residence permit with you when you access healthcare in the UK.
UK Home Office Requirements for IHS fee payment
Applicants willing to visit the UK on a visitor visa or any visa that lasts 6 months or less will not be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Applicants may submit their immigration application either outside the country or within the UK. If you are applying outside of the UK and you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) applying for a visa to work, study or join your family in the UK for more than 6 months and you are not applying to remain in the UK permanently, you will need to pay the fee. Applicants submitting their applications within the country, will have to pay if you’re a national of a country outside the EEA, you’re making an immigration application for any length of time including applications for 6 months or less (but you’re not applying to remain in the UK permanently).
Immigration Health Surcharge exemptions
Applicants will not need to get an IHS number or pay the healthcare surcharge if:
- you’re applying for a visitor visa
- you’re applying for a visa (from outside the UK) for 6 months or less
- you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain
- you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control
- you’re a family member of a European national with European Union treaty rights
- you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands
- you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands
- you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)
- you’ve been identified as a victim of human trafficking (or you’re their dependant)
- the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)
- being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)
Immigration Health Surcharge fees
IHS  fees will depend on the type of visa and you will have to pay £150 per year for a Student or Tier 5 (YMS) visa and £200 per year for all other visa and immigration applications. The fee is also applicable to all your dependants applying with you. The exact amount can be calculated by using the online IHS calculator.
To ensure your application is processed without delay, you should ensure you pay the IHS and include the IHS number in your application. You should also make sure you provide all the necessary documents which evidence you have met the relevant Home Office requirements.
Using Legal Representation to submit Immigration Applications
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct a legal representative to submit your immigration application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.