When applying for a UK student visa, one of the critical components of the application process is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge is an essential part of the UK immigration system that gives students access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the country. While the IHS is mandatory for most international students, understanding its cost and the factors that influence it can be a bit confusing. In this article, we will explore how much the health surcharge costs for UK student visas, how it is calculated, and some key considerations for students applying for a UK visa.
Introduction to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge was introduced by the UK government in 2015 as part of a larger effort to ensure that those who benefit from the National Health Service (NHS) contribute to its funding. This surcharge is mandatory for most non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals, including students, who wish to stay in the UK for more than six months.
The IHS is an additional fee that applicants must pay as part of their visa application process. The purpose of the surcharge is to ensure that international students have access to NHS services, including medical treatment, doctor visits, emergency care, and more, during their stay. The cost of the IHS depends on several factors, including the length of stay and the type of visa being applied for.
Who Needs to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Not all visa applicants are required to pay the IHS. However, the vast majority of international students will need to pay this fee as part of their student visa application. The following groups of individuals are required to pay the IHS:
Students applying for a Tier 4 (General) visa: If you are a student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland applying for a student visa to study in the UK for more than six months, you will be required to pay the IHS.
Students applying for a Student visa: Starting from 2020, the UK switched to a new immigration system, and the Tier 4 (General) visa was replaced with the Student visa. If you are applying for a Student visa to study in the UK, you will also need to pay the IHS.
Dependents of student visa holders: If your spouse or children are applying for visas to join you in the UK as dependents while you study, they will also be required to pay the IHS.
Other categories: Other non-EEA nationals applying for visas to stay in the UK for more than six months will also be required to pay the IHS.
However, there are some exceptions. Citizens of certain countries, such as those from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, are currently exempt from paying the IHS due to reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and these countries. However, this exemption will end with the UK’s exit from the European Union, and EU citizens may also have to pay the IHS in the future.
How Much Is the Health Surcharge for UK Student Visas?
The amount you are required to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge depends on the length of your stay in the UK and the type of visa you are applying for. The following are the main guidelines:
Standard Health Surcharge for Students
For students applying for a UK visa, the current health surcharge is set at:
£470 per year for most students (including postgraduate and undergraduate students).
This means that if you are applying for a student visa to study in the UK for a course that lasts for one year, you will need to pay £470 for the duration of your visa. If your course lasts for more than one year, the cost will be higher because the surcharge is calculated based on the length of your visa.
Length of Stay and Calculation of IHS
The IHS is calculated based on the total duration of your stay in the UK, which includes the time specified in your student visa approval. This is how the IHS is typically calculated:
Short-term course (less than six months): If your course lasts for less than six months, you will not need to pay the IHS. However, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you must pay the full surcharge, regardless of whether your course is shorter or longer.
Courses that last more than six months but less than one year: In this case, the IHS cost will be £470 for the entire length of your stay, as your visa will typically be issued for the duration of your course.
Courses that last more than one year: If your course lasts more than one year, the cost of the IHS will be calculated at £470 per year. For example:
If you are applying for a visa for a two-year course, the total surcharge cost would be £940.
For a three-year course, the surcharge would be £1,410, and so on.
Additional Fees for Dependents
If you have dependents accompanying you to the UK (such as a spouse or children), you will need to pay the IHS for each dependent as well. The cost is the same for dependents, i.e., £470 per year. For example:
If you are applying for a two-year student visa and your spouse and child are accompanying you, the IHS cost for each of them would be £940 each, for a total of £1,880 for your dependents.
How to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
The IHS is paid online as part of your visa application process. You will be required to pay the surcharge when you submit your visa application, and it must be done via the official government website. Once you have paid the IHS, you will receive an IHS reference number, which you will need to include in your visa application form.
Here is how the payment process typically works:
Go to the UK government’s IHS payment page.
Enter your details and the details of any dependents applying for the visa with you.
Select the length of stay and your visa category.
Review the surcharge amount.
Make the payment via a secure payment system (credit card, debit card, or online payment methods).
Once the payment is processed, you will be provided with a reference number. This reference number will be needed to complete your visa application.
Why Do You Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The IHS helps to cover the costs of healthcare services provided by the NHS during your stay in the UK. As an international student, you will have access to various NHS services, such as medical treatment, consultations with general practitioners, and hospital care. By paying the IHS, you contribute to the funding of the NHS and gain access to these services throughout your stay in the UK.
Without paying the IHS, you would not be eligible for free NHS treatment, and you may have to pay for medical care out-of-pocket. The IHS gives international students peace of mind by ensuring that they have access to the healthcare system during their studies.
Exceptions and Exemptions from the IHS
While the IHS is generally mandatory for most students, there are some exceptions and exemptions. The following individuals are not required to pay the surcharge:
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA): As of now, students from EEA countries are not required to pay the IHS. However, this could change after the UK’s departure from the European Union (Brexit).
Students with a visa under specific arrangements: Some students may be exempt from the IHS under specific visa arrangements or healthcare agreements between the UK and their home country.
Students staying in the UK for less than six months: If your course or stay in the UK is less than six months, you may not need to pay the IHS.
Dependents of diplomats or official representatives: If you are a diplomat or a representative of an international organization, you and your dependents may be exempt from the IHS.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Health Surcharge?
If you do not pay the IHS, your visa application will be rejected. Since the IHS is a mandatory part of the UK visa application process, failure to pay will result in your visa application being incomplete. Therefore, it is essential to pay the surcharge in full before submitting your application.
Conclusion
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a significant cost that most international students must pay when applying for a UK student visa. It provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. The surcharge cost is generally £470 per year for most students, and it is calculated based on the length of your course. For students with dependents, the surcharge will be required for each family member.
As an international student, the IHS ensures that you can receive essential healthcare services while studying in the UK, without the need to pay out-of-pocket for treatments. It’s important to understand the full cost of the IHS and make sure to pay it as part of your visa application process.
By carefully understanding the requirements and staying informed about the cost and process, you can navigate the UK student visa application with confidence and focus on your studies.
