Immigration Health Surcharge Payment
Process for paying the immigration health surcharge (IHS) required for visa applicants staying in the UK for over 6 months. Non-EEA nationals and (from January 2021) EEA/Swiss nationals must pay unless exempt. The surcharge is £470 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, and £624 per year for other visa types. Payment is made online during the visa application process. Exemptions include asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, applicants for indefinite leave to remain, and others. Once paid, individuals can access NHS services similarly to ordinarily resident persons for the duration of their visa, though some services like prescriptions, dental treatment, and assisted conception still require payment. The process involves checking eligibility, understanding exemptions, calculating the total amount, paying during visa application, and understanding resulting healthcare entitlements.
Step-by-step guide
Check if You Need to Pay
Determine if you need to pay the immigration health surcharge. Non-EEA nationals applying for a visa to stay in the UK for over 6 months must pay unless exempt. From 1 January 2021, EEA and Swiss nationals coming to the UK for stays of more than 6 months also need to pay.
Understand Exemptions
Check if you are exempt from paying the surcharge. Exemptions include asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, applicants for indefinite leave to remain, those covered by domestic violence concession, and others.
Calculate Your Payment Amount
Calculate the total amount. The surcharge is £470 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, and £624 per year for all other visa types. The same amount must be paid for any dependants. Multiply by the length of your visa in years.
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