The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) enables those subject to immigration control to access NHS treatment and services in the UK throughout the duration of their permission to reside in the UK. Paying the required IHS fee is a vital part of an immigration application; failing to pay the full fee will result in your application being regarded as invalid.
If you would like to learn more about how Latitude Law can help you navigate the IHS, call us today on 0300 131 6767 or complete our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you.
| All applicants over the age of 18 (except Students & Youth Mobility Scheme): | £1,035 |
| Students (& their dependants) / Youth Mobility Scheme: | £776 |
| Applicants under the age of 18: | £776 |
| Dependants under the age of 18: | £776 |
| Dependants over the age of 18: | Pay same as main applicant |
| Applicants outside the UK applying for visa or entry for 6 months or less: | £0 |
| Applicants outside the UK over the age of 18 (except Students & Youth Mobility Scheme) applying for visa for 6 months or less: | £517.50 |
| Applicants outside the UK under the age of 18 / Students & their dependants / Youth Mobility Scheme applying for visa for 6 months or less: | £388 |
You will no longer need to pay the IHS fee once you become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Further individuals who are exempt from IHS fees include:
Visitors to the UK (those who can enter the UK for up to 6 months) are not required to pay the IHS fee when submitting their application. However, they will be required to pay the full cost of any NHS treatment or services used when in the UK.
If you are not sure if you will be exempt from paying the immigration health surcharge, take specialist immigration legal advice from one of our expert solicitors.
Applicants making certain specified human rights applications may be able to apply for a fee waiver in respect of the IHS fee. These include:
A fee waiver will be granted if your application is assessed and it is found, either:
What does this mean? Broadly, an applicant is considered unable to pay a fee where they do not have sufficient funds at their disposal after paying for their essential living needs such as housing and food for themselves and their family.
Destitution largely refers to not having any adequate accommodation or the means to obtain it, or, not being able to meet other essential needs after paying for your accommodation. Imminent destitution refers to precarious living situations, such as temporary accommodation that is not guaranteed.
A fee waiver application is made separately and prior to your actual immigration application.
If you currently have valid leave to remain and wish to apply for a fee waiver to extend your leave, you can do so by requesting a fee waiver via the GOV UK online form. You should not apply for a fee waiver until you are within 28 days of your leave expiring. If the fee waiver is granted, you will have 10 working days to submit your immigration application where you will be asked for your unique fee waiver reference number (this will be provided to you if your fee waiver application is successful).
The application will require you to thoroughly detail your household income and expenditure, and require you to prove that you cannot meet the fee, are destitute or at imminent risk of destitution or your income is sufficient to meet your child’s additional needs.
If you do not have valid leave to remain, you can still apply for a fee waiver for an eligible in-country application. If successful, you should submit your immigration application, using your unique reference number, right away as you will not benefit from the 10 working day time frame.
Our expert solicitors can advise you on your liability for the Immigration Health Surcharge fees as well as your eligibility for a fee waiver and the crucial documents you will need to provide in respect of any fee waiver application.
As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting immigration policies. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on your circumstances as well as how any changes will impact your application.
call us today on 0300 131 6767 or complete our enquiry form and we will get straight back in order to assist you.
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Latitude Law is proud to be consistently recognised by globally respected legal directories for our expertise in both corporate and personal immigration. We are featured in The Times Best 250 Law Firms in England & Wales 2025, Chambers & Partners UK & High Net Worth 2025, Legal 500 2025, and Lexology 2025 - each highlighting firms that demonstrate exceptional professionalism, specialist knowledge, and success in complex immigration matters. These independent endorsements distinguish us from other law firms and act as a kitemark of our integrity, quality, and commitment to outstanding client service.
Our commitment to client care is reflected in over 200 five-star Google reviews, showcasing the trust and satisfaction of those we've helped. Whether you're navigating a challenging immigration matter or seeking strategic legal advice, you can be confident you're in expert hands.
As the UK immigration rules are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that the conditions of your application is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
Get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.
