Use this free IHS Calculator to find out exactly how much Immigration Health Surcharge you need to pay for your UK visa application. Enter your visa type, age, duration, and number of dependants to get an accurate total. The built-in Refund Checker also tells you if you qualify for a full or partial refund based on your circumstances. No sign-up required, and nothing you enter is saved.
Looking for the full step-by-step visa application guide? This page covers how to use the IHS calculator and refund checker. For the complete UK student visa application process, eligibility requirements, and financial evidence rules, see our complete UK student visa guide →
How to Use This IHS Calculator
The calculator uses the official UKVI rates to estimate your total Immigration Health Surcharge. Here is what each field does:
- Visa Type: Select the visa you are applying for (e.g., Student, Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker). This determines which rate tier applies to you. Some visa types are exempt from paying IHS entirely.
- Applicant Age: Select “18 or over” or “Under 18.” Applicants under 18 pay a discounted student rate, which significantly lowers the total cost.
- Visa/Course Duration (months): Enter the length of your course or visa in months. The IHS is calculated per year of the visa granted, not the course length. If your course is 3 years but your visa is granted for 3 years and 4 months, you pay for 3.5 years.
- Number of Dependants: Enter how many dependants are applying with you. Each dependant pays the same IHS rate as the main applicant, so this can dramatically increase your total.
- Exemptions: Tick any that apply to you. If you are exempt, your IHS total will drop to £0. You will still need to provide evidence of your exemption when applying.
Click Calculate IHS to see your total. The calculator instantly shows your total IHS payment, the applicable rate per year, and a breakdown for the main applicant and dependants.
How IHS Is Calculated: Rates and Multipliers
The Immigration Health Surcharge is calculated based on the length of your visa and the applicable rate tier. It is not a one-time fee — it is charged per year of your stay.
| Applicant Type | Annual Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student (18 or over) | £776 / year | Standard discounted student rate. |
| Student (under 18) | £776 / year | Same as the student rate. |
| Standard Applicant (18 or over) | £1,035 / year | Applies to most work and family visas. |
| Dependants | Same as main applicant | Each dependant pays the full annual rate. |
How duration is calculated: The IHS is charged per year of the visa granted. If your visa is for less than a year, you pay for the full year. If your visa is granted for 2 years and 6 months, you pay for 3 years (rounded up to the nearest 6 months). For example, a 3-year student visa costs 3 × £776 = £2,328. With one dependant, the total would be £2,328 × 2 = £4,656.
Always confirm the latest rates on the official UKVI IHS guidance page before paying, as rates are updated periodically.
Who Is Exempt from Paying the IHS?
Some applicants are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. If you tick any of the exemptions in the calculator, your total will reduce to £0. Here is what each exemption means:
| Exemption | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Health and Care Worker visa holder | Applicants on this visa and their dependants are exempt from paying IHS. |
| Granted a fee waiver | If you have been granted a fee waiver by the Home Office, you do not pay IHS. |
| EU Settlement Scheme applicant | EUSS applicants are exempt from paying IHS. |
| Asylum seeker or humanitarian protection | Applicants under these categories are exempt from IHS. |
| Victim of domestic abuse | Applicants applying under the domestic abuse provisions are exempt. |
| Dependant of a British or Irish national | Dependants of British or Irish citizens applying for certain family visas may be exempt. |
If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, check the official UKVI IHS exemption guidance or consult your university’s international student office.
How the IHS Refund Checker Works
The refund checker helps you understand whether you are entitled to a refund of your IHS payment. Select your situation from the dropdown, and the tool will tell you if you qualify for a full refund, partial refund, or no refund, and whether the process is automatic.
Common refund scenarios include:
- Visa application refused: If your visa is refused and all appeal rights are exhausted, you will receive a full refund of your IHS. This is processed automatically by the Home Office.
- Overpayment: If you paid more than you were required to, you can request a refund for the difference.
- Wrong rate paid: If you paid the standard rate when you were eligible for the student rate, you may be entitled to a partial refund.
- Dependant’s visa refused: If a dependant’s visa is refused, their portion of the IHS is refunded.
- Visa granted for a shorter period: If your visa was granted for less time than you paid for, you may receive a partial refund for the difference.
Refunds are typically processed automatically within 6 to 8 weeks. If you believe you are owed a refund but haven’t received it, you can contact the Home Office directly using the details on the official UKVI IHS refunds page.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Tool
Do dependants pay the same IHS as the main applicant? ▼
What happens to my IHS if my visa is refused? ▼
How is IHS calculated for a 3-year course? ▼
Can I get a refund if I don’t use the NHS? ▼
Does this calculator save or send my personal information anywhere? ▼
Is this calculator free, and do I need to sign up? ▼
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