When you apply for a UK visa, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront for the full length of your visa — sometimes thousands of pounds at once. If you then get British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) before that visa expires, you are entitled to a refund for the unused months. This refund is NOT automatic — you must apply for it yourself.
Who is eligible for an IHS refund?
You can apply for an IHS refund if your immigration status changed before your visa expired. The most common eligible situations are:
- You were granted British citizenship (naturalisation or by descent) before your visa expired
- You were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / Settled Status before your visa expired
- Your visa application was refused or withdrawn
- You left the UK permanently before your visa expired
- You were granted free of charge leave by the Home Office
- A dependent on your visa (e.g. child) became a British citizen or got ILR
💡 Tip
If you paid IHS for 5 years but became a citizen after 3 years, you are owed a refund for roughly 2 years of IHS payments — this could be £2,000 or more depending on when you paid.
How much will you get back?
The refund covers the unused portion of your IHS from the date your status changed (citizenship/ILR granted, departure date, etc.) to the original end date of your visa. The IHS rate has changed over the years, so the refund is calculated at the rate you originally paid, not the current rate. Refunds are prorated by month.
How to apply for the refund — step by step
- Step 1: Go to gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/refund — this is the official UKVI IHS refund page
- Step 2: Click "Apply for a refund" and complete the online form (you will need your IHS reference number, passport details, and UK bank account details)
- Step 3: Upload evidence of your change in status — your naturalisation certificate, ILR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or UKVI letter confirming your status
- Step 4: Submit the form — you will receive a reference number by email
- Step 5: Wait for UKVI to process the claim — this typically takes 6–12 weeks
💡 Tip
Your IHS reference number starts with "IHS" and can be found in your original visa application confirmation email, or on the IHS payment receipt you received when you paid.
What documents do you need?
- Your IHS reference number (from your original visa application)
- Your passport (the one used for the visa application)
- Proof of status change: naturalisation certificate, ILR BRP, or Home Office decision letter
- Your UK bank account details (sort code and account number) for the refund payment
- The date your status changed (date on your certificate or BRP)
What if I cannot find my IHS reference number?
Check your original visa application confirmation email — the IHS reference number should be in there. If you cannot find it, contact UKVI directly at ihs.refunds@homeoffice.gov.uk and explain your situation. Include your full name, date of birth, passport number, and the approximate date of your visa application.
How long does the refund take?
UKVI typically processes IHS refunds within 6–12 weeks of receiving a complete application. Some applicants report faster turnaround (3–4 weeks); others have waited up to 6 months during busy periods. If you have not heard back after 12 weeks, email ihs.refunds@homeoffice.gov.uk with your reference number to chase the claim.
Can dependants on my visa also claim?
Yes. If you had dependants (spouse, children) on your visa who also paid IHS and they have also been granted citizenship or ILR, each person can claim a separate refund. Submit one application per person — each requires their own IHS reference number and evidence of status change.
💡 Tip
Do not delay — while there is no official deadline stated, UKVI guidance implies you should apply promptly after your status changes. There is no benefit to waiting, and the money is rightfully yours.
Apply for your IHS refund on GOV.UK
Apply for IHS Refund →