UK Visas - Paying the IHS Fee - Why is it so expensive?

The UK IHS fee doubled on the 8th January 2019 and you are really struggling to understand what this means and why you are asked to pay this fee.

The IHS stands for Immigration Health Surcharge and its the big fee you pay along with the visa fee when you apply for a UK Working Visa.

The Youth Mobility Visa IHS fee doubled to £600, the UK Ancestry Visa doubled as well to a whopping £2000 and even the Settlement Visa increased to £1200. All UK Working Visa IHS fees doubled, yes, even the Tier 4 Student visa and Sponsorship Visa.

But what do you get when you pay the IHS fee?

You are covered for most medical treatments for free by the NHS (National Health Service). So you can see a Doctor or if needed go to the hospital. The NHS will cover you for most ailments. To enjoy the free medical service in the UK, all you need to do is flash your BRP Card!

What will you end up paying for:

Prescriptions - but it's not that expensive, certain prescriptions start at just £9.

Eye Test - anything to do with your eye's, I'm afraid you'll have to pay for.

Dentist - but the price is not all that bad. If you need a scale and polish its only around £23. If you need a filling or a tooth removed its only £62.

Wigs - Yes, if you need a wig, you'll need to pay.

Assisted conception - I just thought I'd let you know, you need to pay for that too.

When you think about it, most of us will see the Doctor or need to go to the hospital, so understanding that you are covered in the UK for accidents or sickness and you know you don't need to pay, that usually gives you (and your parents) peace of mind!

We often get asked: 'Do I have to pay the IHS for every year of my Visa, even if I am only going to stay for 1 year?'

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is 'yes'. If you apply for the 2-year YMS Visa, for example, you will have to pay for 2 years of NHS coverage. For the UK Ancestry Visa, this is 5 years! This is why the Ancestry Visa has become so expensive.

Let Restless World assist you with your UK working visa applications. We are here to help you and to make the Visa process stress-free.

For more information about UK Working Visa support go to >>>>>> www.restlessworld.com.au