Introduction
If you are working for the NHS or another healthcare organization and have been granted a Health and Care Visa, you are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). However, it’s not uncommon for errors to occur during the visa application process, resulting in the Home Office requesting IHS payment, even when you are exempt.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take if you receive a request for IHS payment in error for yourself or a dependent, and how to resolve the issue with the Home Office.
1. Understand the Health and Care Visa IHS Exemption
The Health and Care Visa was introduced to allow healthcare professionals, particularly those working for the NHS, to apply for a visa and avoid paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). If you are applying for this visa, you and your dependents are exempt from paying the IHS as part of your visa application process.
Who Qualifies for the Exemption?
• Healthcare professionals working for the NHS, the NHS supply chain, or in eligible health and social care roles.
• Dependents, including spouses and children, are also exempt if the primary applicant is eligible for the Health and Care Visa.
2. Why You May Have Received an IHS Request
Even though you are exempt from paying the IHS under the Health and Care Visa, there may be instances where an error occurs in the system, leading to the Home Office requesting the surcharge for you or your dependents.
Common reasons include:
• Selecting the wrong visa category during the application process.
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation provided during the initial visa submission.
• A technical error within the Home Office system or oversight.
3. What to Do If You Receive an IHS Payment Request in Error
If you receive a request to pay the IHS despite being exempt, here are the steps you should take:
Step 1: Review Your Application
• Check your visa category: Ensure that you applied for the correct visa, i.e., the Health and Care Visa. If an incorrect visa type was selected during the application, this may have triggered the IHS request.
• Confirm dependent details: Double-check that your son’s application is correctly linked to your Health and Care Visa, as dependents are also exempt from IHS.
Step 2: Respond to the Home Office Email
Reply to the email you received from the Home Office, explaining that you are on a Health and Care Visa and are therefore exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. Include:
• Your application reference number.
• Evidence of your Health and Care Visa status (e.g., your visa approval letter, employment contract).
• Mention that your dependent (son) is also covered by this exemption.
Step 3: Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
If you don’t receive a prompt response to your email, or if the situation requires immediate attention, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) directly.
• Phone number (within the UK): 0300 790 6268.
• Phone number (outside the UK): +44 203 875 4669.
Have your application reference number ready when you call, and explain that you have already submitted proof of your Health and Care Visa exemption and would like to resolve the IHS request issue.
Step 4: Submit a Formal Inquiry
If you prefer to contact the Home Office through their online form, you can submit an inquiry explaining the situation and request further clarification. Use the UKVI online inquiry form and provide all necessary details such as your case number, visa type, and the issue regarding the IHS payment request.
4. Documents You Will Need to Provide
To resolve the issue, ensure you have the following documents ready when contacting the Home Office:
• Your visa application reference number.
• Proof of your employment with the NHS or an eligible healthcare organization, such as a letter from your employer or employment contract.
• Proof of your Health and Care Visa approval, which confirms your IHS exemption status.
• Your child’s visa application number and details, if the issue is related to their application.
Providing clear documentation will help expedite the resolution process.
5. Will This Delay the Visa Process?
Receiving an erroneous IHS payment request should not automatically delay your visa application, but it is important to act promptly to avoid potential hold-ups. Typically, once the Home Office receives the correct information, they will continue processing your application as normal.
However, if a delay occurs, contact UKVI to request an update on the status of your visa processing and ensure the error is corrected.
6. How to Prevent Future IHS Issues
To avoid this issue in the future, make sure to:
• Select the correct visa category during your application. Double-check that you’ve chosen the Health and Care Visa for yourself and your dependents.
• Provide all required documentation upfront, including proof of NHS employment and Health and Care Visa eligibility.
• Communicate early with the Home Office if you foresee any complications with your application to prevent IHS-related errors.
Conclusion: How to Resolve IHS Payment Errors for Health and Care Visa Holders
If you’ve received a request for an Immigration Health Surcharge payment when you or your dependent are exempt due to a Health and Care Visa, following the steps outlined above will help you resolve the issue promptly. Make sure to contact the Home Office immediately, provide the necessary documentation, and clarify the exemption.
By responding swiftly and supplying all relevant documents, you can ensure that your visa application continues smoothly without unnecessary delays.