I have received my religious worker Visa to work in a hospice Center in the UK. I am from Ghana. I would like to take some holidays within the year and visit my aging parents in Ghana. Can that be allowed or can i extend it ?

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do religious work in a non-pastoral role or religious order

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Religious Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to your sponsor organisation’s work.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you are applying to extend from inside the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months, or up to 28 days more than the time on your certificate of sponsorship. You may be sponsored for a shorter period.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot get public funds.

Eligibility

You must have both of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you’ll do and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must apply again if you want to change your job within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 24 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days - whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.


My partner earn less than £50,000. I am employed and on a payroll and earn less than £50000 but receiving a dividend My pay and dividend when added together will be more than £50,000. Will I be eligible to apply for child benefit ?

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

Claim Child Benefit

How it works

under 16

under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

If your child is under 12 and you’re not working or do not earn enough to pay National Insurance contributions, Child Benefit can give you National Insurance credits.

These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If 2 families join together, the eldest child in the new family qualifies for the £21.15 rate and any other children who are eligible will get the £14 rate.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You can get Child Benefit if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000, but you may be taxed on the benefit. This is known as the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge.

If your partner’s income is also over £50,000 but yours is higher, you’re responsible for paying the tax charge. You need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return each tax year and pay what you owe.

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

You normally qualify for Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and you live in the UK.

You’ll usually be responsible for a child if you live with them or you’re paying at least the same amount as Child Benefit (or the equivalent in kind) towards looking after them, for example on food, clothes or pocket money.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Child Benefit continues for 20 weeks if 16 or 17 year olds leave education or training and register with the armed services or a government-sponsored careers service.

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You can apply for Child Benefit as soon as any child you’re adopting comes to live with you - you do not have to wait until the adoption process is complete.

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You might not qualify if your local council is paying towards the child’s accommodation or maintenance - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Two people cannot get Child Benefit for the same child - if you want to make a claim, you must agree it with the person who’s currently claiming. HMRC will decide who receives the Child Benefit if you cannot agree.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it. You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child, so you need to decide whether it’s better for you or the other parent to claim. The person who claims will get National Insurance credits towards their state pension if they are not working or earn less than £184 per week.

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If your child is adopted, send their original adoption certificate with the form. You can order a new adoption certificate if you’ve lost the original.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form now and send the certificate once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child was born in the UK and their birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this, tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

You can choose to stop or restart your payments at any time, for example because you or your partner earn over £50,000 a year. It does not affect your eligibility.

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.

under 16

Claim Child Benefit

How it works

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

under 16

under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it. You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form now and send the certificate once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child was born in the UK and their birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this, tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.

under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Claim Child Benefit

How it works

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

under 16

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You might not qualify if your local council is paying towards the child’s accommodation or maintenance - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it. You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form now and send the certificate once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child was born in the UK and their birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this, tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.

Claim Child Benefit

How it works

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

under 16

under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You might not qualify if your local council is paying towards the child’s accommodation or maintenance - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it. You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form now and send the certificate once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child was born in the UK and their birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this, tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Claim Child Benefit

How it works

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

under 16

under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You might not qualify if your local council is paying towards the child’s accommodation or maintenance - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it. You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form now and send the certificate once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child was born in the UK and their birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this, tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.


I am migrating to the UK for 5 months. I am looking to add UK healthcare to my visa, but I do not know the costs. What costs should I expect to pay for adding healthcare?

You’ll have to pay:

Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

If you’re applying by post, you pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You’ll need to include the IHS reference number on your application form.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

The service will tell you that you do not have to pay anything and will give you your healthcare surcharge reference number for your application.

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

you’re applying for discretionary leave to remain in the UK as someone who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking (or you’re their dependant)

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

You need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you apply for indefinite leave to remain but are only given limited leave. You’ll need to pay before you’re given the leave.

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you apply for a visa by post, you must pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You’ll need to include your IHS reference number on the application form.

If you do not pay

You’ll get an email from UK Visas and Immigration if you do not pay the surcharge (or do not pay enough) as part of your visa or immigration application.

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application online you pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application process. You must complete the payment and return to the online immigration application in less than 30 minutes.

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

any person you’re applying to join or remain who is already in the UK (you do not need to add this person’s details if they are a UK or EEA citizen)

You’ll also need their leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

You’ll be sent an email with an IHS reference number. This will also be shown on screen when you’ve paid. You can only use this number once - you’ll need to get another one if you reapply.

You’ll need to write this on the cover of your visa application if you’re applying by post. You need this reference even if you’re exempt from paying the healthcare surcharge.

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

If you are due a full or partial refund for these reasons, you do not have to do anything to get it. It will be automatically paid to the account or card you paid with.

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

If you’re claiming as a full-time student with an EHIC, you can apply for a refund of the IHS you paid to cover any period starting on or after 1 January 2021. Applications open from 1 January 2022.

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

You usually get your refund within 6 weeks of getting a decision on your visa application. It can take longer if you appeal or ask for an administrative review after your visa application is refused.

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you do not pay

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

You’ll also need their leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you do not pay

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

You’ll also need their leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you do not pay

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

You’ll also need their leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

When you can start to use the NHS

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

The service will tell you that you do not have to pay anything and will give you your healthcare surcharge reference number for your application.

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you do not pay

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

You’ll also need their leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.