What is the NHS Surcharge?

The NHS surcharge allows you to use the NHS services. You can only use it once you have paid the surcharge (or you are exempt from it) and your visa or immigration application has been granted.

You may need to apply for the NHS surcharge as part of your application, which is dependant upon what immigration status you are applying for.

If you are making your application online or through a premium service centre, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment. If you apply by post you pay the surcharge online before you send your application.

If you are making a visa application outside the UK, you will need to pay if:

• You are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
• You are applying for a visa to work, study or join your family in the UK for more than 6 months (but you’re not applying to remain in the UK permanently).

If you are making an immigration application from within the UK, you need to pay if:

• You are a national of a country outside the EEA
•  You are making an immigration application for any length of time, including applications for 6 months or less (but you’re not applying to remain in the UK permanently).

The cost of the surcharge is as follows:

• £150 per year for a student or Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.
• £200 per year for all other visa and immigration applications i.e. £1,000 for a 5-year visa

Dependants will usually need to pay the same amount as you.

If you have any queries about the NHS surcharge contact one of our lawyers on 020 7903 6888 now or email contact@davenportsolicitors.com.

The material contained on this website contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information on this site, readers are advised to seek specific legal advice in relation to any decision or course of action.