Many Nigerians face challenges on how to pay for IHS fee during their visa process due to restrictions on international transactions with local bank cards.
Since its introduction in 2015, the IHS fee has undergone several revisions, making it crucial for applicants to stay informed about the latest costs and payment methods.
In 2023, the UK granted 3.40 million visas to foreign nationals for work, study, and residency.
Most of these applicants were required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a mandatory fee that grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
This is where the TransferXO Debit Card comes in. With TransferXO, Nigerians can seamlessly pay their IHS fees without failed transactions, delays, or high conversion rates.
In this guide, we’ll break down the current IHS fee structure and show you a step-by-step method on how to pay for ihs fee using the TransferXO Debit Card.
Whether you’re applying for a work, study, or family visa, this guide will ensure you complete your IHS payment hassle-free.
Let’s dive into what the IHS is, how much it costs, and how to pay for ihs fee from Nigeria using TransferXO.
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What Is the UK Healthcare Surcharge?
The UK Healthcare Surcharge, commonly known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), is a mandatory fee that helps fund the National Health Service (NHS). Introduced in April 2015, it ensures that immigrants contribute to the cost of healthcare while staying in the UK.
Anyone applying for a visa to live, work, or study in the UK for more than six months must know how to pay for IHS fee as part of their application.
Once paid, visa holders can access a wide range of NHS services, including doctor consultations, hospital treatments, maternity care, and emergency services, without additional charges.
The IHS fee must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa, and the amount varies depending on the visa type and length of stay.
For instance, students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants typically pay a lower fee compared to skilled workers or family visa applicants.
knowing how to Pay for IHS fee is a crucial step in the UK visa process, and failure to do so can result in visa delays or refusals.
Therefore, it’s essential to understand the fee structure and ensure a smooth payment process using a reliable payment method like the TransferXO Debit Card.
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Cost of UK Healthcare Surcharge Fee
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee imposed on most visa applicants to support the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the United Kingdom. The amount payable varies based on the type of visa and the applicant’s circumstances.
Current IHS Fees as of 2025:
- Students, Dependents, and Youth Mobility Scheme Applicants:
- Annual Fee: £776 x 1,994.37 NGN/GBP = 1,547,686 NGN.
- 2-Year Visa Total: 1,547,686 NGN x 2 = 3,095,372 NGN.
- Children Under 18 Years:
- Annual Fee: £776 x 1,994.37 NGN/GBP = 1,547,686 NGN.
- 3-Year Visa Total: 1,547,686 NGN x 3 = 4,643,058 NGN.
- All Other Visa and Immigration Applications:
- Annual Fee: £1,035 x 1,994.37 NGN/GBP = 2,064,469 NGN.
- 3-Year Visa Total: 2,064,469 NGN x 3 = 6,193,407 NGN.
Important Notes:
- The IHS is calculated based on the total duration of the visa. For example, a visa valid for 2 years and 6 months requires payment for 3 full years.
- The exchange rate fluctuates; the NGN equivalents provided are approximate and subject to change.
- Payment of the IHS is typically required upfront during the visa application process.
Knowing how to pay for ihs fee is crucial for applicants planning to live, work, or study in the UK, as the IHS significantly contributes to the overall expenses associated with the visa application.
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How to Pay for IHS Fee from Nigeria with TransferXO Debit Card
Knowing how to Pay for ihs fee from Nigeria is simple and hassle-free with the TransferXO Debit Card. Follow these steps to complete your payment smoothly:
Step 1: Sign Up for a TransferXO Account
Visit the TransferXO website or download the mobile app. Sign up with your email and phone number, then set up a secure password.
Step 2: Complete Your KYC Verification
To unlock all features, you need to verify your identity. Upload a valid ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license) and a selfie for authentication. This ensures the security of your transactions.
Step 3: Fund Your TransferXO Wallet
Add funds to your TransferXO wallet using your preferred payment method—bank transfer, USDT (Tether), or other supported options.
Step 4: Generate Your TransferXO Debit Card
Create a virtual USD debit card in seconds. Use your wallet balance to fund the card and get ready to make international payments.
Step 5: Pay Your IHS Fee
To know how to pay for ihs fee you need to Visit the UK government’s IHS payment portal, enter your details, and select “Debit or Credit Card” as the payment method. Enter your TransferXO card details, confirm the payment, and complete the transaction successfully.
That’s it! No failed payments, hidden charges, or currency conversion issues—just a smooth and secure process.
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Is the UK Health Surcharge Mandatory?
Yes, the UK Health Surcharge, officially known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), is a mandatory fee for most foreign nationals applying to stay in the UK for more than six months. It is required for individuals applying for visas under various categories, including:
- International Students – Those applying for a Student Visa or Graduate Visa must pay the IHS fee as part of their application.
- Skilled Workers & Employees – Anyone applying for a work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, must also pay the surcharge.
- Family Members & Dependents – If you are joining a family member in the UK on a Family Visa, you must pay the IHS fee.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Applicants – Young people applying under this visa category are also required to pay the surcharge.
The IHS fee grants access to the National Health Service (NHS), covering essential medical services such as doctor visits, emergency treatments, and hospital care. Without paying this fee, your visa application will not be processed.
If you are planning to apply for a UK visa, ensure you budget for the IHS fee and also know how to pay for ihs fee to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
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Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge Refundable?
Yes, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is refundable in certain situations. However, not all applicants are eligible for a refund. Here’s when you can get your money back:
When You Are Eligible for a Refund:
- Visa Denied: If your UK visa application is rejected, you will receive a full refund of your IHS payment.
- Application Withdrawn: If you decide to withdraw your visa application before it is processed, you will also be eligible for a refund.
- Overpayment: If you accidentally overpaid the IHS fee, the excess amount will be automatically refunded to you.
- Exempt Applicants: If you paid the IHS but qualify for an exemption, you can apply for a refund through the UK government’s official channels.
When You Are NOT Eligible for a Refund:
- If your visa is approved but you don’t travel to the UK, you won’t get a refund.
- If you leave the UK before your visa expires, the IHS fee is non-refundable.
It’s important to check your eligibility before requesting a refund. If you qualify, your refund will be processed to the original payment method within 6 weeks. By knowing how to pay for ihs fee with the TransferXO debit card you can easily get your refund in no time.
FAQs
What if my IHS payment fails?
If your IHS payment fails with other payment methods, TransferXO Debit Card provides a reliable alternative to complete your transaction successfully.
Can I pay my IHS fee with a Nigerian bank card?
Most Nigerian bank cards are restricted for international transactions. However, the TransferXO Debit Card allows you to pay your IHS fee seamlessly.
How do I fund my TransferXO Debit Card to pay the IHS fee?
You can fund your TransferXO card using bank transfer, mobile money, or cryptocurrency (such as USDT), ensuring hassle-free payments.
Conclusion
The UK Healthcare Surcharge gives you access to the NHS during your stay in the UK. While it’s an extra cost, it provides peace of mind for your health needs.
Plan ahead and know how to pay for ihs fee with TransferXO debit card to ease the payment process. It’s instant and offers the best exchange rates.