How Long It Takes To Get IHS Refund?

How long does it take to get an IHS refund?

Expect your IHS refund in 3–6 weeks after your UK visa application is refused or withdrawn. Check your payment card or bank statement for the credit—no extra form needed since it’s automatic. If nothing shows up after 8 weeks, call UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) at 0300 790 6268 and quote your Global Web Form (GWF) number.

Quick Fix Summary
Your IHS refund is usually back in 3–6 weeks after refusal or withdrawal. Look for the credit on your payment card or bank statement—no paperwork required. If it’s been 8 weeks with nothing, ring UKVI on 0300 790 6268 and have your GWF number ready.

What’s actually happening with my IHS refund?

You’ll get your money back automatically if your UK visa application is refused or withdrawn before a decision. The Home Office’s shared payments team processes the refund to the same card or account you used—no forms, no chasing. It usually shows up on your statement within 3–6 weeks.

Right now, the IHS costs £624 per year for most visa routes (£1,872 for a 3-year spouse visa). Paid by bank transfer or PayPal? The refund lands in the same place, same timeline. Just keep an eye on your statements.

What should I do first to track my refund?

Check if you’re even eligible
- Log in to Check UK Visa and punch in your GWF or application number. If it says “Refund due: Yes”, you’re in the clear.
- See “Refund due: No”? Your application hasn’t been refused or withdrawn yet—wait for the final decision.
Find your payment receipt
- Dig through the email tied to your UKVI account for the “UKVI payment receipt” confirmation.
- Paid online? The receipt is also saved under “View your UKVI account documents” in your GOV.UK account.
Set up alerts and watch your bank
- Turn on text alerts for incoming payments on the card you used.
- Scan your statement for a credit labeled “HOME OFFICE IHS REFUND” or “UKVI PAYMENTS”—banks use different wording.
Call UKVI after 6 weeks with no refund
- Six weeks have passed and still nothing? Ring UKVI Refunds at 0300 790 6268 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm).
- Have your GWF number, payment reference, and email handy—they can speed things up.

What if my refund never arrives?

Card expired or closed? The refund bounces back if your card’s no longer active. Call UKVI straight away to update your payment details, then enter the new card number via the Change Payment Details service.
Paid via PayPal or bank transfer? PayPal refunds usually hit within 3–5 working days. Bank transfers? Sometimes up to 10 working days. If it’s been 10 days, check with your bank—they might have flagged the credit as “unusual activity.”
Still waiting on an appeal? You can’t get a refund while an appeal or administrative review is ongoing. The money only comes back automatically after a final refusal or withdrawal—no halfway refunds.

How can I stop this from happening again?

Run the numbers first Use the official IHS calculator to confirm the exact fee for your stay length. Overpay by even one day and the refund calculation gets messy.
Pick a card that lasts Use a credit or debit card that stays active for at least 6 months after you apply. If the card expires mid-process, UKVI can’t push the refund through.
Write down your GWF number Stick your 16-digit GWF number on a sticky note inside your passport. You’ll need it every time you chase the refund or call UKVI.

According to UKVI’s own data, over 80% of IHS refunds are now processed automatically within 3–6 weeks of a final refusal or withdrawal. Watch your statements closely and chase it within 8 weeks if nothing appears. Honestly, that’s quicker than most NHS pension refunds—those take 3–10 working days once the employer files form RF12, according to NHS Business Services Authority.