To apply for a reimbursement of the IHS through this scheme, you must have paid the IHS in full and have worked in:
- health and social care for the period you're claiming for
- the role for at least 6 months for an average of at least 16 hours a week
Visas
The IHS reimbursement service is for applicants who are in the UK on visas that give them a right to work such as a dependant of a UK national or another migrant.
You can only claim a reimbursement if you've paid the IHS with a visa you're currently on.
If you're not sure what visa you have, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to check.
Tier 2
If you have a Tier 2 visa and are a medical professional, you must apply through UKVI.
The list of eligible jobs is on GOV.UK.
Tier 5
If you have a Tier 5 medical training initiative (MTI) visa, you do not need to apply for a reimbursement of your IHS.
Reimbursements are requested on behalf of MTI visa holders by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC).
Notification will be sent automatically when payment of the refund has been made.
From 4 August 2020, anyone applying for a Health and Care visa does not need to pay the IHS upfront.
Employment
The 6 months can include paid leave such as:
- maternity leave
- paternity leave
- sickness leave
- jury leave
You must still be employed during the statutory break.
You're not eligible if you were unemployed or had unpaid leave for more than 28 days during the last 6 months.
If you've changed your job in the 6-month period, you'll remain eligible if you stay in health and social care.
The break in employment must be no longer than 28 days.
Health and social care employer
To be classed as working in the health and social care sector, you must either:
- provide direct patient care such as a health care assistant or social care worker
- provide administrative support or leadership such as a care home manager or hospital receptionist
- be in a role that supports facilities management such as a hospital cleaner
Read about eligible health and social care employers.
Unpaid volunteers are not eligible for reimbursement.
Confirming your job role
You'll be asked to confirm your job role if you work for an employer that provides a range of services such as a supermarket which has a pharmacy.
If you're self-employed but working in the health and social care sector, you must provide evidence of your role.
You must prove you work for a recognised health or care provider such as NHS Trusts or national NHS Bodies if you're not working in a health and social care setting.
Your job role must directly relate to the delivery of health or social care if you work for a local authority.
If you do not work for a recognised health or care provider or local authority, your employer must be registered with a health and social care regulator.
Dependants
If you have dependants who’ve also paid the IHS and are currently living in the UK, you can claim a reimbursement for them.
The dependants must be included in the same application.
A dependant can be:
- a husband, wife or partner
- a child of any age
Dependants can either claim as a dependant or apply for their own reimbursement if they meet the criteria.