Question 1

Why do I see a charge from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on my card statement?

Accepted Answer

This charge usually relates to an application for a UK visa, immigration permission (such as an extension or switch), settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), or British citizenship. It may also be for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or a priority/super priority processing service. The payment is typically made online via gov.uk and can appear as “UKVI,” “HOME OFFICE,” “UKVISA,” or similar. Check recent applications made by you or any family members whose applications you paid for.

Question 2

What are common amounts UKVI charges for, and why might I see more than one payment?

Accepted Answer

UKVI fees vary by visa type, length of stay, and whether you used priority services; they can range from relatively low amounts for short‑term visit visas to higher fees for work, study, settlement, or citizenship applications. You may see one transaction for the application fee and a separate transaction for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is usually charged per year of the visa. If you applied for multiple family members, there is normally a separate fee and IHS charge for each person. All current fees and surcharges are listed on the official gov.uk ‘Visa fees’ and ‘Immigration Health Surcharge’ pages.

Question 3

Why was I charged the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) by UKVI, and is it recurring?

Accepted Answer

The IHS is a mandatory charge for most non‑visitor visas lasting more than six months, giving you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as a permanent resident. It is paid upfront for the full length of your visa, often in a separate payment to the main application fee, so you may see two charges close together. It is not a monthly subscription; it is a one‑off payment per application that covers the visa’s duration. If your application is refused or you paid too much, the IHS is usually refunded automatically according to the rules on gov.uk.

Question 4

How can I get a receipt or invoice for my UKVI payment?

Accepted Answer

When you pay your visa or immigration fee online, you should receive an email confirmation from the gov.uk service confirming the amount, date, and reference number. You can usually access and re‑download your payment confirmation by signing into the same gov.uk account or online application portal you used and checking your submitted application. If you applied through a visa application centre partner (such as TLScontact or VFS Global), you may also have a separate receipt from their portal for any additional services. If you cannot find your receipt, you can contact UKVI using the options on gov.uk with your full name, date of birth, and application reference.

Question 5

Can I get a refund from UK Visas and Immigration if I cancel or withdraw my application?

Accepted Answer

Whether you can get a refund depends on the type and stage of your application. In many cases, visa and immigration application fees are non‑refundable once UKVI has started processing, even if you withdraw or your application is refused; however, some fees may be refunded if UKVI has not yet begun consideration or if you paid twice in error. The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually refunded automatically if your application is refused, withdrawn before a decision, or if you paid too much. To request or check a refund, use the official refund and reimbursement forms on gov.uk and allow for the published processing times, which can be several weeks.

Question 6

Why is there a small or duplicate‑looking UKVI charge or an amount that later disappeared?

Accepted Answer

You may see a small temporary authorisation on your card when your payment details are first validated; this is a standard banking security check and should disappear automatically within a few days. In some cases, a declined or timed‑out payment attempt can show as ‘pending’ before being reversed by your bank. If you see what appears to be a duplicate successful charge, compare the dates and exact amounts with your application confirmations—often each family member’s application or IHS fee is billed separately. If you believe you were genuinely charged twice for the same person and service, contact UKVI via gov.uk and your bank to dispute or request a refund.

Question 7

How do I change, cancel, or correct a UKVI application after I have already paid?

Accepted Answer

Once payment is made and your application is submitted, your ability to change details is limited; minor corrections can sometimes be made during your biometric appointment or by contacting UKVI with supporting evidence. If you need to fully cancel or withdraw an application, you must follow the withdrawal guidance for your specific route on gov.uk, and any refund will follow the normal fee and IHS refund rules. If you booked optional services (such as priority processing or added services at a visa application centre), refunds for those extras may be handled by the commercial partner rather than UKVI. Always keep your application reference (GWF, UAN, or similar) and payment confirmation when making any changes or requests.

Question 8

How can I contact UK Visas and Immigration about a charge I don’t recognise?

Accepted Answer

To query a charge, first locate any emails or application references from gov.uk that may relate to the payment, then go to the ‘Contact UK Visas and Immigration’ section on gov.uk. There you’ll find phone numbers and online contact forms for people inside and outside the UK; some services charge a fee per enquiry, so read the information carefully before calling. Have your full name, date of birth, nationality, approximate payment date and amount, last four digits of the card used, and any application reference numbers ready. If you suspect card fraud and cannot link the charge to any application, also contact your bank or card issuer immediately.

UK Visas and Immigration

About UK Visas and Immigration

Bank Statement Variations

Frequently Asked Questions