Additional payment requested for IHS fees [dependant partner]

[bakr_1980]

My skilled worker visa was canceled because my employer sponsor's license was lapsed, and the same thing happened to my family – all their visas as dependant were canceled as well. To resolve the situation, a new sponsor license was obtained with a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). I started by renewing my skilled worker visa and then applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), both of which were successful.

Now, I'm trying to do the same for my wife. Following advice from a solicitor, we applied for her visa first, paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa fees. However, I received an email stating that we need to top up the IHS payment to cover three years, even though that's not necessary. I paid only one year's worth of IHS fees for myself, so I'm unsure why they are asking for three years' worth for my wife.

The email was sent:

A change has been made to the details you provided. You need to pay an additional payment of 2070.0 (GBP) by 18 June 2024.

Total Liability 1035.00 (GBP) 3105.00 (GBP)
Payments Received 1035.00 (GBP)
Balance Outstanding 2070.00 (GBP)

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Abu

[CR001]

Because for your dependent it is a 3 year extension once the main visa holder gets ilr, as dictated by the Immigration Rules.

You cannot choose to pay for less, it is 3 years and there is no discretion.

[bakr_1980]

Thank you so much for your quick response, my wife is going to apply for the ilR shortly after she gets her visa, are there anyway to claim refund for the extra 2 years that was added?

Thanks again!

Because for your dependent it is a 3 year extension once the main visa holder gets ilr, as dictated by the Immigration Rules.

You cannot choose to pay for less, it is 3 years and there is no discretion.

[CR001]

are there anyway to claim refund for the extra 2 years that was added?

No. Ihs is not refunded if you apply for ILR, this is clearly stated on ukvi website. It is not compulsory to apply for ILR at exactly 5 years if you still have a valid visa.

You have been better off waiting for all the skilled worker dependent visa applications to be approved before you applied for your ILR.