Is There a Standard UK “Health Surcharge Letter”?
Not usually. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is generally paid as part of the online visa or immigration application process. After payment, the applicant receives an IHS reference number by email and on screen. GOV.UK does not describe a separate foreign-language “Health Surcharge Letter” that every applicant must obtain and translate.
This means that many applicants do not need a translation specifically for their IHS payment confirmation. The important question is whether any supporting document you are submitting with your immigration application is in a language other than English or Welsh.
When Translation May Still Be Needed
Translation may be relevant if you are submitting supporting evidence for your visa application that is not in English or Welsh. Depending on the route and your circumstances, this can include documents such as civil-status certificates, criminal-record certificates, financial evidence, employment evidence or other supporting material.
The IHS itself is separate from those translation requirements. GOV.UK states that applicants who need to pay the surcharge do so online and receive an IHS reference number. Whether you need to pay, and how much, depends on the immigration route and length of permission.
Current Immigration Health Surcharge Basics
- The IHS is paid as part of many visa and immigration applications.
- Some applicants are exempt, including eligible Health and Care Worker visa applicants and certain other categories.
- The amount depends on the length and type of immigration permission.
- After payment, the applicant receives an IHS reference number.
- The IHS payment does not replace the separate requirement to provide translated supporting documents where the relevant route requires them.
If a Supporting Document Is Not in English or Welsh
Home Office requirements vary by immigration route, but current work-route guidance requires a certified translation for documents that are not in English or Welsh. Current Skilled Worker caseworker guidance states that the translation should be capable of independent verification and include confirmation that it is accurate, the date of translation, the translator or translation company’s full name and signature, and contact details.
For general immigration-document support, see our immigration translation service. If your application instructions specify a certified translation, see our certified translation service.
What to Send for Translation
- Send the actual supporting document. A clear scan or photograph should show all pages, stamps and handwritten notes that need translating.
- State the immigration route. Translation requirements can differ between routes.
- Share any Home Office or application-centre instructions. Route-specific instructions should take priority over generic advice.
- Confirm the intended use. This helps determine whether standard or certified translation is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to translate my IHS reference number?
No. The IHS reference is generated through the UK immigration application process. It is not normally a foreign-language document requiring translation.
Does every visa applicant pay the IHS?
No. Exemptions apply to some immigration categories. Check the current GOV.UK guidance for your route before paying.
What if my supporting evidence is in another language?
Check the document requirements for your specific route. Where a certified translation is required, provide the original-language document together with a translation that meets the stated Home Office requirements.
Sources and Review
Last reviewed: 17 September 2026. Primary sources checked: GOV.UK — Immigration Health Surcharge overview, GOV.UK — Paying the healthcare surcharge, and Home Office — Skilled Worker caseworker guidance.
