IHS Refund When Skilled Worker Dependant Later Switches to Main Applicant

[simongates]

Hi everyone,

I need some help understanding the rules around switching dependant visas and the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge).

A bit of background:

My wife was on a Student Dependant Visa with me.

I have since switched to a Skilled Worker Visa, valid until 2028.

We plan to switch my wife to Skilled Worker Dependant Visa soon.

We will pay the application fee and the IHS (as required) when we apply.

Here’s my question:

If my wife later finds a job in the UK and gets a Skilled Worker Visa in her own right, and then I decide to switch to being her dependant, will the IHS we paid for her Skilled Worker Dependant Visa be refundable by UKVI?

My understanding so far:

The application fee is non-refundable.

The IHS may be refundable if not used.

But I want to confirm whether:

The IHS paid for the Skilled Worker Dependant visa can be refunded if she later switches to her own Skilled Worker visa.

Any caveats or timelines (e.g., must withdraw the application or switch within a certain time).

Whether this applies even though the visa would have been issued and potentially even used.

Thanks in advance for any clarity!