Update on Immigration Health Surcharge Increase in 2024

The planned increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge is now scheduled for debate in the House of Commons on 10 January 2024. It is therefore unlikely that the increase will be implemented by 16 January 2024, and instead the earliest this could take effect will now be 31 January 2024, or potentially early February 2024.

Immigration Health Surcharge increase 2024

The surcharge is paid as part of the visa application at the stage when the visa form is submitted electronically.

Under the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, the main IHS rate for UK immigration applications is proposed to rise by 66% to £1035 from £624 per applicant per year of leave. The discounted IHS rate for children, students, their dependents and youth mobility workers is also set to rise at the same time from £470 per year to £776 per applicant per year.

To illustrate, a visa issued for 3 or 5 years will incur the following charge under the increased rate:

	IHS charge for 3-year visa	IHS charge of 5-year visa
1 Adult	£3105	£5175
1 Child	£2328	£3880
2 Adults	£6210	£10,350
2 Adults & 1 child	£8538	£14,230
2 Adults & 2 children	£10,866	£18,110

Half of the yearly amount is paid if the application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months. A whole year is paid if the application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

Can you avoid the IHS fee increase?

The Immigration Health Surcharge increase will apply to immigration applications made on or after the date the Order becomes law.

Applicants are advised where possible to finalise and submit their applications before the new fees take effect. In some cases, you may be able to submit your application earlier than you think, enabling you to pay the current, lower IHS fee.

Take legal advice on your circumstances to determine if you can apply before the rate increase and to avoid any potential adverse effect on your immigration status or history.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. If you have a query about the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, including the increase and its impact on your application or your employees’ applications, please contact us.

Last updated: 3 January 2024

Source link