The Home Office announced a significant increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge on 16th October 2023, with implementation set to be on 16th January 2024.
However, following lengthy delays and then a debate in the House Of Commons on 10th January 2024; the “Order” allowing for the increase to be implemented, has still not been given the approval it needs to come into force. Now, that being said, the House of Commons could give approval any day now – so what does this mean for applicants?
Well, this news can be a welcome relief to many who have been rushing to submit their applications prior to the original implementation date of 16th January 2024. As things currently stand, even once the House of Commons approve the Order, it cannot come into force any earlier than 21 days after the order has been made.
As such, at the date of writing this article (15th January 2024) the IHS increase is set not to not come into force until February 2024 at the earliest.
Watch this space for further news as it develops!
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS fee)?
The IHS fee is a payment which most migrants are required to make when submitting a UK visa application, which contributes to the cost of the NHS. It was introduced by the Government to ensure that Migrants would contribute to sustaining the free healthcare available through the NHS and not become a “burden” on the system
Controversial
The IHS is not applicable to everyone, usually it applies to those individuals who are applying for UK visa, which will last for longer than 6 months. However, it does not apply to individuals applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or for Naturalisation / Registration as a British Citizen. Many migrants and charities have argued (unsuccessfully) that the IHS represents a form of double taxation, noting that Migrants already contribute to the NHS through regular taxes in the same way as British Citizens.
The Increase
Under the Immigration (Health Charge)(Amendment) Order 2023, the IHS rate for relevant applications will rise by about 66% from £624.00 annually per person, to £1,035.00 annually per person. Meaning that a “standard” in-country visa extension will now cost £2,587.50 instead of the current £1,560.00.
There are, of course, discounted IHS rates for children, students, their dependents and youth mobility workers. The IHS rate for their relevant applications will rise from £470.00 annually per person, to £776.00 annually per person.
Our below table gives an idea on the charges that will be faced following the increase, when it comes into force:-
Out of Country: Entry Clearance Application – 1 Adult
Current IHS fee: £1,872.00
Increased IHS fee: £3,105.00
Additional Amount payable: £1,233.00
Out of Country: Entry Clearance Application – 1 child
Current IHS fee: £1,410.00
Increased IHS fee: £2,328.00
Additional Amount payable: £918.00
In-Country: Extension Application – 1 adult
Current IHS fee: £1,560.00
Increased IHS fee: £2,587.50
Additional Amount payable: £1,027.50
In-Country: Extension Application – 1 child
Current IHS fee: £1,175.00
Increased IHS fee:£1,940.00
Additional Amount payable: £765.00
Can you avoid the IHS fee increase?
As explained above, following the House Of Commons Debate and at the time of writing (15th January 2024) there is now time until at least the beginning of February 2024 to arrange for an application to be submitted, and avoid the IHS increase.
Our expert legal team would be more than happy to advise and assist you in such preparations. If you would like our advice or assistance regarding the effect of these changes then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.
Can’t avoid the increase and cannot afford the increase?
See our helpful article in relation to Fee Waiver Applications
Take the next step
- Call us on 0131 226 5151