The IHS increase forms part of the Government’s review of fees across the immigration and nationality system. The change to the IHS will be particularly significant for most applicants with the standard IHS fee rising by a staggering 66%.
When does the new Immigration Health Surcharge come into force?
The legislation was approved by Parliament on 16 January 2024 and came into force on 6 February 2024.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is mandatory for most visa applicants and is usually payable alongside the application fee. It is charged per year of permission requested. Payment of the IHS enables migrants to gain access to the National Health Service in the UK, through their visa.
Individuals who usually qualify for an IHS exemption are visitors to the UK, people applying under the EU Settlement Scheme and those who have applied under the Health and Care provisions. The Home Office has confirmed that the staff of the National Health Service and their dependants will remain exempt from the IHS. Additionally, those applying for immigration permission with a duration of less than six months from outside the UK are exempt from paying the IHS.
The IHS has not risen since October 2020 and the Home Office’s position is that ‘the increases to the Health Charge reflect the increased cost of healthcare provision and the extra pressures which migrant-driven population growth is placing on the NHS’.
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge increase?
The IHS is currently £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children. The fee has been confirmed as rising to £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
Can immigration applications be submitted earlier?
In short, yes. We would recommend that employers who are planning to sponsor workers and individuals who intend to make a relevant immigration application assess if the application can be submitted before the increase is introduced.
It is possible to submit an in-country application earlier than the current expiry date and, in some cases, there may be a significant cost-saving in doing so. However, timings must be carefully considered. Applying too early can mean a further application, and critically a further set of application fees is needed before ILR can be obtained.
How our immigration solicitors can help?
Our solicitors have extensive experience in preparing all types of business and personal immigration applications. Contact us today.
FAQs
How much is the immigration health surcharge?
The amount you pay depends on your stay in the UK, for every stay that lasts 6–12 months is £776 and £388 for any additional period less than 6 months.
When is the immigration health surcharge increasing?
In October 2023, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) was increased to £1,035 per main applicant. On 6 February 2024, IHS for students and child applicants was increased to £776.
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge refundable?
The IHS fee is automatically refunded in full to the account or card you paid with if your visa application is refused or if you withdraw your application before making a decision.
How is the Immigration Health Surcharge calculated?
You can calculate the IHS by multiplying the years of leave applied for by £1,035. If the leave duration is not a round number of years, it needs to be rounded up to the nearest half year. The government also offers an online calculator to make things easier.
What does the Immigration Health Surcharge cover?
The Immigration Health Surcharge allows non-EEA migrants in the UK to access most National Health Services (NHS) on the same basis as an ordinary resident person for instance, hospital and GP visits, medical examinations, treatments and emergencies.
How long does the Immigration Health Surcharge last for?
The IHS lasts for the length of your visa or immigration status in the UK. If your visa is extended or renewed, you may need to pay the surcharge again to cover the new period of stay.
Can I get an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The following applicants are eligible for exemption from IHS:
- Children below the age of 18 and are under state care;
- Those applying for immigration permission with a duration of less than six months from outside the UK;
- People applying under the EU Settlement Scheme;
- Those who have applied under the Health and Care provisions;
- Staff of the National Health Service and their dependents;
- Relevant civilian employees at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or their dependents);
- Dependants of the UK armed forces members;
- Members and dependents of armed forces of another country;
- EEA Family Permit applicants;
- Asylum seekers/refugees.
