Immigration Health Surcharge
(IHS) increase delayed
until 31 January

10 January 2024

The government’s planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is now due to be implemented on 31 January 2024 at the earliest.

The new fees were originally due to come into effect on 16 January 2024, according to a draft order laid before Parliament in October last year. However, this has now been delayed as the increase may only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law.

The IHS rise is scheduled to be debated in the House of Commons today (10^th January 2024). This means that the earliest day the new fees can take effect is now 31 January 2024.

The delay provides some extra time for individuals to submit their visa applications before the higher fees kick in.

What are the new IHS fees?

Once the amendment has been implemented, the IHS will rise from £624 to £1,035 per person per year for adults, and from £470 to £776 per person per year for under-18s, students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants.

The new fees will represent a significant increase to the overall cost of securing a UK visa. The fee must be paid for each year of your stay, and also applies to any accompanying dependants. The overall cost will therefore vary depending on the length of your visa and how many dependants (if any) are included in your application.

Who needs to pay the IHS?

The IHS is a fee which most migrants coming to the UK must pay in order to access free healthcare on the NHS for the duration of their stay.

Whether you need to pay the IHS depends on the type of immigration permission you are applying for. You will usually need to pay the surcharge if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

• for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK
• for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK.

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

The IHS is compulsory for those it applies to, and you will still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Submitting an early application

If you intend to apply for a visa soon, it may be worth considering whether an early application is possible if you wish to take advantage of the current lower fees.

Before submitting an early application, you should carefully check that you can still meet the requirements of the route you are applying under. For example, if you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before the date you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

Support with filing a UK visa application

If you require support with an upcoming visa application, Smith Stone Walters can help. To speak to a qualified immigration advisor, please contact us today.

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