26/01/2024 – We now have confirmation after a short delay the Immigration Health Surcharge is set to rise from 6th February 2024. There is currently unprecedented demand for Home Office processing services while people anxiously try and beat the Increase. Priority services are overwhelmed by applications as many as 1000 applicants are trying to vie for the 60 slots available each day.
10/01/2024 – The IHS was originally set to rise from 16 January 2024, since a delegated legislation committee of the House of Commons will be debating the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 on today being 10 January at 4.30pm. The earliest this increase may take effect is now 31st January 2024.
08/01/2024 -The UKVI have yet to confirm whether the expected increase is going ahead. Further updates will be provided.
Understanding the Immigration Health Surcharge and Its expected Upcoming Increase
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory financial contribution paid by non-UK residents who intend to reside in the UK for more than six months. The surcharge is designed to help cover the costs of accessing National Health Service (NHS) healthcare services during their stay in the UK.
Who Pays the IHS?
The IHS applies to individuals from outside the UK who are applying for various visa categories, including:
- Skilled worker visas
- Work visas for partners or spouses
- Student visas
- Youth Mobility Scheme visas
- Family visas
Current IHS Rates
As of October 2023, the IHS rates are as follows:
- Adults (aged 18 and over): £624 per year
- Children (under 18) & Student: £470 per year
Upcoming IHS Increase
it is now expected to rise from 31st January or thereafter subject to approval. The new rates will be:
- Adults (aged 18 and over): £1,035 per year
- Children (under 18): £776 per year
This represents an increase of approximately 66% for adults and 65% for children.
Reasons for the IHS Increase
The government has justified the IHS increase by stating that it is necessary to ensure that the surcharge reflects the full cost of providing NHS healthcare services to non-UK residents. The government also maintains that the increase will bring the IHS in line with the actual costs incurred by the NHS.
Impact of the IHS Increase
The IHS increase is likely to have a significant impact on individuals who are planning to move to the UK. The higher surcharge will undoubtedly increase the financial burden on these individuals, potentially affecting their decision to relocate to the UK.
Considerations for Employers and Applicants
Employers who sponsor non-UK workers should be aware of the upcoming IHS increase and factor it into their recruitment costs. Applicants should also be aware of the increase and ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover the surcharge. It is advisable to submit applications before the increase comes into effect to avoid the higher fee.
The upcoming IHS increase is a significant change that will affect non-UK residents who plan to reside in the UK for an extended period and businesses wanting to employ skilled workers. Understanding the implications of this change is crucial for both employers and applicants to make informed decisions. Up until 22/11/2023 the increase has yet to be ratified. We will provide updates on this important change in due course.
