Significant increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) announced earlier this year are expected to come into force on 16 January 2024 at the earliest.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (“IHS”) is an additional fee to allow a person to use the NHS while living in the UK.
The annual IHS fee for adult applicants will increase from £624 per year to £1,035 per year – a staggering 66% increase. The rate for children will increase from £470 per year to £776 per year. The changes were confirmed in the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023.
What should I do?
To minimise costs, you should consider if you are eligible to make a visa application before the January 2024 increase. You should also consider applying for the maximum available immigration permission allowed, or applying for the minimum needed to be in a position to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain – depending on your circumstances.
Employers will need to take the Immigration Health Surcharge increase into account when budgeting immigration-related costs going forward. Employers may want to consider longer sponsorship arrangements now to save money and retain staff in the future.
How we can help
- If you have questions about how these changes will affect you or your business
- Assess eligibility and benefits of applying early
- Assess eligibility and prepare a strategy for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Prepare fee waiver request applications, visa applications and Indefinite Leave to Remain applications before the 16 January 2024 deadline