IHS fees are set to increase from £624 per year to £1,035 per year. The implementation date has been delayed until 31 January 2024 at the earliest.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (“IHS”) is an annual fee which allows a person to use the NHS in the UK. The full fee is paid upfront alongside Home Office visa application fees at the point a visa application is submitted online.
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 and students will increase from £470 per year to £776 per year.
The changes were confirmed in the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023. This increase was expected to take place on 16 January 2024. This has now been delayed.
MPs are expected to debate the fee increase in the House of Commons on 10 January 2024, which means that the earliest possible date of implementation – 21 days later – will be 31 January 2024. The exact date is still not known, but this is likely to be 31 January 2024 at the earliest or possibly early February.
Visa applicants therefore have an additional two weeks to submit their visa applications. For expert advice and assistance, contract our friendly team today.
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 deadline