The government’s proposed IHS increase was initially set to come into effect on the 16th of January 2024, however, it was not debated in the House of Commons until the 10th of January 2024. As the increase may only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law it therefore will now take effect from the 31st of January 2024 at the earliest.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is a fee paid by many migrants coming to the UK for 6 months or more, see the article here . It is intended to cover the full cost to the NHS of treating the people required to pay it. The equality impact assessment, which the Home Office published in October 2023, states that the Immigration Health Surcharge is based on the average costs to the NHS for treating migrants.
Why is it increasing?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office claimed in a House of Lords debate that the new fee is based on more recent and representative data and reflects the increases in health care costs.
How much is the increase?
The IHS is set to increase from £624 to £1,035 per year for adult applicants and from £470 to £776 per year for children, students and applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
This means that adults applying for a UK visa, for example, a Spouse Visa from abroad, will be required to pay £3,105 ( visa granted for 33 months thus amount is rounded to the nearest year £1035 x 3 ) instead of the current £1,872.
Act now! and submit your application…
What will the implications of this be? The delay may allow a few more people to make their applications before the new rates come in, so if you are in the position to apply before then we recommend that you do so.
As a UK Immigration Solicitor, we have been working flat out the last few weeks to assist people put in their UK visas before the new fees kick in, and would suggest that you also contact your UK Immigration Lawyer to get your application in ASAP – Act Now!
If you have been affected by this issue or any other UK immigration matter, please contact Tito, a UK immigration and human rights solicitor, for a free initial consultation about your legal options. Call 07544 669131 or on Skype: tito.mbariti.You may contact us by filling in our Quick Enquiry form any time you need professional support or have any questions. Alternatively, you can call us during office hours on 07544669131 / 0116 3800 744
Cross Border Legal Solicitors Ltd is a UK Solicitor law firm regulated under the Solicitor Regulations Authority. It is Headed by Mr. Tito Mbariti, a UK Immigration and Human Rights Solicitor practicing lawyer, and member of the Law Society of England and Wales