An Increase in the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
Immigrants to the UK are required to pay a range of charges before they are granted a visa to enter or remain in the country. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) is one of the charges applicants are required to pay. If an applicant fails to pay the IHS on time, their application will be immediately rejected.
What is the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge?
The UK has a National Health Service (NHS) which is paid for through general taxation. Healthcare is then free to access as and when required. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge acts as an upfront contribution from immigrants to the costs of providing healthcare in the UK. Payment of the IHS gives migrants full access to healthcare services from the NHS.
The IHS is charged per year and covers the duration of any visa application applied for.
How much is the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge?
In 2023, UK immigration applicants have been required to pay £624 per annum, or a £470 per year discounted rate for student visa holders, children under 18, and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme. The standard rate is increased to £1,085 per annum, and £776 for the discounted rate.
If your visa permits you to stay in the UK for less than 6 months you will only be required to pay half the annual fee. If your application includes part of the year that is more than 6 months, or a whole year, you will be required to pay the full amount.
It’s important to remember that this is an annual charge meaning that if you are applying for a 3-year visa you will be required to pay a £3105 Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
Are there any exemptions?
Anyone who is entering the UK on a Health and Care Visa and their dependents are exempt from having to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. Dependents of the Health and Care Visa holders will not be able to enter the UK from Spring 2024.
Why is the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge increasing?
The IHS is being increased as part of a wide-ranging review of the UK immigration system. The government argues that this is required to make the system fairer and to better reflect the needs of the country.
Immigration advice & support from BS Consulting
At BS Consulting, our experienced team of immigration and settlement consultants can help you negotiate the complexities of the UK immigration system and answer your questions about the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can help.