IHS Fee Update: IHS Fee Set to Increase on February 2024

Charlie Immigration updates Latest Immigration News Living in the UK News & Events Post Study Visa Studying in UK Travel UK Immigration UK Points Based Visas UK Visa News UK Visas Visa Application 1 February 2024 | Updated On February 6, 2024 | 0

The UK Government has approved a significant 66% increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), with the change set to take effect from February 6, 2024.

The IHS, introduced in 2015, requires migrants to contribute to NHS healthcare costs and is payable alongside most visa applications for access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.

Affected individuals include those applying for visas lasting six months or more, and those applying from within the UK, excluding certain categories like indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation as a British citizen.

The IHS fee is calculated during the online visa application process, with payment made before the application fee.

The fee increase was initially scheduled for January 16, 2024, but was later revised to February 6, 2024.

The IHS increase affects students, student dependants, and certain visa categories, raising the annual fee from £470 to £776 for some and from £624 to £1,035 for others, representing a 66% increase.

Exemptions include Health and Care workers, visitors, EU Settlement Scheme applicants, and those under the Ukraine Scheme.

Fee waivers are available for those unable to afford the IHS, with the failure to pay resulting in an invalid application under Immigration Rules. Applications from within the UK will be rejected within 10 working days and those from outside the UK within 7 working days.

If you're planning to apply for a visa or if your employer intends to sponsor your immigration application, we suggest evaluating whether the submission can be made before the upcoming fee increase takes effect.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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