UNITED KINGDOM: Immigration Health Surcharge Fee Increase

January 17, 2024

The UK Government announced a substantial 66 percent increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in October 2023. This increase was expected to come into effect on January 16, 2024.

Following the Parliamentary debate on January 10, 2024, this fee increase is now delayed. The very earliest the new rate will come into effect is January 31, 2024, as the increase can only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law.

This provides some very welcome news for those in a rush to submit applications by January 16, 2024.

The IHS fees are applicable for entry clearance (applications made outside the UK) for a period of six months or more, and for leave to remain (applications made from within the UK). Individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship are exempt from paying the fee.

Adult applicants applying after the fee increase will be required to pay the increased fee of £1,035 per year of the visa length required. Child applicants will be charged £776 per year of the visa length required. The current fees for adult and child applicants are £624 and £470 respectively. These fees are payable at the time of online submission. There is a fee waiver for anyone who may not be able to afford the IHS fee, but sufficient evidence must be provided to demonstrate this.

To discuss the specific impact to you and/or your organisation resulting from the increased fee, please do not hesitate to contact your Newland Chase Account Manager. Alternatively, please contact Newland Chase on [email protected] to speak with an OISC qualified UK Immigration Consultant.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.