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UNITED KINGDOM: Increase of Immigration Health Surcharge Postponed (Updated 1 Oct)
September 24, 2020
The planned increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £400 to £624, which has been approved but has not yet taken effect, exempts applicants for a Health and Care visa from paying the IHS.
- A reduced rate of £470 (previously £300) will apply to students, their dependents, Youth Mobility visa holders and anyone under 18.
Effective 1 October, migrant health and care workers not covered by the Health and Care visa who have paid the IHS can apply online for a reimbursement every six months.
- They must have worked for at least 16 hours per week over the full 6 months.
- The scheme applies to a wide range of occupations.
- Refunds are backdated to 31 March 2020.
- Those on a Tier 2 (General) visa cannot use the scheme but instead can email [email protected] to ask about a refund.
From 1 January 2021, the IHS will also apply to new temporary migrants from the European Economic Area (EEA).
Introduced at £200 in 2015, and doubled in 2019, the IHS is currently payable by those from outside the EEA coming to the UK to work, study or to join family for six months or longer.
Our Advice
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.
