Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Cost To Increase By 66%
On 13 October 2023, the UK Government announced a substantial 66% increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Originally set to take effect from 16 January 2024, since a delegated legislation committee of the House of Commons will be debating the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 on Wednesday, 10 January at 4.30pm, the IHS fee increase cannot now be implemented any earlier than 31 January 2024.
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS, was first introduced on 6 April 2015 to ensure migrants contribute to the cost of healthcare provided by the NHS.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is an upfront cost paid alongside the submission of (most) visa applications so that the individual is entitled to have full access to the National Health Service (NHS) whilst in the UK. There is no limit to how much one can access the NHS. Additionally, there is no option to opt out of the Immigration Health Surcharge even if you believe you will not use the NHS or would prefer to pay for private health care.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is normally applicable to individuals applying for permission to enter the UK for six months or more, or for individuals making visa applications from within the UK for any length of time (with the exception of applications for indefinite leave to remain or for applications to naturalise as a British citizen).
The IHS is charged per year and covers the duration of any visa application applied for.
When Do I Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is applicable when making the online visa application. When you are submitting the online visa application you will be redirected to the appropriate Immigration Health Surcharge payment page. The payable fee will be calculated in accordance with the visa for which you are applying for and will amount to the duration of that visa. Please note that this fee is sometimes rounded up and may therefore be higher than expected. Additionally, there is no control on the currency exchange rate used. As outlined in the Home Office Exchange Rate Policy, the exchange is normally 4% above the Oanda live bid rates. After the Immigration Health Surcharge is successfully paid you will be redirected back to the online form to pay the application fee. Additionally, you will be sent a confirmation email which includes the IHS reference number.
When Is the IHS Increasing?
Originally set to take effect from 16 January 2024, since a delegated legislation committee of the House of Commons will be debating the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 on Wednesday, 10 January at 4.30pm, the IHS fee increase cannot now be implemented any earlier than 31 January 2024.
What Is the IHS Increasing to and Who Is Affected by This Increase?
The details of the Immigration Health Surcharge increase have been confirmed in the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023. The Order needs to be approved by both Houses of Parliament and ratified.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is increasing for students, student dependants, those applying for entry clearance or leave to remain under the Youth Mobility Scheme, and applications made by children under the age of 18 from £470 a year to £776 a year.
For all other relevant immigration categories for entry clearance or leave to remain in respect of persons aged 18 years or over at the date of application the Immigration Health Surcharge is increasing from £624 a year to £1,035 a year. Therefore, when it takes effect, the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase by 66%.
Who Is Not Affected by the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Increase?
There is no IHS for Health and Care workers, visitors, those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme, or for those applying for entry clearance as a Fiance under Appendix FM. Likewise, there is no Immigration Health Surcharge for those claiming asylum or applying for entry clearance or permission to stay under the Ukraine Scheme. Additionally, there is no requirement to pay the IHS for those applying for indefinite leave to remain or for British Citizenship.
Additionally, people who cannot afford to pay the IHS can request a fee waiver if they have credibly demonstrated that they cannot afford the fee.
What Happens if I Do Not Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
As stated under paragraph 34(4) of the Immigration Rules, a failure to pay the IHS will result in an invalid application and your application will not be processed. If applying from inside the UK, your application will be rejected within 10 working days, and if applying from outside the UK, your application will be rejected within 7 working days.
Can I Get the Immigration Health Surcharge Refunded?
If you withdraw your application or your application is refused you can apply for a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
For expert advice and assistance in relation to a visa or immigration application, contact our immigration solicitors on 020 8240 9018 or email at ji@jypartnerssolicitors.com.