Changes are coming to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that will impact your immigration expenses. This information has been confirmed in the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, which paves the way for the IHS increase.
The new rates will come into effect on either 16 January 2024, or the twenty-first day after the order’s enactment, depending on which is later. It’s important to note that this order must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
What’s Changing?
- For children, students, their dependants, and youth mobility workers, the IHS will increase from £470 per year to £776 per year.
- For everyone else, the charge will rise from £624 per year to a significant £1,035 per year.
You do not need to pay the surcharge or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a visitor visa or a visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK.
How can we help
To discuss your immigration application with an experienced adviser, please contact our professional team on +44 208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge for visas lasting more than one year depends on the duration of your visa. If your visa is for 18 months or less, you’ll pay the yearly cost plus half of the yearly cost. If your visa is for more than 18 months but less than 2 years, you’ll be required to pay the cost of 2 full years. Additionally, dependents aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as the main applicant.
If you are applying from outside the UK for a visa that’s 6 months or less, you do not need to pay the surcharge. However, if you’re applying from inside the UK, you’ll have to pay half of the yearly cost. For example, this would be £235 for student visas, Youth Mobility Scheme, or applications for individuals under 18, and £312 for all other types of applications.
