The planned increase is now scheduled for debate in the House of Commons on 10 January 2024. It is therefore unlikely that the increase will be implemented by 16 January 2024, and instead the earliest this could take effect will now be 31 January 2024, or potentially early February 2024. Read our latest alert here.
Following publication of the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, it has been confirmed that the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge will increase no earlier than 16 January 2024.
The increase will take effect between 16 January 2024 and the date that is 21 days after both Houses of Parliament have approved the new legislation, whichever is the later.
The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 is the draft legislation that will implement the fee changes. The Order has now been laid before Parliament in draft form, and is awaiting approval by both Houses before it can be made an official UK statutory instrument.
How much is the increased immigration health surcharge?
The main IHS rate for UK immigration applications will rise by 66% to £1035 from £624 per applicant per year of leave when the new legislation comes into force. The discounted IHS rate for children, students, their dependents and youth mobility workers will also rise at the same time from £470 per year to £776 per applicant per year.
Can you avoid the IHS fee increase?
The Immigration Health Surcharge increase will apply to immigration applications made on or after the date the Order becomes law.
Applicants are advised where possible to finalise and submit their applications before the new fees take effect in January. In some cases, you may be able to submit your application earlier than you think, enabling you to pay the current, lower IHS fee.
Take legal advice on your circumstances to determine if you can apply before the rate increase and to avoid any potential adverse effect on your immigration status or history.
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. If you have a query about the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, including the increase and its impact on your application or your employees’ applications, please contact us.
Last updated: 23 October 2023
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
