UKVI Updates Work & Student Visas- immigration health surcharge
As of October 4th, 2023, visa fees across nearly all visa categories saw an increment ranging from 15% to 20%, depending on the specific category. Notably, the UK government did not announce the effective date for increasing the immigration health surcharge. Alongside this visa fee changes. After extensively advertising their firm intention to raise the immigration health surcharge by 66%. The UK government has now scheduled a specific date for this increase. The adjusted fee will come into effect on January 16th, 2024, pending approval from Parliament.
Let’s start with today’s Post where I’ll cover what is IHS? Why is the IHS increasing types of IHS increase in IHS fee from 16th of Jan? And what should you do now?
What is immigration and health surcharge?
which is called IHS and the IHS is a mandatory fee that immigrants are required to pay when applying for a visa to enter or remain in the UK. It covers access to health care services provided by the National Health Service, which is NHS in the UK, similar to what UK citizens receives. This includes consultations with general practitioners, hospital treatment and emergency care.
However, it’s important to note that IHS doesn’t cover every medical expense, such as prescription medications, dental treatments, or optical care. It’s worth mentioning that there are few specific groups that are exempt from paying the IHS, such as health and social care staff. Now, for all other immigrants, this fee is a requirement as part of this visa application process.
Why is the IHS fee increasing?
In 2015, the UK government introduced a health surcharge for non nationals to help fund the NHS. This was later extended to EEA nationals after Brexit, so the current IHS fee has remained unchanged since its introduction despite rising healthcare costs. So to address this issue, the UK government announced an increase in the IHS fee.
Types of IHS fee?
There are currently two rates for the IHS a normal rate and a discounted rate for students those under the age of 18 and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders. So for normal IHS fee as of today is £624 and discounted IHS fee as of today is £4.70.
Increase in IHS
So both the normal and discount rates will increase from 16th of Jan as follows. Normal IHS fee will go from £624 to £1035, and discounted IHS fee will go from 470 to £776. Most visa applicants must pay this fee at the same time they submit their visa application. The charge must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa. For example, if you were to apply for a single adult, save for a five year skilled worker visa excluding health and care workers, the new cost of the IHS alone would be 5001 £75, which does not include the cost of the skilled worker visa itself. So total cost of applying skilled worker visa for five years from 16 Jan will be 5001 25 plus approx. Application costs 8084 which is equal to approx 6002 £59. Remember you will pay less application fee if your job is in shortage occupation list.
What should you do now?
So any applications submitted before 16th of Jan 2024 will not be subject to the higher fee. However, if your application is denied and you reapply after the change takes effect, your new application will be subject to the higher fee. So if you want to avoid paying any high fees from 16th of Jan 2024, apply now. So what do you think about this upcoming change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application : https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
For more related Articles: https://destinydot.com/news-portal/
For more about UK Immigration:https://gov.uk
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