Update on Immigration Health Surcharge Increase in 2024

In today’s blog update, we will be giving you the latest updates on postponement of Immigration Health Surcharge increase. So do read the full blog so you don’t miss any important information.

 

Please keep in mind that the increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) announced by the Government of UK on 19th October, 2023 under this Order, was due to come into effect on 16th January, 2024. According to the recent news, this will now be delayed because of the Parliamentary debate on 10th January, 2024 – and the surge can only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law. As a result, the earliest the new fee will come into effect most probably by 31st January, 2024.

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Please keep in mind that the Immigration Health Surcharge is due to increase from £624 to £1035 per year for adults and from £477 to £776 per year for kids. The immigration health surcharge is paid in the majority of visa applications where applying for immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK for 6 months or more; those applicants applying for a visitor visa under the EU Settlement Scheme and for Indefinite Leave to Remain are not obligated to pay the immigration health surcharge.

What does this mean?

The good news is that this delay provides some light relief in the rush to submit applications within the next 10 days!

The UK government’s recent statement and valuation of the impact this 66% increase will have is identified by them as having a ‘negligible impact’ on UK immigration. The statement of change notes that it ‘may lead to a minor decrease in visas issued on IHS-applicable routes because of migrants being discouraged from applying to come to the UK or to extend their stay in the UK.

 

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Whereas the initial fallout may be marginally fewer applications and/or employers being more careful when recruiting, it is probable that the overall numbers of skilled individuals coming to the UK or staying in the UK and who are applying for visas will not be immensely affected– especially when hiring the brightest and best. On the other hand, it is worth still proceeding with current or new applications, preferably before the end of January 2024, where possible.

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