UK Immigration News: the Immigration Health Surcharge to Increase on 6 February 2024
Our Immigration Solicitors previously reported that the UK immigration health surcharge could increase on 16 January 2024. The date was put back with a provisional date of 31 January 2024 but we now know that the date for the increase is 6 February 2024.
Our Immigration Solicitors suggest that anyone planning a UK visa application does so where possible before the immigration health surcharge increases on 6 February.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For UK immigration and visa advice call OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2024
The Order was made this week authorising the 66% increase in the immigration health surcharge. The increase comes into force 21 days after the order, giving us a date of 6 February 2024 for the increase to be implemented.
The 66% increase in the immigration health surcharge
The 66% increase in the immigration health surcharge means the surcharge increases from £624 per year for visa applicants and their dependant partners and £470 for each child applicant to £1,035 a year for adult applicants and to £776 for children.
On the face of things, there may appear no urgency to submit a visa application before 6 February 2024 but Immigration Solicitors remind you that the immigration health surcharge is an annual charge that must be paid upfront at the date of your visa application – you cannot pay the surcharge annually. The increase means that from 6 February you will need to find an extra £1,233 if you are applying for a 3-year visa. It therefore makes financial sense to apply for your visa before the increase comes into force.
For those of you who are used to paying for private health insurance and plan to continue to do so while you are in the UK, it is worth noting that there is no option to opt out of paying the immigration health surcharge if you or your employer has private health insurance to cover your health costs. You also cannot get a refund at the end of your visa if you have not used the NHS whilst you were living in the UK.
Paying the increased immigration health surcharge
If you cannot submit your visa application before 6 February 2024 then at least you have the comfort of knowing that your payment of £1,035 per year entitles you to use the NHS in the same way as any patient who is a British citizen or person with indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
OTS Solicitors as your first choice London Immigration Solicitors
Our Individual Immigration Solicitors and Business Immigration Lawyers specialise in immigration law and can help and support you with your visa application.
Whether you need a Family Visa (such as a Spouse Visa or Partner Visa) or a Work Visa (such as a Skilled Worker Visa) our Immigration Lawyers will provide you with the expert and efficient immigration legal advice you need to secure your visa.
OTS Solicitors are recommended for their personal immigration work in the 2024 edition of the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For UK immigration and visa advice call OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
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