UK Immigration News: Update on the Date for the Immigration Health Surcharge to Increase to £1,035 a Year
Our Immigration Solicitors previously reported that the UK immigration health surcharge could increase on 16 January 2024. The date has been put back but, subject to the House of Commons, the rise could still take place as early as late January 2024.
Our Immigration Solicitors recommend that if you are planning a UK visa application and you will be liable to pay the immigration health surcharge you make your application as soon as possible to meet the revised deadline and pay a reduced immigration health surcharge.
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 surcharge increases timeline
We originally reported that the immigration health surcharge was due to rise on 16 January 2024 as this was the earliest date the Home Office could bring the increase into play following the government‘s announcement in 2023 that the immigration health surcharge would rise.
The timeline for the immigration health surcharge increase is governed by debate and implementation of the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023.
A 66% increase in the immigration health surcharge
It is best to submit your UK visa application now if you are in a position to do so because once the new fees come into force the immigration health surcharge will increase by around 66%.
What does that increase mean for you? Until the increase comes into force the immigration health surcharge is set at £624 per year for visa applicants and their dependant partners and £470 for each child applicant.
The increase will result in the immigration health surcharge rising to £1,035 a year for adult applicants and to £776 for children.
You may think that the rise is regrettable but affordable but you should be aware that:
- The immigration health surcharge is payable for the duration of the visa. Therefore, a 3-year visa would currently attract an immigration health surcharge of £1,872. When the increase comes into force the surcharge will amount to £3,105, an increase of £1,233
- The immigration health surcharge must be paid by the main visa applicant as well as any partner or children entering the UK on Dependant Visas. The cost of the immigration health surcharge for a family of 4 is already substantial but once the increase comes in a skilled worker may decide that bringing their family to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and Dependant Visas is unaffordable
- The immigration health surcharge must be paid upfront – at the time of the visa application. A visa applicant cannot negotiate with the Home Office to pay off the charge monthly or annually
- Some employers of Skilled Worker Visa applicants will agree to pay the immigration health surcharge on the employee’s behalf or offer an interest-free loan but the sponsored employee’s contract of employment may contain recoupment and clawback provisions if the sponsored employee leaves their employment before the end date on their certificate of sponsorship
- There is no option to opt out of paying the immigration health surcharge if a visa applicant or their employer has private health insurance that will cover the health costs of the visa holder. Nor is there any provision for recoupment if the visa holder does not use the NHS services during the duration of their stay in the UK
- Failure to pay the immigration health surcharge means a visa applicant will not get their visa so non-payment is not an option unless a visa applicant falls within one of the categories exempt from payment
Although there are many negative points about the immigration health surcharge, payment of the immigration health surcharge means a visa holder is entitled to use the NHS in the same manner as a British citizen or person with indefinite leave to remain or settled status. Unlike private health insurance coverage, there is no annual cap on claims so treatment could cost substantially more than the amount paid in immigration health surcharge.
Why choose OTS Solicitors for your visa application
Our Individual Immigration Solicitors and Business Immigration Lawyers are experts in all things immigration related. We can advise you on the best visa application for your circumstances and explain what supporting documents you will need to provide to give your visa application the best chance of success.
Whether you need a Family Visa (such as a Spouse Visa or Partner Visa) a Work Visa (such as a Skilled Worker Visa) or a Business Visa under the Global Business Mobility Visa route our experts can guide and support you through the application process.
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.
Related Posts
How to Bring Your Wife to the UK
OTS Solicitors Celebrates its Inclusion in the 2024 Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Immigration Advice for US Citizens Moving to the UK