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Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increase is set to take effect on 31st of January 2024 at the earliest.

Jan 08, 2024

What is the IHS?

The IHS is a fee imposed on the majority of individuals applying for immigration permission in the UK.

Those applying under the Visitor route, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or for indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR) are exempt from paying the IHS (see the full list of exceptions here).

Under the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 (‘the Order’) laid before Parliament on 19 October 2023, the IHS is set to increase from £624 to £1,035 per year for adult applicants and from £470 to £776 per year for children, students, their dependants and applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). This represents a 66% and 65% increase for the respective rates.

The increase was set to come into force on 16 January 2024, however, it is scheduled to be debated in the House of Commons on 10 January 2024 and the increase may only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law. The IHS increase should, therefore, take effect from 31 January 2024.

How much more will I need to pay?

The table below compares the current and increased IHS fees in different application scenarios.

How will this change impact migration to the UK?

The Government has recently published a statement predicting that the upcoming IHS increase will have a ‘negligible impact on inflows’ of UK immigration […].

The true ramifications of this increase on the UK immigration system are still unknown, but there is no doubt that it will lead to a more discerning wave of migrants coming to the UK.

How will this alteration affect my situation?

UK immigration applications made after the Order takes effect will be subject to the IHS increase. Note that the earliest this is likely to take place is on 31 January 2024, however, this may be pushed back to February or even later. Applicants wishing to avoid the increase in IHS must apply before the Order takes effect and those considering applying for UK immigration permission may wish to review their circumstances to determine whether they are eligible to apply earlier to avoid the increase in the IHS.

Employers are highly encouraged to expedite their applications for foreign national employees without delay.

Get in touch

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 01403 801801 or via email at [email protected] to discuss any concerns you may have in further detail.

  • We have a great relationship with the UK Visas team, who provide a prompt, professional service and expert immigration advice. They take the worry out of the visa process, working efficiently even when dealing with numerous requests at once.

    Sarah Bond
    Human Resources Advisor

  • I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.

    Jackie Thompson
    HR Assistant

  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!

    Helena Wittenbach
    Head of Human Resources,

  • Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

    Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

    Amy Gadsby
    Director, Human Resources - EMEA

  • We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent.

    No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

    Louise Goddard
    Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board

  • We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

    Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

    Sara Searle
    Head of Human Resources and Payroll

  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for over 6 years and always find them helpful, friendly and experts in what they do. I know I can always call them up or send them an email and I will get a detailed response, fast. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone to help and support with your visa journeys.

    Gerry Weiss
    HR Business Partner

  • We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

    Jodie Plom
    HR Administrator CVS Vets
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For more than a decade we have been assisting businesses and individuals with immigration and visa enquiries, providing sound advice and successfully handling applications.
Please submit your details via our online enquiry form and our expert team will be in touch to progress your enquiry. Alternatively, you may contact us directly on the phone number below.
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Regulated by the OISC

We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Our registration number: F200300183.
Please note we are NOT a UK Government body or agency and have no connection with the UK Government.

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01403 801801
UK Visas, Alphacom House, 8A Oakhill Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5SB

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