Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever thought about what Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is about? If you’re planning to move to the UK this is a phrase that you’ll probably come across. Let’s take it apart in a naive, simple manner.
What’s an Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a cost that non-European Economic Zone (EEA) citizens must pay when they apply for a visa that allows them to stay within the UK for longer than 6 months. This fee funds the National Health Service (NHS) and ensures that immigrants are able to access healthcare throughout their stay.
Why do you have to Pay it?
Think of the IHS as an element of the public health system in the United Kingdom. When you pay this surcharge, you have an equal access to NHS services that you do as UK residents, including the GP visit, hospital treatment and prescriptions. It’s a method of making sure that everyone participates in the system they are using.
Who has to pay?
Most visa applicants (including workers, students as well as family members are required to pay for the IHS. There are exceptions for those who are applying for an indefinite leave of absence or certain vulnerable persons. Make sure you check the current guidelines to determine whether you have to pay.
What is the Price?
The cost of the IHS will vary. At present, it’s generally £470 per year for the majority of applications for visas and immigration. For students or those who are who are on Youth Mobility Scheme visas, it’s £235 per year. The fees can fluctuation, so it’s advisable to check the rates in effect before you submit your application.
Increased IHS Rates Explained
Under the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, the main IHS rate for UK immigration applications is proposed to surge by 66%, increasing from £624 to £1035 per applicant per year. Similarly, the discounted rate for children, students, their dependents, and youth mobility workers is set to rise from £470 to £776 per year. This hike significantly affects visa costs over multiple years, as demonstrated in the following examples:
3-Year Visa Costs:
- 1 Adult: £3105
- 1 Child: £2328
- 2 Adults: £6210
- 2 Adults & 1 Child: £8538
- 2 Adults & 2 Children: £10,866
5-Year Visa Costs:
- 1 Adult: £5175
- 1 Child: £3880
- 2 Adults: £10,350
- 2 Adults & 1 Child: £14,230
- 2 Adults & 2 Children: £18,110
For applications involving part of a year, half of the yearly amount is payable if the duration is less than six months. A full year’s fee applies for any part of the year exceeding six months.
How do I pay Immigration Health Surcharge?
Paying the IHS is easy. When you apply for your visa you’ll be asked to make the payment on line. Make sure you have you IHS reference number on hand for when you’ll require it to submit the visa form.
Refunds and exceptions
There are situations where you may be eligible for an amount of money back. If your visa application has been rejected, or you’re exempt and paying the fees, then you may apply for an refund. You can also get partial reimbursement when you quit the UK prior to the time your visa expires.
Conclusion Immigration Health Surcharge
Understanding the IHS could be a daunting task at first, but it’s really an opportunity to warrant that everyone is benefiting from the NHS. If you know who has to pay, what it will cost, and the perfect way to pay so that you’re better ready for the move in the UK. Contact us! For specialised assistance regarding the IHS increase and its impact on your or your employees’ applications, Immigration Cafe, as UK immigration specialists, are available to provide support and guidance.
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