Following publication of the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, it has been confirmed that the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge will increase no earlier than 16 January 2024.
The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 is the draft legislation that will implement the fee changes. According to the draft, the increases will take effect between 16 January 2024 and 21 days after both Houses of Parliament have approved the Order, whichever is the later date.
The Order has now been laid before Parliament in draft form, awaiting approval by both Houses before it can be made an official UK statutory instrument.
The surcharge increase will apply to immigration applications made on or after the date the amended Order comes into force.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee payable by most UK immigration applicants, unless an exemption or waiver applies.
The UK Government announced in July 2023 that it would be increasing the rates of Immigration Healthcare Surcharge by 66% to £1035 for the main rate, and £776 for the discounted rate. Currently, the IHS costs £470 per year of leave for children, students, their dependents and youth mobility workers. All other immigration applicants pay £624, unless an exemption applies or a fee waiver has been approved.
The Home Office has also published an equality impact assessment in relation to the increased charges.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
