The UK Government has announced a notable 66% increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), effective from 16 January 2024. This article examines the key aspects of the IHS, its objectives, and the rationale behind the imminent rise. We’ll also discuss who will be impacted by the surge in the IHS and shed light on the government’s reasoning for this substantial adjustment.

Introduced on 6 April 2015, the IHS ensures that migrants contribute to the NHS’s healthcare costs. It is a prerequisite payment alongside most visa applications, granting individuals comprehensive NHS access while in the UK, without any usage limit or opt-out provision.

Typically, the IHS applies to individuals seeking UK entry for six months or more, and for in-country visa applications, excluding indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship applications. It is an annual charge covering the visa’s entire duration.

Payment of the IHS is integrated into the online visa application process. The fee, calculated based on the specific visa and its duration, is subject to rounding up and exchange rate variances. Upon payment, applicants receive a confirmation email with their IHS reference number.

The IHS rise aligns with the 2019 manifesto commitment to reflect the NHS’s full cost for treating Health Charge payers. Initially intended to fund public sector pay increases, this reason was later revised due to legal concerns.

The upcoming increase affects various categories, notably students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and children under 18, escalating the charge from £470 to £776 annually. For most other categories, the charge will jump from £624 to £1,035 annually, marking a 66% increase from 16 January 2024.

For further details on the IHS increase and its implications, please visit the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 for the official documentation.