UK announces an increase in immigration health surcharge from January 2024: In October, the UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, increased the visa fees for students, tourists, and foreign workers.
The tourist visas got costlier by £15 for visits under 6 months, bringing the total amount to £115.
Applicants from outside the UK will now pay a total fee of £490 for student visas, matching the fee charged for in-country student visa applications. It represents an increase of £127.
But now the UK has announced an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge starting from January 2024
UK Announces An Increase In Immigration Health Surcharge From January 2024
According to the latest information, the government of the UK has proposed an increase in the immigration health surcharge, which will start on 16 January 2024, or 21 days after receiving permission from the Parliament, whichever is later.
The primary rate of the UK’s immigration health surcharge will see a significant rise from £624 per year to £1,035 per year.
For applicants or students under the age of 18, the surcharge will rise from £470 per year to £776 per annum.
An immigration health surcharge of the UK is a compulsory upfront payment that must be made when applying for entry or residency in the country.
Below is a table that shows the current and new Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates:
| Applicant type | Current IHS rate | New IHS rate |
| Adults | £624 | £1,035 |
| Children under 18 | £470 | £776 |
| Students | £470 | £776 |
| Students’ dependants | £470 | £776 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme applicants | £470 | £776 |
If any visa applications are submitted before the implementation of this new change, the higher health surcharge won’t apply.
Global business mobility visa and skilled worker visa applications can be submitted up to 3 months in advance of a person’s proposed start date.
This growth in the UK’s immigration health surcharge will have some financial implications for people and organizations alike, making it crucial for those affected to plan accordingly and consider the timing of their visa applications.
So, it is all about the UK announces an increase in immigration health surcharge from January 2024.
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Source:- economictimes.indiatimes.com
