The UK Parliament has approved amendments to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and these changes are set to take effect from 6 February 2024.
The revised IHS rates which will be payable are as follows:
Standard rate:
Current: £624 per year / Revised: £1,035 per year
Student, Youth Mobility or Under 18 rate:
Current: £470 per year / Revised: £776 per year
The IHS is a mandatory upfront payment that accompanies visa applications for those intending to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months. Using the IHS the Government have raised £5.1 billion since it was introduced in 2015 and is using the latest increases to fund the public sector pay raises agreed in 2023.
Given the substantial increase in these rates, we recommend a thorough review of your immigration planning, especially if you have employees who are currently in the process of applying for a visa or anticipate doing so in the near future.
Should you have any questions relating to these changes, do not hesitate in contacting your usual Magrath Sheldrick LLP contact who can assist further.