Following debate and a vote by the House of Commons the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 has been “made”. Accordingly, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increase is due to take effect on the twenty-first day after the Order is made, which will be Tuesday 6 February.

My colleague Vincent Chung recently took us through the proposed changes to the rules expected over the coming weeks and highlighted that the current annual surcharge of £624 per year will increase by 66% to £1,035. This increase will apply to applications for children and students also, rising from £470 to £776.

The IHS is applied to all those seeking to come to the UK, or to stay, for a period of six months or more.

The increase in cost will be unwelcome news for applicants, though with over a fortnight until the increase is live, some may still be in a position to benefit from the current charge.

Due to the considerable expense of both the IHS and immigration skills charge, many organisations sponsoring migrants for the first time opt to do so on a two or three-year basis. Considering the looming increase, it is worth businesses thinking about the savings to be made in sponsoring candidates for a full five-year period before the change takes effect. The lower surcharge rate would save a business £2,055 in Home Office fees.

For those on, or applying under, family-based visa categories, an application before the IHS change is still possible. Many will be on a five-year route to settlement and will struggle to afford the extra cost. Whilst it is possible to apply for an extension before your leave expires, those doing so should keep in mind the possibility of their application being granted quickly. Whilst this is often an unlikely scenario, it might mean your extension period expires before you have completed the full five years necessary to apply for settlement.

Our experienced team of immigration lawyers are on hand to advise and help you navigate the complex UK immigration system. We’d be happy to have a discussion with any individuals or organisations looking at immigration options, especially those who need to act urgently before the new UK immigration rules come into effect.

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