The increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £400 to £624, will take effect on October 27, 2020. UK immigration applications submitted before October 27 will therefore be significantly cheaper.
A reduced rate of £470 (previously £300) will apply to students, their dependents, Youth Mobility visa holders and anyone under 18.
Applicants for a Health and Care visa are exempt from paying the IHS.
Migrant health and care workers not covered by the Health and Care visa who have paid the IHS can apply online for a reimbursement every six months.
- They must have worked for at least 16 hours per week over the full six months.
- The scheme applies to a wide range of occupations.
- Refunds are backdated to 31 March 2020.
- Those on a Tier 2 (General) visa cannot use the scheme but instead can email IHSrefunds@homeoffice.gov.uk to ask about a refund.
The IHS is currently payable by those from outside the EEA coming to the UK to work, study or to join family for six months or longer.
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact an immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.