IHS Increase Delayed! Let us explain why

The UK government had announced an increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in October 2023, which was due to come into effect on January 16, 2024. However, the Parliamentary debate on January 10, 2024, has delayed the increase, and it can only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law. Therefore, the earliest the new rate will come into effect is January 31, 2024.

The IHS is paid in most visa applications where applying for immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK for 6 months or more. The surcharge is due to rise from £624 to £1035 per year for adults and from £477 to £776 per year for children.

This delay provides some relief in the rush to submit applications within the next few days. The government’s recent statement and assessment of the impact this 66% increase will have been identified by them as having a ‘negligible impact’ on UK immigration. The statement notes that it ‘may lead to a small reduction in visas issued on IHS-liable routes due to migrants being dissuaded from applying to come to the UK or to extend’.

It is worth proceeding with existing or new applications, ideally before the end of January 2024, where possible. Contact us now if you wish to discuss your case with our expert team. You can email me at rashid@uvslaw.co.uk or call our team on 0330 1337 986.