Immigration Health Surcharge
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 thefull 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 butinstead 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.