Increase to Immigration Health Surcharge Expected in January 2024

The UK government’s increase to the immigration health surcharge is expected to come into force in January 2024.

Following on from our recent LawFlash outlining increases to UK visa and nationality fees, which came into effect on 4 October 2023, further information is now available regarding planned increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge.

The UK government has now laid the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 (the Order) before parliament which provides for the increase to come into force on 16 January 2024, or 21 days after parliament has approved the Order, should this be later.

The proposed changes, outlined below, will come into force no sooner than 16 January 2024:

• The main rate of the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase from the current £624 per year to £1,035 per year.
• The discounted rate for students and those under 18 will increase from £470 per year to £776 per year.

IMPACT ON EMPLOYERS

The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid upfront when an applicant submits an application to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. Employers should consider the impact that these proposed changes can have on recruiting budgets. Employers may wish to submit upcoming applications prior to this change coming into force to avoid the higher charge. They may also wish to consider applying for the maximum duration of sponsorship.

Employers should note that Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility visas can be submitted up to three months prior to an individual’s proposed start date.