Government Announcement: On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Government declared increased fees for immigration and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for migrants. The purpose is to raise funds for a 5% to 7% pay rise for public sector workers.
The date for the changes has yet to be announced.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fees:
- IHS fees, compulsory for migrants applying for NHS services, will rise by 40% per applicant.
- The main rate increases from £624 to £1,035 per year.
- The discounted rate for students, under-18s, and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants rises from £470 to £776.
Work and Visit Visas:
- Work and visit visa applications will see a 15% increase in fees.
- For a five-year Skilled Worker visa, the fee will rise by approximately £185 per applicant.
Other Visas:
- Fees for various visa categories will increase by at least 20%.
- Categories include study visas, certificates of sponsorship, entry clearance applications, leave to remain applications, priority service, settlement applications, and citizenship applications.
Fee Simplification:
- Minor fees previously applicable to some applications will be simplified:
- £19.20 fee for biometric enrolment will be abolished.
- £161 fee for transfer of conditions applications will be abolished.
- Fees for amendments like name, nationality, sex marker, and photograph on physical documents will be abolished.
- Fees for expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) without further changes, such as for migrants holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, will be eliminated.
- Costs for students and those using the priority service will be harmonized for applications from within and outside the UK.
Migrants and employers are advised to prepare for the changes and submit applications before the implementation date, which is yet to be announced.