UK Hikes IHS Fee for Immigrants

The United Kingdom has increased the cost of its immigration health surcharge (IHS) by almost 66% in the recent UK visa news for international students in UK starting February 6. The IHS is set to be increased from £624 to £1,035 per annum. Similarly, the surcharge for students and applicants under the age of 18, will be hiked from £470 to £776.

What is the IHS? The immigration health surcharge was introduced in 2015 and essentially lets immigrants coming into the country access the National Health Services (NHS), similar to how individuals residing in the UK do. This is part of international students UK news since if you are a student staying in the UK for more than 6 months. You will be eligible to pay the IHS fee as part of your visa application. However, eligible health and care workers are exempt from paying this fee, according to UK visa news.

The UK Visa fee news about the hike was supposed to be taken into action on January 16, 2024, however, due to parliamentary delays, was postponed to February 6. There is a silver lining to this price hike dreaded by many. If you are someone who had applied for a visa before February 6, 2024, the hiked prices would not be applicable to you which is great if you are a skilled worker or a global business mobility visa applicant. This special category of applicants can submit their visa three months before their proposed start date.

Many critics contend that this hike is a move to deter migrants from entering the UK by making the process more inaccessible. However, the UK insists that the move is a strategic one meant to fund their essential services. The Rishi Sunak government had already hiked visa fees for tourists, international students in UK and foreign workers in October. This hike plan introduced in October now places an additional £15 for visit visas under six months, bringing the total to £115. At the same time, popular in UK student news at the time, student visa fee in the UK was increased by £127 for applicants outside of Europe, bringing the total to £490.

This change can have an impact on businesses focusing on bringing in international talent to run their operations logistically, such as international students in UK. Thankfully, healthcare workers have been exempt from this hike in IHS fees. The Sunak government has brought in several policy changes to mitigate the student housing crisis in Europe. One of these changes includes the increase in minimum wage in the UK by increasing it from £29,000 to £38,700, a 47% increase. 

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