Breytenbachs can confirm that the Immigration Health Charge Amendment Order 2024 was made on 16 January 2024, confirming the upcoming increase. The increase in the UK Immigration Health Surcharge will now come into effect on 6 February 2024.
Breytenbachs recommendations on the Immigration Health Surcharge
Breytenbachs strongly recommend that applicants who are eligible and wish to apply for a UK visa do so promptly to avoid the significant fee increase.
Any upcoming extension applications should also be made if your current immigration status and route to settlement will allow for this. Your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to advise on whether you are eligible to apply for your visa extension at this stage.
If you have not already contacted us regarding your UK visa application, we kindly request that you do so without delay. In order for us to submit your application before the fee increase takes effect, we need you to provide your documents to us no later than 30 January 2024.
How much will the increase in IHS be?
The immigration health surcharge (IHS) will rise from £624 to £1,035 per person per year.
The discounted rate for student visa applicants, children, and youth mobility visa holders will increase from £470 to £776 per person per year.
| Immigration Health Surcharge Cost Applicant Type | Current IHS Fee | IHS Fee from 6 February 2024 |
| Students | £ 470 | £ 776 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | £ 470 | £ 776 |
| Children under the age of 18 | £ 470 | £ 776 |
| All Other Visa Applicants | £ 624 | £ 1,035 |
Please note that the Immigration Health Surcharge is payable for the entire duration of the stay for each application.
Who needs to pay the IHS?
It is mandatory for all visa applicants who apply for a UK visa for more than six months, as well as their dependents.
Some categories are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, including all visitor visa categories. Persons who apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship are also exempt from paying the health immigration surcharge.
You can find more information about exemptions on our website.
Contact Breytenbachs before the Immigration Health Surcharge Increase
To ensure a timely and well-prepared application for your UK visa, we urge you to contact Breytenbachs as soon as possible.
You are welcome to email us at [email protected], or phone the office closest to you.
London +44 0207 442 2160, Pretoria +27 012 460 9959, Cape Town +27 021 879 0969 or Durban +27 031 880 2777
