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If you have recently moved to the UK or are planning to do so, you may have heard of the term Immigration Health Surcharge and I don’t know what it is and why you have to pay it. In this blog post, we explain what Immigration Health Surcharge means and who has to pay for it. Understanding this important aspect of UK immigration is essential for anyone wishing to live, study or work in the country. So, let’s dive into the world of IHS and what it means. An Increase is Coming in 2024 – But You Have Time to Act First, some crucial news if you’re applying for a UK visa in the near future. Proposed increases to the immigration health surcharge are set to take effect in 2024. However, after delays, the new fees will likely not impact applications until January 31st at the earliest. This is a huge relief! It allows more time to submit your paperwork under the current, lower surcharge rates. We highly recommend completing your application ASAP to take advantage. Don’t worry – we’ll rush nothing and ensure all components are totally complete for approval. Come January 31st, these are the projected fee hikes: To put this into perspective, here’s what you can expect to pay for common visa lengths: Visa Length Current Fee Projected Fee 3 Years – Main Applicant £1872 £3105 3 Years – Child £1410 £2328 5 Years – Main Applicant £3120 £5175 5 Years – Child £2350 £3880 As you can see, these are significant jumps! Avoiding the increase could mean over £1000 in savings. Unravelling the Mystery of IHS: A Detailed Overview There are countless acronyms and terms in the world of immigration that can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those new to the process. One such term is IHS, which stands for International Health Insurance. But what does that really mean and why should you pay it? The International Health Care Charge is a fee that people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) have to pay to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The fee is paid in advance and gives the person the same rights to health services as a permanent resident or citizen. The aim of the Immigration Health Surcharge is to ensure that people who come to the UK to live, work or study participate in the health system and help cover the costs of medical care. This is a fair and equitable way of ensuring that everyone has access to the health services they need, reducing the burden on the NHS. The amount paid for IHS depends on the length of the visa. This is usually paid when you apply for your visa and is calculated based on the length of your stay in the UK. After payment, you will receive an IHS reference number associated with your visa application. Who are Required to Pay for IHS and When? One of the most important things to know about International Health Supplement is who has to pay it and when. Understanding this will ensure that you can properly plan and budget for your move to the UK. Generally, people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who apply for a visa to live, work or study in the UK must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge . This includes those applying for visas such as Tier 2 (General), Tier 4 (Student) or Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) visas. The IHS does not apply to EEA nationals or those applying for a visitor visa. The Immigration Health Surcharge payment is usually made at the same time as the visa application. The amount you pay is calculated based on the length of your stay in the UK. It is important to note that the IHS fee must be paid in full and is a one-time payment. Once you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge , you will receive an IHS reference number which will be attached to your visa application. It is important to ensure that you factor in the Immigration Health Surcharge fee when calculating the total cost of your visa application. Failure to do so may result in your visa application being delayed or even rejected. It is therefore very important to check the requirements and guidelines of the UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI) carefully to ensure that the correct amount is sent to the Immigration Health Surcharge and that the necessary deadlines are met. Understanding the Significance and Benefits of IHS Payments Paying Immigration Health Surcharge can seem like an added financial burden when you’re already dealing with the costs of moving to the UK. However, understanding the meaning and benefits of IHS fees can help you understand their importance and get the most out of your investment. Firstly, by paying Immigration Health Surcharge, you are guaranteed access to treatment while you are in the UK. This means you can get the medical care you need, just like any permanent resident or citizen. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of any emergency or illness. Secondly, paying for IHS also contributes to the sustainability of the UK and health system. Funds raised through the Immigration Health Surcharge are used to support the National Health Service (NHS), which provides quality healthcare to all residents. By paying your fair share, you help offset the cost of medical care and reduce the burden on the NHS. Finally, paying Immigration Health Surcharge shows your commitment to being a responsible migrant in the UK. It shows that you understand the importance of promoting the society and following the rules and regulations of the country. It also improves your immigration status and can make the visa application process easier. Overall, the importance of Immigration Health Surcharge fees is to ensure access to healthcare, support the NHS and demonstrate our commitment to the UK. By paying into IHS, you are investing in health and wellness and helping the wider community. Although this