Navigating the Rising Immigration Health Surcharge in 2024: A Guide by Osbourne Pinner

In the face of the impending 2024 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increase, Osbourne Pinner Solicitors, a leading law firm in London, is committed to assisting clients through these changes. Recognising the challenges posed by the upcoming rate hike, the firm is geared towards providing essential support to individuals and families contemplating a move or an extended stay in the UK.

Prospective immigrants are likely to face confusion and concern due to the upcoming IHS rate increase. Osbourne Pinner steps in with thorough guidance and straightforward information, helping those affected to decipher the complexities of the new regulations.

With the 2024 IHS increase on the horizon, understanding the financial consequences of these changes is crucial for potential immigrants. The revised IHS rates will substantially alter the financial landscape of immigrating to the UK, making preparation imperative.

The IHS is an obligatory fee for immigrants, contributing to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and providing them access to healthcare on par with UK residents. The fee varies for different groups, including adults, children under 18, students, and Youth Mobility visa applicants, each paying a category-specific rate. Presently, the standard rate for most adults is £624 per annum, while students, Youth Mobility visa holders, and under 18s are charged £470 annually.

Effective from 16th January 2024, the IHS rates are set to increase substantially, demanding significant financial adjustment from prospective visa applicants. This hike, from £624 to £1,035, aims to manage migration effectively, ensuring migrants contribute fairly to public services, especially the NHS. Osbourne Pinner offers expert insights into what this means for individuals and families planning to move to the UK.

For example, a family of five applying for a Skilled Worker visa under the new IHS rates would need to budget for £25,875. This calculation assumes the new rate of £1,035 per person per year for the main applicant and four dependents across the standard 5-year visa term, highlighting the significant financial planning needed under the new policy.

The IHS rate increase will also have a noticeable impact on sponsors, such as businesses and family members, who support visa applicants coming to the UK. The revised rates translate to a greater financial responsibility for sponsors, especially in cases where they commit to covering the IHS. Businesses may face increased expenses in hiring international talent, potentially influencing their recruitment strategies. Family sponsors could encounter heightened financial burdens, especially when aiding multiple family members, leading to possible reassessment of their sponsorship abilities.

Families, particularly those applying for spouse visas, are set to face considerable challenges due to the IHS rate increase, confronting a substantial financial burden in their plans to reunite or settle in the UK.

The UK government’s exemption of healthcare workers from the IHS is a strategic initiative to encourage these vital professionals to work in the UK. Despite the 2024 policy changes, NHS staff and their dependents will continue to enjoy exemption from the IHS. This exemption recognises their critical role in the healthcare sector and aims to position the UK as a desirable destination for skilled workers. By waiving the IHS for these individuals, the government signals its dedication to strengthening the NHS and appreciating the health and care workers’ role in public health.

The exemption of individuals applying under the Ukraine Scheme from the IHS is integral to the UK’s humanitarian efforts in response to the crisis in Ukraine. This exemption aims to lessen financial barriers for those seeking refuge or resettlement in the UK, as part of a wider strategy to provide support in times of international crises.

As each individual’s circumstances are distinct, seeking legal advice during this transitional period is vital. Legal experts can offer invaluable support, aiding applicants in coping with the increased financial requirements of the IHS. Their services include assessing various visa types and associated IHS fees, advising on the best application timing to mitigate the impact of rate increases, exploring potential exemptions, and ensuring compliance with new regulations.

This guide is intended for general informational purposes. Those affected by the imminent changes in migration policies are advised to seek counsel from legal experts. For more information, visit Osbourne Pinner.