The parliament has approved the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2018 on 28th November 2018 and this will be coming into force on or after 19th December 2018.
This will effectively mean that the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently paid by non- EEA nationals applying for a work, family or study visa to come to the United Kingdom for more than 6 months, will be doubling from December 2018.
The current Immigration Health Surcharge is £150 per year for a student or a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa holder and £200 per year for all other visa holders (except EEA nationals and their family members and permanent residents).
However, from December 2018, this will increase to £300 per year for a student or a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa holder and £400 per year for all other visa holders (except EEA nationals and their family members and permanent residents).
The Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes has stated that the increase will help improve services in the NHS and will provide better funding for NHS users. Please see the link below to read more about her statement on the increase and how it will enhance the NHS:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/increase-to-immigration-health-surcharge-gives-nhs-extra-funding
These changes do not affect permanent residents, those who are applying for settlement in the United Kingdom or family members of EEA nationals exercising treaty rights in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, vulnerable migrants such as asylum seekers and modern slavery victims are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how it will affect your United Kingdom immigration matter, please contact our friendly team of experts at Barar & Associates at barar.london@bararassociates.co.uk or call us on 0207 487 8370.
