The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will double on 8 January 2019. The IHS is a charge paid by temporary migrants to the UK. This increase means that most visa applicants (from outside the EU) will now pay £400 per year up from £200 per year. Student and Youth Mobility visa applications will have to pay £300 per year up from £150 per year.
This charge is not applicable for those applying for indefinite leave to remain, visitors to the UK or EU nationals (and their family members).
The IHS is normally paid as a part of the application process. This is paid in addition to the application fee. Applicants or Employers (if they are funding these applications) should therefore be aware of these changes as this increase will significantly increase in application costs.