March 15, 2023

What Is The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fee All About? The United Kingdom’s Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that non-British nationals are required to pay when applying for a visa to live or work in the UK for longer than six months. The IHS was introduced in April 2015 as part of the government’s efforts to ensure that migrants make a fair contribution to the cost of healthcare in the UK. It makes sense that members of the community contribute to the usage of infrastructure and general upkeep of their surroundings. How Is The IHS Cost Calculated? The IHS is a one-time payment made by the applicant and is calculated based on the length of their visa and the number of dependants included in the application. The current rate of the IHS is £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children and students. The fee is paid at the time of the visa application and is required to be paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa. Applicants need to budget for this expense as part of their overall stay costs. The IHS allows non-British nationals to access the same healthcare services as UK citizens while they are living and working in the UK. The IHS is designed to help fund the National Health Service (NHS) and ensure that migrants make a fair contribution towards the cost of healthcare. Why Is The IHS Fee Necessary? The IHS has been subject to criticism from some who argue that it places an additional financial burden on migrants who are already struggling to make ends meet. However, supporters of the IHS argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure that the NHS is properly funded and that migrants are contributing towards the cost of healthcare in the UK. Either way, the cost is currently part of application process and it seems it is here to stay. The IHS has been successful in generating significant revenue for the NHS. In 2018, it was reported that the IHS had generated over £600 million in revenue for the NHS since its introduction. The revenue generated by the IHS is used to fund healthcare services and improve the quality of care for patients in the UK. Is The IHS Fee Ongoing? In conclusion, while some may argue that the fee is too high, it does not seem like the UK government will be reducing it or scrapping it any time soon. The good news as that it is only payable when you are a temporary resident in the UK. Once you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), there are no further NHS fees payable.