Osbourne Pinner Solicitors, a prestigious law firm in London, is committed to assisting clients through the forthcoming Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increase in 2024. Understanding the challenges this rate hike presents, the firm is devoted to offering vital support to individuals and families considering moving or extending their stay in the UK.
With the IHS rate increase on the horizon, prospective immigrants are likely to face confusion and concerns. In response, Osbourne Pinner is poised to provide thorough guidance and clear information, simplifying the complexities of these upcoming changes.
As the 2024 IHS rate escalation nears, it’s increasingly crucial for potential immigrants to be aware of the financial implications. The new IHS rates signify a significant change in the costs associated with UK migration, and it’s vital to be well-prepared.
The IHS, a fee required from immigrants to contribute to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), affords them healthcare access comparable to that of UK residents.
Currently, the IHS is charged at varying rates for different categories: adults, children under 18, students, and Youth Mobility visa applicants. The standard rate for most adults is £624 per year, whereas students, Youth Mobility visa holders, and under 18s are charged £470 annually.
Effective from 16th January 2024, the IHS rates will undergo a significant increase, necessitating a substantial financial adjustment for those applying for visas. The surcharge will rise from £624 to £1,035, an initiative to efficiently manage migration and ensure migrants’ equitable contribution to public services, especially the NHS.
Osbourne Pinner provides expert advice on the implications of this rate hike for those aspiring to move to the UK. For example, a family of five applying for a Skilled Worker visa would incur a total cost of £25,875 under the new IHS rates, based on the £1,035 per person per year rate over the typical 5-year visa duration.
This increase will also impact sponsors, including businesses and family members who support UK visa applicants. The new rates imply a larger financial commitment for sponsors, especially when they agree to bear the IHS costs. Businesses may face increased expenses in recruiting international talent, while family sponsors could experience additional financial burden, particularly when supporting multiple family members.
Families applying for spouse visas will notably feel the effects of the IHS increase. The financial challenges these changes bring are significant for families planning to reunite or settle in the UK.
Healthcare workers, however, are exempt from the IHS, a strategic decision to encourage these essential professionals to work in the UK. Post-2024 policy changes, NHS staff and their dependents will continue to be exempt from the IHS, a recognition of their critical role in the healthcare sector and an effort to make the UK a desirable location for skilled healthcare workers.
The exclusion of individuals under the Ukraine Scheme from the IHS is a key aspect of the UK’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis. This exemption aims to alleviate financial hurdles for those affected, facilitating their access to refuge and resettlement in the UK.
Given the uniqueness of every individual’s situation, seeking legal advice during this period of change is essential. Legal professionals can offer valuable guidance, helping applicants manage the increased financial demands of the IHS. They provide counsel on various visa types, optimal application timing, potential exemptions, and compliance with the new regulations.
For a general overview, this guide serves an informational purpose. Those affected by the upcoming migration policy changes should seek detailed legal advice. Osbourne Pinner is available for more information and consultation.
