Migrants looking to submit visa applications to the UKVI were given some good news last week in that the proposed increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge fee will be delayed temporarily. Earlier this year the UKVI announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge was set to increase from £400 to £624. However, the draft order setting out the proposed increase has been replaced by a new draft order which still confirms the increase, but implementation of the order has been delayed until it receives parliamentary approval.
When will the Immigration Health Surcharge be increased to £624?
The Immigration Health Surcharge was set to increase from £400 to £624 on 1 October 2020. However, the increase has been delayed due to the initial draft order being replaced with a revised draft order. The revised draft order still proposes an increase to £624, however there are a few minor amendments such as an exemption from the charge for migrants applying for a Health and Care visa. The new draft order also provides a reduced fee of £470 for migrants applying for a Tier 4 General Students visa or a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa or Applicants who are under the age of 18 at the date of the visa application.
The new fee of £624 will come into force 21 days after the revised draft order is approved by parliament. Therefore, it is likely that the new will fee applies to applications submitted towards the end of October 2020.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is an additional payment on top of the Home Office visa application fee which allows migrants’ access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The Immigration Health Surcharge is mandatory and payable at the time of the submission of the visa application.
Who is required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid by non-EEA Migrants applying for a long term UK visa for a period of more than 6 months. The charge also applies for family dependants who will accompany the Main Applicant. Migrants with private medical insurance must also pay the fee.
What is the current Immigration Health Surcharge fee?
The current fee for the Immigration Health Surcharge is £400 per year of the visa. Therefore, migrants applying for a 30-month visa will be required to pay £1,000. Migrants applying for a Tier 4 General Student visa or a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa will be required to pay a reduced fee of £300 per year. A failure to pay the correct fee could mean the visa application is likely to be deemed invalid and the Applicant will be required to reapply.
How to claim an Immigration Health Surcharge refund?
In most cases, Immigration Health Surcharge refunds are automatic and Applicants are not required to make a formal request. Refunds are normally issued where Applicants have paid twice, where the visa application is refused or where Applicants have withdrawn application. Applicants who get less time on their visa than they asked for will be given a partial refund.
If you are eligible for a refund but you have not received it we can assist you in submitting an appeal or ask for an administrative review.
How our immigration solicitors can help with a UK visa application?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in UK visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful UK visa applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using Legal Representation to submit a UK visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a UK Visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules for UK visa applications.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds and meets the requirements, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence in support of your application. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful UK visa applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your UK visa application and the merit of an application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful visa applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss the new UK visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.