Following on from our previous article regarding the increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), from 27 October 2020, the IHS fee will rise to £624 a year for migrants coming to the UK on a long-term visa. There are exceptions where a reduced fee may apply for some visa categories. The government has also launched the Immigration Health Surcharge refund scheme for NHS and Social Care Workers.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge was introduced in 2015 as 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. The charge will also apply to EEA nationals moving to the UK after the transition period.
Who should 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. However, EEA nationals moving to the UK after 31 December 2020 will also be required to pay the additional charge. The charge also applies to family dependants who will accompany the Main Applicant. Migrants with private medical insurance must also pay the fee.
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2020 was made on 6 October 2020 and comes into force 21 days after the order was made. Therefore, on 27 October 2020, the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase from £400 per year to £624 per year. Visa applications submitted before 27 October 2020 will therefore save hundreds of pounds. If you wish to benefit from the old surcharge fee our specialist immigration team can assist with submitting an application at short notice before 27 October 2020.
The new order also provides an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for migrants applying for the new Health and Care visa. There will be a reduced fee of £470 for Students, Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme migrants, and anyone under 18.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge refund scheme?
The Immigration Health Surcharge refund scheme allows migrant workers to claim a refund of paid IHS fees. Earlier this year the government announced that migrant NHS and Social Care workers would be made exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge payments as a token of appreciation for their hard-working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to apply for the Immigration Health Surcharge refund, you must apply online on the government website.
When will the Immigration Health Surcharge refund scheme start?
On 1 October 2020, the government officially launched the Immigration Health Surcharge refund scheme for NHS and Social Care workers. Eligible workers can claim a refund of up to £400 per year if they made the payment as part of their visa application. In order to benefit from the new refund scheme, you must have arrived in the UK prior to August 2020 and must be working with the NHS or in Social Care. Refunds are backdated for the 6-month period (April to September 2020). However, Tier 2 workers cannot use this scheme and they must email [email protected] and make a formal request for a refund.
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.