UK visa fees spike as Sunak government hikes health surcharge by 66%

Starting February 6, the United Kingdom will introduce a significant hike in its immigration health surcharge (IHS). This surge will increase the cost for the visa from £624 per year to £1,035 per annum.

Similarly, for students or applicants under 18, the surcharge will be hiked from £470 per year to £776 per year. The immigration health surcharge, a mandatory upfront payment, is required when submitting an application for entry or residency in the UK.

	IHS charge from 6 February 2024 for 3-year visa	IHS charge from 6 February 2024 of 5-year visa
1 Adult	£3105	£5175
1 Child	£2328	£3880
2 Adults	£6210	£10,350
2 Adults & 1 child	£8538	£14,230
2 Adults & 2 children	£10,866	£18,110

The implementation date of the fee increase was originally scheduled for January 16, 2024, but due to parliamentary delays, it was moved to February 6, 2024.

Applications submitted before January 6 will not be subject to the higher surcharge. Skilled worker and global business mobility visa applications hold the flexibility to be submitted up to three months in advance of the individual's proposed start date.

The Sunak government, in October, also raised visa fees for tourists, students, and foreign workers. The visit visa now incurs an additional £15 for stays under six months, bringing the total to £115. Student visas experienced an increase of £127 for applicants from outside the UK, resulting in a total fee of £490, aligning it with the amount charged for in-country student visa applications.

The Sunak government also announced in December of last year that the minimum pay for skilled work visas will increase by 47%, from the original £29,000 to £38,700 ($49,100), which was previously at £18,600. The incremental changes will total the intended £38,700, and a schedule should be revealed by spring.