UK Immigration Health Surcharge Increased from January 2019

For the migrants and the international students, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge will be doubled, effective from 8 January 2019 following the parliamentary approval in December 2018. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid by people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are seeking to live in the UK for more than 6 months to work study or join family.

The surcharge will rise from £200 to £400 per year, with the discounted rate for students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme increasing from £150 to £300. Migrants who make an application on or after 8 January 2019 will pay the new surcharge rate. The Immigration Health Surcharge gives migrants access to the comprehensive range of NHS services without further charge, subject to a few exceptions such as prescription charges in England.

In the written statement, Caroline Nokes, the Minister of State for Immigration states that for overseas students, the surcharge represents about 1% of the total cost of studying in the UK for a 3 year undergraduate course that is quite competitive compared with health insurance requirements in comparable countries. The new surcharge rate is intended to better reflect the costs to the NHS of treating those who pay it.

For detailed information about Study in the UK, UK Immigration Health Surcharge, Visa Process and Visa Support to the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.

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