The Immigration Health Surcharge​

Published Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Most non-EEA nationals applying for temporary leave to remain in the UK must pay an 'Immigration Health Surcharge' (IHS) to the Home Office, in addition to the immigration application fee. The Government has a manifesto commitment to increase the charge and extend it to EEA nationals after the Brexit transition period.

The charge is intended to “ensure that migrants make a proper financial contribution to the cost of their NHS care.”

It was doubled in January 2019. The Government intends to increase it again, so that it reflects the full costs incurred by migrants using the NHS (calculated to be £625 per person). It has also signalled that EEA nationals moving to the UK after the Brexit transition period will be required to pay the charge.