Search

How can we help?

Icon

Immigration Health Surcharge increase effective from 27 October 2020

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee payable to the Home Office when applying for a long-term visa. The Surcharge, which was initially introduced in 2015, has seen regular increases since its inception. On 27 October 2020, the IHS will increase to £624 for most applicants.

The IHS is paid as a part of a visa application. It is calculated based on the number of years the visa is sought for. For example, a 3-year visa would incur an IHS surcharge of £1872 per applicant from 27 October 2020. Once the IHS is paid, the applicant must then also pay for the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa.

As such, it is important for applicants who are able to apply for their visa before 27 October 2020, should consider applying now to avoid paying the increased IHS.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee payable to the Home Office when applying for a long-term visa.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

Pub
  • 07 September 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Frequently Asked Questions About Shareholders’ Agreements – Episode 1

Join Emma Docking and Jonathan Hayes as they explore some of the most frequently asked questions about shareholders’ agreements, including what they are, how they work alongside articles of association, and the risks of operating without one.

art
  • 03 September 2026
  • Employment

Employment Rights Act – October Changes

We are well and truly underway with implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”) and October brings the next tranche of changes that employers will need to be ready for.

art
  • 02 September 2026
  • Immigration

Mandatory MFA for Sponsor Management System Users: What Sponsors Need to Know

The Home Office is introducing a significant security change to the Sponsor Management System (SMS). From 3 September 2026, the Home Office will begin a phased rollout of mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SMS users.

art
  • 01 September 2026

Orwins continues growth with investment in Milners and Acquisition of Roe Lawyers

Clarkslegal is pleased to share the news that Orwins, the legal services group we joined earlier this year, has announced a significant investment in Yorkshire law firm Milners and the acquisition of London-based specialist practice Roe Lawyers.

Pub
  • 28 August 2026
  • Immigration

Right to Work and Sponsor Licence Changes 2026: Key dates for businesses

In this podcast, immigration solicitors Ruth Karimatsenga and Monica Mastropasqua discuss the key immigration compliance changes coming into force in September and October 2026 and what employers, HR teams, sponsors and individuals should do to prepare.

art
  • 28 August 2026
  • Commercial Real Estate

Modernising security of tenure: The Law Commission’s follow up consultation paper

On 16th June 2026, the Commission published its second consultation paper: Business Tenancies: the right to renew – modernising security of tenure.