UK Visas get costlier for non-EU and Indian immigrants

UK Visas have become costlier now for immigrants from India and outside the EU. This is owing to the increase in IHS –migration health surcharge. It is payable when Family members, Professionals, and Students apply for UK Visas. Introduced in 2015, the IHS permits immigrants to access the NHS - National Health Service while they remain in the UK. IHS has raised £600 million plus from Indians and nationals outside EU since 2015. This is for UK Visas that have the validity of more than 6 months, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. A Spokesperson of the UK Home Office confirmed that IHS has been doubled from 8 January 2018. It has been increased to £400 per year from £200. For those on Youth Mobility Scheme and Students, the discounted rate has been increased to £300 from £150. The revised rates will be applicable to immigrants who have filed the applications after 8 January, said the Spokesperson. The hike in IHS will impact all visa applicants from India. It is inclusive of Family members, Professionals, and Students. For example, an Indian expert with 4 family members who migrates to the UK for a job will pay £1600 annually. This is apart from the other costs related to Visas. IHS is not imposed on migrants who obtain the position of Permanent Residents. This is after a specific period of lawful stay in the UK. British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin has resisted the hike in IHS. BAPIO has written to Sajid Javid the UK Home Secretary to drop the hike. It has been coordinating with the Health Authorities for catering to shortages in NHS. This is by hiring from India on the basis of ‘earn, learn and repay’. Y-Axis offers a wide range of Visa and Immigration services as well as products to overseas immigrants including UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, Business Visa for the UK, Study Visa for the UK, Visit Visa for the UK, and Work Visa for the UK. If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to UK, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company. If you found this blog engaging, you may also like… 55% OF ALL UK TIER 2 VISAS OFFERED TO INDIANS IN 2018