The UK government has confirmed that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a mandatory fee that applies to student visa applications for study of 6 months or more, will increase from 1st October 2020.
Paying the IHS allows visa holders to access the National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s health care system, similar to UK nationals or permanent residents. The IHS must be paid at the start of a visa application process.
For students, the IHS has increased from £300 per year to £470 per year.
From the 1st January 2021, EU/EEA nationals applying under the new UK immigration system must pay the IHS, among other visa fees.