The Value Added Tax (Supplies of Domestic Electricity) Order 2026
Raised the annual immigration health surcharge for adults to £1,035 and for students and children to £776.
This Order increases the annual immigration health surcharge that individuals must pay when applying for a UK visa or leave to remain.
It raises the standard rate for most adult applicants and the discounted rate for students, dependents, and minors.
The charge applies to non-EEA nationals and certain EEA nationals applying for temporary stay in the UK, with the funds allocated to the National Health Service.
Arguments For
The explanatory memorandum states that the increase ensures the surcharge covers the full average cost of providing NHS services to those who pay it.
Proponents argue the adjustment reflects healthcare inflation and increased service pressure since the last update in 2020.
The government asserts that the uplift aligns the contribution of migrants with the actual costs incurred by the UK health service.
Arguments Against
Legal scholars and advocacy groups have argued that the sharp increase may cause financial hardship for low-income families and essential workers.
Critics have questioned the double taxation effect, noting that visa holders already contribute to the NHS through general taxation.
Higher education bodies have expressed concern that the increased cost for international students could reduce the UK's attractiveness as a study destination.
1. Citation, commencement and expiry
(1) This Order may be cited as the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2024.
(2) This Order comes into force on the later of 16th January 2024 or the twenty-first day after the day on which it is made.
(3) This Order expires at the end of the period of three years beginning with the day on which it comes into force.
This section establishes the official name of the legislation and its timeline for implementation.
It specifies that the new rates take effect either on January 16, 2024, or 21 days after the Order is formally signed, whichever is later.
The provisions are set to expire three years after they come into force.
2. Amendments to the Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015
(1) The Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 1 (amount of the charge)— (a) in the second column of the table (annual amount)— (i) for “£470”, in both places it occurs, substitute “£776”; (ii) for “£624” substitute “£1,035”.
This section updates the specific financial figures in the existing 2015 Order.
It increases the discounted annual rate for students and children from £470 to £776.
It also increases the standard annual rate for all other applicable visa categories from £624 to £1,035.
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