Home Office announces changes to visa processes and NHS fees

The Home Office has this week announced changes to the immigration rules that will be introduced before the end of 2018. During November the Home Office is making positive changes to the physical way in which applications are processed. But it's not all good news - in December the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a type of healthcare tax paid by long-term visa applicants, will double in cost.

November 2018: changes to the immigration rules

The latest rule changes will apply to applications submitted on or after 5 November 2018. We await more detail on the new processing systems and visa services that will be rolled-out around the same time. These headline changes are welcome news for UK visa applicants:

• Switch to online applications. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) reports that its "ambition is that most applicants will apply online, with assisted digital support where necessary". Paper forms will only be available where there is no online application form. Online forms are already available for many routes. This expansion is welcome news – as some paper forms are incredibly long and confusing. Increasing the emphasis on digital processing, during which facial images are captured through the biometric process, also means applicants no longer need to submit passport–sized photos.
• Applicants to file copy supporting documents not originals. This is a substantial change to the current requirement to submit original documents. In a digital age when original documents are often never issued, let alone retained, this concession is long overdue. It should make it easier for applicants to prove their case. UKVI can still request further verification if it has any concerns about a particular document.
• Return of passports. Any passports submitted with an application will be returned to the applicant while their application is being processed, unless UKVI considers it necessary to retain them. Whilst a positive change, there is an important note of caution here. It will remain the case that if an applicant travels outside the common travel area (Ireland and the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) before a decision has been made their application will be deemed to have been withdrawn on the date of departure. Travelling overseas before a visa outcome is issued will invalidate the application and may cause severe consequences for the applicant's and any linked family members' immigration status and right to work in the UK.
• Caseworkers to get more discretion. You may be surprised to know that currently caseworkers can only contact an applicant about missing documents in very precise circumstances. From 5 November UKVI decision-makers will have more flexibility to write to applicants in these cases. This common-sense approach will be beneficial to applicants.

December 2018: NHS charges to double

In contrast to this welcome news, UKVI has also announced an increase to visa fees.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a payment made by migrants applying for a visa of over 6 months. It is the mechanism for visa applicants to contribute to the National Health Service (NHS) and allows migrants to access the same free healthcare from the NHS as UK residents during their visa period. Applicants for visitor visas or indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) are exempt.

Currently the IHS is £200 per visa year or £150 per year for Tier 4 and Tier 5 Youth Mobility scheme applicants. From December (the exact date has not been announced) the IHS will double to £400 per year, with a reduced rate of £300 per year.

All dependant family members will continue to pay the IHS at the same rate as the main applicant. The IHS is paid upfront as part of the visa application process regardless of whether the applicant ever uses the NHS and even if they have private medical insurance cover.

This change will significantly increase the cost of visa applications. For example, IHS fees for a family of four applying for a two year Tier 2 visa will rise from £1,600 to £3,200. Where possible, applicants already planning a UK visa application before the end of 2018 should accelerate their application to file online before the end of November to be sure of avoiding the higher fees.