We reported in July about Home Office plans to make big increases to UK visa fees for workers. On 15 September regulations were laid in Parliament that will mean that the higher fees will apply to applications from 4 October. By way of example, work visa fees are increasing by 15% and COS fees by 20%, although sponsor licence fees are frozen. You can see the new fees listed here.
Increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge - the mandatory visa cost that gives workers access to the NHS while in the UK - will not happen on 4 October. They'll come in later this year or early 2024, but there's no fixed date yet.
Where possible, you may want to encourage acceleration of any planned applications so that they're filed before 4 October to take advantage of current rates. Or if that's not possible, assess whether candidates/colleagues can apply shortly afterwards before the (hefty) IHS fee increases go live. If you'd like any advice on the timing or cost of applications, or on the use of repayment agreements with employees, please do get in touch.
