Home Office's Summer 2023 Immigration Overhaul - A Comprehensive Overview

In separate statements made over the summer months the Home Office announced a number of changes affecting migrants and, potentially, their UK employers as well.

In a statement made before Parliament on 13 July 2023, the UK government announced its intention to increase immigration fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Then, on 17 July 2023, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules; affecting students, dependants, EU Settlement Scheme applicants, and Ukrainian nationals.

In this overview we are summarise some of the most notable updates.

Immigration Health Surcharge ('IHS') and other fee increases

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a levy collected by the government from a migrant at the time of a visa application. Subject to certain exceptions, it is applicable to all visa applicants. At present, the levy is set at £624 per year for an adult applicant and £470 for a child.