WHAT IS HAPPENING ?
On 06 April 2015 a health surcharge was introduced by the Government. This means that from this date all non EEA nationals applying for leave to enter the UK for more than 6 months, or for leave to remain in the UK, must pay a UK health surcharge, which the Government has introduced on the basis that foreign nationals must make a contribution towards using the NHS.
This means that non EEA visitors coming for less than 6 months will not be subject to the fee.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ?
The cost is £150 per year for students and for everyone else £200 per year. Your dependents will also have to pay a surcharge. The fee is payable for every year that you apply to stay in the UK for, so if you are applying for a 3 year extension, that is £600 IN ADDITION TO your visa application fee.
If you are applying for permanent stay or to become British then you will not have to pay the fee.
IS ANYONE EXEMPT ?
Australian or New Zealand nationals do not have to pay due to arrangements in place with those Governments, nor do those with leave to remain under Tier 2 ICT, dependents of a member of HM Forces or those applying under the destitute domestic violence concession.
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