“Prepare for the UK Visa Fee Hike and Health Surcharge Surge in January 2024!” Get ready for significant changes to the UK visa landscape! Starting January 2024, the UK is set to increase its immigration health surcharge, impacting individuals and families alike.
Did you hear that the UK plans to increase the cost of the immigration health surcharge in January 2024?
The new rule will start on January 16, 2024, or 21 days after it gets approved by the parliament, whichever happens first.
How will the UK’s immigration health surcharge increase affect individuals and families?
Most visa applicants who want to come to or stay in the UK have to pay this surcharge, and it’s going up a lot. Right now, it’s £624, but it will be £1,035.
This means people need to budget more money when applying for UK visas.
Special Concerns for Minors and Students
Did you know that miners and students have special concerns about this surcharge?
The increase is especially tough for people under 18 and for students.
Their yearly surcharge will go from £470 to £776. This change shows that the UK wants the surcharge to better cover the costs of using the NHS.
Advice for Employers
For employers, a well-known law firm suggests applying for visas before the new surcharge kicks in to avoid the higher fees.
They also recommend thinking about getting the longest sponsorship period possible.
If you’re applying for skilled worker visas or global business mobility, you can do it up to three months before you plan to start.
Impact on Those Moving to the UK
The upcoming increase in the immigration health surcharge is a big financial change for anyone looking to live, work, or study in the UK.
This affects both companies and people who want to move to the UK.
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Understanding UK Visa Processing Times
If you’re wondering about how long it takes to process a UK visa, especially for study, family, or visiting purposes, you’re in the right place.
We’ll talk about visa processing times in this article.
Factors Affecting UK Visa Processing Times
The UK is a top choice for travelers, and many people apply for visas to go there every year. But the time it takes to get a UK visa can vary.
It depends on things like the type of visa you need, where you’re from, and how many applications they have to process right now.
Let’s go over some important things to keep in mind.
Locking in Travel Plans
Once you’ve applied for a UK visa, it’s a good idea to lock in your travel plans as soon as possible, especially if you have specific dates in mind.
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the visa application process with accelerated processing.
The UK Department of Visas and Immigration (UKVI) offers two main ways to start applying for a UK visa using your UK immigration ID.
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Starting the Application Process
There are two ways to start applying for a UK visa. You can use the Check app, or you can set up a biometric appointment at a visa application center.
Now, let’s talk about how long it usually takes to process different types of UK visas:
For Visit Visas:
- Regular visitor visas take about three weeks.
- If you’re coming for authorized paid work, it’s also around three weeks.
- If you’re planning a marriage visit, you can expect it to take about three weeks too.
For Study Visas:
- If you’re applying for a student visa, it typically takes three weeks.
- For child students, it’s also around three weeks.
- If you’re coming to the UK to learn English for six to eleven months, you can expect a similar processing time of about three weeks.
When it comes to Family Visas for the UK, here’s what you can expect in terms of processing times:
- If you’re applying as a partner or spouse, it usually takes around 24 weeks.
- The same goes for parents, children, and adults coming to live with relatives.
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Tracking Your Visa Application
Remember, once you’ve applied for a visa, it’s important to keep an eye on its status.
You can do this by using the tracking feature on the official UK government website.
The countdown to processing time starts once they receive your completed application and necessary documents.
If you’re facing delays, it’s a good idea to consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Updates to UK Immigration Laws in 2023
In 2023, the UK is making some important changes to its immigration laws.
For those applying for visas through the Ukraine Scheme, there’s some good news.
The application deadline has been extended to May 16, 2024.
This applies whether you’re applying from abroad or within the UK, giving you more time to complete your application.
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Visa Requirement Changes for Travelers from Specific Countries
Attention to travelers from Namibia, Timor-Leste, Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu: If you’re planning to visit the UK, you now need to get a visa before you go.
This change is for added security and to prevent high-risk visitors from entering the UK.
Make sure to prepare your documents before your trip to avoid any issues.
Here’s some important information about different UK visa routes:
EU Settlement Scheme Route
If you have pre-settled status and forget to apply for an extension, don’t worry.
The government will automatically extend your leave by two years, so you can still stay in the UK.
Student Visa Route
Starting in January 2024, there’s a change for students with student visas.
You won’t be able to bring family members to the UK unless you’re enrolled in a postgraduate program with strong research.
This is to prevent people from using student visas to get work permits.
Shortage Occupation List
Good news for job seekers! The list of jobs in short supply now includes some new ones.
So, if you work in the fishing industry, construction, building trades, or certain agriculture fields, you might find job opportunities in the UK.
Temporary Work (Seasonal Worker Route)
If you’re thinking about the seasonal worker path, be aware that there are new salary standards in the horticulture sector and some specialized poultry production jobs.
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Make sure to check these before applying.
Great news for young adventurers using the Youth Mobility Scheme visa! You can now stay in the UK for up to three years in a row.
That means you can plan for a longer adventure. Just remember, when you’re getting ready for your trip or move, staying informed is really important.
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