Important update for new and current international students – immigration health surcharge:
There is a new Immigration Health Surcharge which will be introduced on 6 April 2015. The health surcharge will be paid by non-EEA nationals who apply to come to the UK to work, study or join family for a time-limited period of more than six months.
It will also be paid by non-EEA nationals who are already in the UK and apply to extend their stay.
Those who pay the surcharge will be able to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the same way as a permanent UK resident.
The surcharge is set at £150 per year for students, with dependents generally paying the same amount as the main applicant. The payment will be requested at the time you apply for your visa for all applications made on or after 6 April 2015.
The amount payable will cover the entire period of permission to stay.
How this health charge may affect you:
If you are applying for a Student (formerly Tier 4) student visa, you will be required to pay the charge in full for the number of years you study e.g. a three-year degree would mean a charge of £450 payable at the time you apply for your visa.
If you have dependants (wife/children), they will also have to pay £150 for each year of study by the main applicant e.g. a PhD student studying for three years with two dependants would mean a charge of £1,350.
The surcharge will not apply to visitors, such as tourists or those coming to the UK for less than six months, or to EEA nationals residing in the UK. Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) - intra-company transfer migrants and their dependents are also exempt.
Detail on the immigration health charge is on the UKCISA website.
Remember, the charge applies to all new visa applications on or after 6 April 2015 including any visa extensions done within the UK.
Please contact the International Student Advisory Service team if you have any concerns.