National Health Service (NHS) Surcharge introduced

Life is becoming increasingly difficult for applicants intending to apply for UK visas.  Effective from 6 April 2015, there is yet another step before applying for Visas.  That is all applicants from countries outside of the European Union now need to pre-pay for National Health Service (NHS) charges before they submit their visa application.

You will have to pay:

• Pounds 150 per year as a student
• Pounds 200 per year for all other visa and immigration applications

If you have any dependents, they will usually need to pay the same amount as you.  The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you are granted.  For more details, please visit  The UK Government immigration healthcare pages .

Applicants must pay the surcharge for themselves and any dependents before they submit their visa application (or book an appointment at a public enquiry office). Applicants must register and pay online.

Biometric Residence Permits (BPRs)
Successful applicants for a visa to enter the UK for more than six months will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.  They will be issued with a vignette in their Passport which is valid for 30 days from the date they indicate as their intended travel date in their visa application.  The vignette is proof only of the student’s permission to enter the UK and will allow them to travel to the UK.

Students then need to collect the BRP on arrival in the UK.  The BRP is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK.

Full details can be found in the Home Office overseas BRP leaflet (PDF 498 KB)

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the website UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for the most up-to-date visa rules  before they make a visa application.