This Order amends the Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/792) (“the Principal Order”), which requires a person who applies for entry clearance for a limited period, or for limited leave to remain in the United Kingdom, to pay an immigration health charge.

Article 2 amends the Principal Order to make provision in respect of the exchange rate which the Home Office is to apply when the charge is paid in a currency other than sterling. The exchange rate is to be determined by reference to the Home Office Exchange Rate Policy, accessible at http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exchange-rate-policy. Hard copies can be obtained from: Fees and Income Planning Team, 8th Floor, Southern House, Wellesley Grove, Croydon CR0 1XG.

Article 3 amends Schedule 1 to the Principal Order which specifies the annual amount of the immigration health charge in respect of applications by different categories of person. In respect of applications by students, dependants of students and Youth Mobility Scheme Temporary Migrants, the annual amount is increased from £150 to £300. In respect of all other categories of application, the annual amount is increased from £200 to £400.

Article 4 makes transitional provision so that the amendments made to the Principal Order by this Order do not apply to an application for entry clearance or leave to remain made before the Order comes into force.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.