The Graduate Route (PSW) Visa allows international students who’ve completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in the UK to stay and work after their studies.
There are two types of this visa: one for those completing undergraduate/postgraduate degrees (2 years) and one for PhD graduates (3 years).
This guide covers the costs, requirements, and important tips for applying, including details on the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointments, and solutions for payment issues.
It also explains the work rights for PSW visa holders and financial evidence needed for dependents.
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Graduate Route Visa Types and Health Surcharge
There are two types of Graduate Route (PSW) visas in the UK, depending on the level of qualification:
- Two-Year Visa: For those who complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK.
- Three-Year Visa: For those who complete a PhD or doctoral-level qualification.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a required fee for both visa types, based on the duration of the visa:
- 2-Year Visa: £2,070 (£1,035 per year)
- 3-Year Visa: £3,105 (£1,035 per year)
This surcharge covers access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the applicant’s stay.
Calculation for 2-Year PSW Visa
For students who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK, they are eligible for the 2-year Post-Study Work (PSW) visa.
In this section, we will calculate the total fees, including the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which varies based on the length of the visa.
Graduate Route (PSW) Visa Fee Update – April 2025
Starting April 2025, the application fee for the Graduate Route visa has increased to £880 per applicant, up from £822. This marks a 7% increase in the fee, equating to a rise of £58 in British Pounds.
Health Surcharge Fee Update – April 2025
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee has not been increased in 2025. However, it had risen in 2024. The current IHS fee is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for minor child dependents.
Nhs Health Surcharge Breakdown:
- For the main applicant (adult) and dependent partner: £2,070 each for a two-year visa.
- For minor applicants (child dependents): £1,552 for the two-year visa.
You can use this PSW Visa Fee Calculator to get a rough estimate of your total application cost.
Pro Tip:
Only dependents who were already on the main applicant’s student visa can switch to the PSW visa. Others cannot apply, and no dependents are allowed on the Graduate Route unless they were previously dependent during the study period.
Priority and Super Priority Service Fees
- Standard Service: The Graduate Route (PSW) Visa application fee is £880. You’ll typically receive a decision within 8 weeks.
- Priority Service: The Priority Service costs an additional £500, bringing the total to £1,380. With this service, you’ll get a decision within 5 working days after biometric submission or document submission via the app.
- Super Priority Service: The Super Priority Service requires an additional £1,000, bringing the total fee to £1,880. With this service, you’ll receive a decision by the next working day after biometric submission or document submission via the app.
Grand Total Breakdown
Graduate Route Visa Costs Example Calculation for Mr. N Baig and Family
Mr. N Baig has completed his degree and is applying for the Graduate Route (PSW) visa. He is applying with his wife (dependent partner over 18) and his child (minor born in the UK two months ago). Here’s the breakdown of the application costs.
| Applicant | Application Fee | Health Surcharge | Biometric | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Baig (Main Applicant) | 880£ | 2070£ (1035 per year) | 60£ | 3010£ |
| Mrs. Baig (Dependent Partner | 880£ | 2070£ (1035 per year) | 60£ | 3010£ |
| Child Dependent | 880£ | 1552£ (776 per year) | 60£ | 2492£ |
Money Saving Tip
If Mr. Baig opts to use the Immigration ID Check app instead of attending the biometric appointment, he will save £180 (the £60 biometric fee for each applicant, including his wife and child).
Points to Remember:
1. The application fee is the same for both adults and minors.
2. You cannot apply for the PSW visa from outside the UK.
Graduate Route (PSW) Visa Fee (3-Year)
Starting April 2025, the Graduate Route visa application fee has increased to £880 per applicant, up from £822. This represents a 7% increase, equating to an additional £58 in application costs.
Health Surcharge Fee Update – April 2025 (3-Year)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) remains unchanged in 2025, having increased in 2024. The IHS fee is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for minor child dependents.
NHS Health Surcharge Breakdown:
- For the main applicant (adult) and dependent partner: £3,105 for a 3-year visa.
- For minor applicants (child dependents): £2,328 for the 3-year visa.
Biometric vs. Immigration ID Check App
Which one is More Convenient?
When applying for the Graduate Route (PSW) visa or other visa extensions, you have the option to use either the traditional biometric process or the Immigration ID Check app. Here’s what you need to know:
Biometric Cost and Process
- The biometric appointment, previously free for students, now costs £60 for booking an appointment and an additional £60 if you choose not to upload your documents yourself during the booking process with TLS.
- Biometric appointments require you to physically visit a center, where your documents are scanned. This can be a hassle, especially for students who may not drive and find it inconvenient to travel.
Immigration ID Check App
- For most applications, including the PSW (Graduate Route) and skilled worker switching or extension scenarios, you can use the UK Immigration ID Check app.
- After confirming your identity through the app, you can skip the biometric appointment entirely. This saves time and eliminates the hassle of visiting a biometric center.
Our Suggestion
Use the Immigration ID Check app whenever possible. It’s a faster and more convenient option. No need to take time off for a biometric appointment, no travel hassle, and no additional fees. Plus, you’ll likely receive your decision quicker than with the biometric route.
Requirements for a PSW Dependent Visa
Validity Requirements
To be eligible for a PSW Dependent Visa, applicants must meet the specific validity requirements set by the UK Home Office:
- The main applicant must have been granted a Graduate Route (PSW) visa.
- The dependent must be applying within the validity period of the main applicant’s PSW visa.
Primary Requirements
- Age: The dependent must be over 18 years old at the time of application.
- Relationship Status: The dependent must be either the spouse, civil partner, or an unmarried partner who has been living with the main applicant for at least 2 years.
Suitability Requirements
- Financial Dependency: The dependent must prove financial reliance on the main applicant. This can be demonstrated through joint bank accounts, shared living expenses, or other financial support evidence.
- No Criminal Convictions: The dependent must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Partner Requirements
- They must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the main applicant.
- Cohabitation: They must have lived together for a minimum of 2 years. Evidence of cohabitation includes utility bills, lease agreements, or joint bank accounts.
- Unmarried Status: The dependent must be unmarried and not in a relationship that would be considered a formal marriage or civil partnership elsewhere.
Children Requirements
- The child must be under the age of 18.
- The child must be financially supported by the main applicant and depend on the main applicant for accommodation and living expenses.
- The applicant must provide birth certificates or legal documents that confirm the relationship with the main applicant.
Another Pro Tip:
If your child is born in the UK and you are a PSW visa holder, you can keep them in the UK without applying for additional documentation or a visa for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to travel outside the UK, make sure to apply for a visa to secure their entry before leaving. You cannot apply for a PSW visa for your child from outside the UK, so don’t make the mistake of trying to apply while abroad.
Payment Issue with PSW Visa Application
Let’s consider the case of Anna, a recent graduate from the UK who is applying for the Graduate Route (PSW) Visa. She completed her master’s degree and is ready to pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Anna successfully submits her payment of £822 for the application and £1,035 for the IHS from her bank account. However, after the transaction, the application portal still shows no confirmation, and she hasn’t received a confirmation email.
She checks her bank account, and the money has already been deducted.
Our Advice:
1. Contact UKVI: Send email to ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk to report the payment issue and start a paper trail.
2. Contact Your Bank: If UKVI doesn’t respond, reach out to your bank to dispute the charge.
3. Retry Payment:
- Clear your browser cache.
- Try using a different browser (e.g., Safari, Edge).
- Switch devices (mobile or different laptop).
- Use a different payment method (e.g., credit card or Wise card).
4. Refund Time: Refunds can take 3-4 weeks. Some applicants found contacting their bank was faster.
5. Reassurance from UKVI: If your payment fails, your PSW visa application remains valid if you have a unique application number and evidence of your attempts to resolve the issue.
Understand These Points:
1. One-Time Route:
The Graduate Route (PSW) visa is a one-time opportunity. It cannot be extended or re-applied for once it has been used.
2. Ineligibility for Reapplication:
If you’ve already been granted a Graduate Route visa after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree and later complete a PhD in the UK, you cannot reapply for the PSW visa. This is because it’s available only once, regardless of further studies.
3. No Reapplication After PhD:
Even if you complete a PhD or any other higher qualification, you cannot apply for the Graduate Route visa again. You’ll need to explore other visa options to stay in the UK after completing your PhD.
4. No Additional English Test Required:
No additional English language test is required for PSW visa applicants, as eligibility is based on the completion of a degree in the UK. This means the applicant’s previous degree satisfies the language requirement.
5. Maintenance Funds for Dependents:
- £1,270 is required to show as maintenance funds if the dependent has been in the UK for less than 12 months. This can be demonstrated via a UK or overseas bank account.
- If the dependent has been in the UK for more than 12 months, they do not need to show financial evidence.
6. Switching Visa Types:
The Graduate Route visa allows you to switch to other visas, such as a Spouse Visa, Parent of a British Child, or even as a dependent of someone on a Student Visa.
7. Work Rights on PSW:
While on the PSW visa, you and your dependents can work full-time in any job without restrictions. This is why it’s called the Post Study Work visa. The only limitation is that you cannot access public funds during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Navigating the Graduate Route (PSW) visa process can be complex, but understanding the various visa options, fees, and requirements is crucial.
Whether you’re applying for the 2-year or 3-year PSW visa, knowing the cost breakdown, how to handle payment issues, and the eligibility for dependents will ensure a smoother application process.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the PSW visa is a one-time route, so proper planning is key to making the most of your stay in the UK.
If you need help with your PSW visa application, our team at KQ Solicitors can assist you.
We offer services to check your documents and even provide full representation throughout the process.