Are you confused about the 2-year post study work visa UK fees? From application charges to healthcare surcharges and biometric enrolment, understanding what you need to pay is essential before you apply. At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we provide expert legal advice to help graduates navigate the full cost of the UK Graduate Visa confidently and avoid common fee-related mistakes.
Need help managing your 2-year post study work visa UK fees? We’re here for you:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
What is the 2-Year Post Study Work Visa?
Also known as the Graduate Visa, the 2-year post study work visa enables international students who completed their degree in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) for two years after graduation. Doctoral graduates are eligible for a 3-year stay.
You must apply from within the UK while holding a valid Student visa.
Is the UK Graduate Route (PSW Visa) Still Available?
The Graduate Route—often referred to as the Post Study Work (PSW) visa—remains open for applications at this time. Although there has been ongoing government discussion in 2025 about potentially closing or revising the scheme in the future, no official announcement to end it has been made yet.
For the latest updates and any changes to the Graduate Route, you can always check the official UK Government Graduate Visa page.
Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Route
Before calculating the 2-year post study work visa UK fees, ensure you meet these eligibility requirements:
You studied a UK degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD).
Your education provider (e.g., university) has confirmed your course completion to the Home Office.
You’re currently in the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 visa.
To verify eligibility, visit the UK Government Graduate Visa page.
Detailed Breakdown of 2-Year Post Study Work Visa UK Fees
Understanding the total 2-year post study work visa UK fees is crucial to budgeting and avoiding application delays.
1. Visa Application Fee
£715 for the Graduate Visa.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- £624/year, totalling £1,248 for two years.
You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge when you apply for your Graduate visa. If you’re eligible for a two-year visa, the total cost is £1,248. For a three-year visa, the surcharge is £1,872. Be sure to budget for this in addition to your main application fee, as it’s a required part of the process.
3. Biometric Enrolment
£19.20 to enrol your biometrics.
Biometric Appointment vs. UK Immigration ID Check App
When applying for visas such as the Graduate Route (PSW) or extending your stay, you’ll face a choice between two processes: enrolling your biometrics at a physical centre, or verifying your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app. Here’s how the two stack up:
- Biometric Appointment
- Involves booking an appointment at a biometric enrolment centre.
- Costs include a basic fee of £19.20, but additional charges can apply—particularly if you need extra services such as uploading documents with providers like TLS.
- You’ll need to attend the appointment in person, which may require travel and time off from your usual commitments.
- UK Immigration ID Check App
- Allows you to verify your identity remotely using your smartphone.
- No requirement to visit a centre, eliminating both travel and associated costs.
- Generally streamlines the process and can even lead to a quicker decision, since everything is handled digitally.
Summary:
If convenience and speed are top priorities, the UK Immigration ID Check app is usually the better route. It helps avoid time-consuming appointments and extra expenses, keeping your application journey as stress-free as possible.
4. Optional Priority Services
Priority (5-day decision): £573
Super priority (1-day decision): £956
These additional services raise the total 2-year post study work visa UK fees significantly if used.
Can I get a refund on the healthcare surcharge if I work in public sector healthcare after getting my Graduate visa?
If you secure a role within the public sector healthcare—such as with the NHS—after paying your Immigration Health Surcharge, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund of this fee. This typically applies to positions like doctors, nurses, paramedics, or other essential frontline roles.
Make sure to retain documentation from your employer, as you’ll need to provide proof of both your employment and your Graduate visa status when requesting the refund.
Check your eligibility and, if you qualify, apply for the refund directly through the relevant refund process provided once you have started your public sector healthcare job.
Can the 2-Year Post Study Work Visa UK Fees Vary?
Yes, based on:
How quickly you need a decision – priority services cost more.
Number of dependants – each dependant incurs the same fees.
Professional legal help – optional but helps you avoid mistakes.
Our team at Primus Solicitors provides tailored support at competitive rates to help reduce long-term costs.
Case Study: How Adnan Managed His 2-Year Post Study Work Visa UK Fees
Adnan, a Kenyan graduate from the University of Manchester, was uncertain about how to apply and confused by the fee structure. After consulting Primus Solicitors, we advised him to avoid priority fees by applying early and ensured he met all requirements upfront. His total 2-year post study work visa UK fees stayed within budget, and he secured his visa without delay.
Need help managing your 2-year post study work visa UK fees? We’re here for you:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Graduate Visa
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Valid passport
Confirmation of course completion
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
Step 2: Complete Your Online Application
Visit the UK Graduate Visa application portal to start.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
Submit the application fee and IHS charges in full.
What Should I Do If I Have Payment Issues with the PSW Visa Application?
Every so often, the payment page on the Graduate Route (PSW) visa application likes to play hide and seek with your money and confirmation email—leaving you staring at your online banking app, unsure if you just paid for a UK visa or merely made a generous donation to the ether.
If you’ve paid your application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, only to realize there’s no confirmation email and your application still shows as “unpaid,” here’s how to tackle it:
- Double-Check Everything
First, give your inbox (including the “spam” and “promotions” folders) a thorough shake in case the confirmation email slipped past your radar. Log in to your UKVI account to see if your status has updated, sometimes there’s a delay. - Raise the Alarm with UKVI
If your bank confirms the money has left your account but the portal hasn’t budged, reach out to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) by email (ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk). Make sure to include your application reference, payment details, and a clear description of the glitch—that way, you start a record of the issue. - Get Your Bank Involved (If Needed)
If UKVI stays silent or can’t spot your payment, inform your bank next. They can often trace or dispute missing payments and may even speed along a refund if it’s needed. - Try, Try Again—But Smarter
Before attempting the payment again:- Clear your browser’s cache,
- Switch to another browser (think: Chrome instead of Firefox),
- Use a different device,
- Or opt for an alternative payment method, such as a credit card or a Wise card. Sometimes, a simple tech swap is all it takes.
- Be Patient with Refunds
If a refund is initiated, prepare for a wait—typically 3 to 4 weeks. Some applicants have found chasing their bank directly gets answers (and money) back quicker than waiting for the system to resolve itself. - Don’t Panic About Your Application
So long as you have a unique application number and evidence of your attempt to resolve the payment issue, UKVI generally keeps your application active while things are sorted.
Taking these steps should help smooth out any payment wrinkles so you can nudge your application across the finish line.
Step 4: Book and Attend Biometric Appointment
Biometric enrolment is required for visa processing.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Standard: up to 8 weeks
Priority: 5 days
Super priority: 1 working day
All timelines depend on fee payment and service selection.
FAQs – 2-Year Post Study Work Visa UK Fees
What is the total cost for a 2-year post study work visa?
Approximately £1,982, including the £715 application fee, £1,248 IHS, and £19.20 biometric fee.
Can I pay the visa fees in instalments?
No, the 2-year post study work visa UK fees must be paid upfront.
Can I bring dependants?
Yes, but each dependant will pay the same visa and IHS fees.
Are there refunds if my application is refused?
Usually, no. All fees are non-refundable unless there’s a technical issue.
Can Primus Solicitors help with the Graduate Visa?
Yes! We handle everything from eligibility checks to document preparation and submission.
Is the Graduate Visa extendable?
No. Once expired, you must switch to another visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).
Does paying priority fees increase my approval chances?
No, it only speeds up processing time, not decision outcome.
Can I work full time on a Graduate Visa?
Yes, with no restrictions on job type or salary level.
Why Choose Primus Solicitors for Your Post-Study Visa?
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we ensure your application is complete, compliant, and cost-efficient. Our experts have helped hundreds of students from all over the world understand and manage their 2-year post study work visa UK fees.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Contact our team for personalised immigration support.
Contact Primus Solicitors Manchester Today
Need help managing your 2-year post study work visa UK fees? We’re here for you:
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
