Are you confused about the Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) fees in the UK? You’re not alone. Many international students struggle with understanding the actual costs, requirements, and application process after completing their degree.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we help students navigate the Graduate Route visa confidently, ensuring they don’t fall into legal or financial pitfalls. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from PSW fees, eligibility, hidden costs, and legal support to avoid refusals.
📌 What Is the UK Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)?
The Graduate Route, commonly referred to as the Post Study Work Visa, allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) for 2 years — or 3 years for PhD graduates — without a sponsor.
Has the UK Post Study Work Visa Ended?
The Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) is still open to applicants as of now. However, the UK government has announced that it is reviewing the future of the scheme, with potential changes or closure being discussed for 2025. If you’re considering applying, it’s a good idea to stay informed on the latest Home Office updates, as policies may change.
🔍 Key Features:
No job offer required
No minimum salary threshold
Can switch to a skilled worker visa later
Allows work at any skill level
Family members already in the UK can apply as dependants
What Are the Requirements for Dependents on the PSW Visa?
If you’re hoping to bring your partner or children with you while on the UK Post Study Work (Graduate Route) Visa, there are some key eligibility rules to keep in mind.
For Partners
- Genuine Relationship: Your partner must have been living with you in a genuine relationship before your application. This is usually proven by shared bills, rental agreements, or official documents covering at least the last two years.
- Existing Relationship: Only partners (including unmarried and same-sex partners) who already have permission to be in the UK as your dependent can apply to extend their stay on the Graduate Route. New dependents aren’t eligible unless your partner is a child born in the UK while you hold a student visa.
- Unmarried Status: If you’re not married, you must demonstrate that your relationship is akin to marriage and not a casual partnership.
For Children
- Age Limit: Children must be under 18 at the time of application, unless they’re already in the UK as your dependent.
- Parental Responsibility: The main applicant must show financial and parental responsibility for the child—birth certificates or guardianship documents are common evidence.
- Living Arrangements: The child should normally live with the main applicant and not be living independently.
Tip: If your baby is born in the UK while you’re on the PSW visa, you can keep them in the UK for up to three months without applying for a separate visa. However, if you plan to travel outside the UK, apply for your child’s visa before leaving—applications can’t be made from abroad.
Understanding these requirements ensures your family’s application process is straightforward and avoids common mistakes.
What Happens After 2 Years of PSW in the UK?
When your Post Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) comes to an end, several doors remain open for your next steps in the UK. The most common pathways include:
- Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa: If you’ve secured a qualifying job with a Home Office-licensed employer, you may be eligible to transition to the Skilled Worker route. This path leads to longer-term work rights and can put you on track for settlement.
- Further Studies: Interested in pursuing another degree or PhD? You can return to a Student Visa, provided you secure admission to a recognized program.
- Other Long-Term Visa Options: Some graduates explore options like the Scale-up Visa, Innovator Founder Visa, or Global Talent Visa, each with their own criteria but tailored to high-potential individuals.
- Personal Circumstances: If you have established close family life in the UK—such as marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person—there may be routes to stay based on your relationship.
If none of these options suit your situation, you’ll be expected to leave the UK when your PSW leave expires. Careful planning is key, and consulting an immigration solicitor can help you identify your best move before your current visa runs out.
💷 How Much Are the PSW Fees in 2025?
Understanding the PSW fee is crucial before applying. The total cost includes both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and How Much Does It Cost?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee paid by PSW (Graduate Route) visa applicants and their dependents when applying to live and work in the UK after completing their degree. This fee grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), allowing visa holders to use most NHS services without additional charges throughout their stay.
Current IHS Rates for 2025
- For Adult Applicants: The IHS is currently set at £1,035 per year.
- For Child Dependents (under 18): The rate is £776 per year.
Since most PSW visas are either valid for two years (Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates) or three years (PhD or doctoral graduates), total IHS costs are calculated according to the visa length:
- 2-Year Visa:
- Adult (main applicant or dependent partner): £2,070
- Child dependent: £1,552
- 3-Year Visa:
- Adult (main applicant or dependent partner): £3,105
- Child dependent: £2,328
It’s important to note that these IHS rates have not increased for 2025—they were last raised in 2024 and remain unchanged this year.
This surcharge must be paid upfront, along with the visa application fee, at the time of application.
✅ Breakdown of UK Graduate Route Fees (2025):
| Fee Type | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| PSW Visa Application Fee | £822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – 2 years | £1,035/year × 2 = £2,070 |
| Total PSW Fee (2-Year Visa) | £2,892 |
💡 PhD Graduates applying for a 3-year visa will pay additional IHS, bringing their total PSW fee to approx. £3,927.
For official fee updates, visit the UK Home Office Graduate Route page.
🧾 Additional Costs Related to PSW Fees
While the basic PSW fee are standard, several other costs may apply depending on your circumstances:
🔹 Optional Costs:
Legal representation by Primus Solicitors – from £350 to £900
Translation of documents if not in English
Biometrics centre premium appointments
Bank letters or document verification fees
We ensure you understand and prepare for all PSW fee — visible and hidden.
📝 Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Route?
To apply and pay your PSW fee, you must:
✅ Meet the Following:
Hold a valid Tier 4 or Student Visa
Complete a UK degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from a licensed sponsor
Apply from within the UK
Apply before your student visa expires
You can also contact Primus Solicitors to check your eligibility before paying any PSW fee.
Do You Need an Extra English Test for the PSW Visa?
Good news: there’s no need to take another English language test when applying for the Graduate Route (PSW) visa. Since you’ve already completed your degree at a UK university—a licensed sponsor—this achievement counts as proof of your English proficiency. There’s no requirement for additional IELTS, TOEFL, or other language exam results. Your degree itself meets the Home Office’s language criteria, keeping the process just that bit simpler.
📅 When and How to Apply for a PSW Visa?
Apply once your education provider reports successful course completion. You don’t need to wait for graduation.
🔽 Application Steps:
Confirmation of completion from your university
Create a UKVI account
Complete online form
Upload documents
Pay the PSW fees
Book biometrics appointment (if required)
Await a decision in 8 weeks
🕒 Processing time: ~8 weeks
⚡ Priority service may incur additional PSW fees
Can You Extend or Renew Your PSW Visa?
Unfortunately, the PSW (Post Study Work) Visa is a one-time opportunity—it cannot be extended or renewed. Once your designated period is up—2 years for bachelor’s or master’s graduates, and 3 years if you completed a PhD—that’s the end of the line for this particular visa route.
If you want to stay in the UK longer, you’ll need to switch to a different type of visa (such as a Skilled Worker visa) before your PSW expires. Planning ahead is crucial, so keep an eye on those timelines.
Is It Possible to Reapply for the Graduate Route After Completing Additional Qualifications?
A common question: Can you get another shot at the PSW visa if you later complete a higher UK qualification—say, a PhD—after already using the Graduate Route post-bachelor’s or master’s? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
The Graduate Route is a single-use opportunity. If you’ve ever been granted a PSW visa (whether after finishing a bachelor’s, master’s, or any qualifying degree), you cannot apply for it again—even if you go on to earn a PhD or another eligible qualification in the UK. The rules are clear: once you’ve had your time under the Post Study Work umbrella, there are no “do-overs” or second runs, even for those who climb the academic ladder.
If you’re aiming to stay in the UK after completing a second or higher qualification, your pathway will mean exploring other visas—such as the Skilled Worker visa. So, it’s essential to plan your post-study route with this one-chance nature in mind.
What To Do If Your PSW Visa Payment Fails
Payment glitches can be nerve-wracking, especially after all the effort you’ve put into your application. If you’ve paid your PSW visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees but don’t receive a payment confirmation, here’s how to get back on track:
- Check Your Bank Account – First, see if the amount has actually been deducted.
- Contact UKVI Support – Email the UKVI support team at ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk. Clearly explain the issue and keep records of all communications; starting a paper trail helps.
- Reach Out to Your Bank – If UKVI doesn’t respond promptly, get in touch with your bank. Ask about disputing or reversing the payment—they can often offer advice or even speed things up.
- Try Again – Sometimes technical hiccups are fixed by:
- Clearing your browser cache
- Using a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.)
- Switching devices (try from your phone or a different computer)
- Opting for a different payment method, such as a credit card or Wise card
- Refund Timelines – Refunds typically take 3–4 weeks. In some cases, banks process them faster than the immigration office.
- Don’t Panic – As long as you have a unique application number and proof you’ve attempted to fix the payment issue, your application remains valid.
By following these steps, you can smooth out the process if payments go astray—rest assured, technical setbacks are surprisingly common and resolvable.
🚫 Why Some PSW Applications Are Refused
Don’t waste your PSW fees on a refusal. Many students lose money because of simple mistakes.
Common Refusal Reasons:
Applying outside the UK
Course not completed or not reported
Wrong visa type
Documents missing or not uploaded correctly
Speak to a solicitor at Primus Solicitors Manchester before submitting and paying your PSW fees.
What to Do If Your PSW Dependent Visa Application Is Refused
A refusal doesn’t have to be the end of the road. If your application is turned down, you have the right to request an Administrative Review—but you must act quickly.
- Deadline: You only have 14 calendar days from the date of the decision to make your request.
- Fee: There’s a non-refundable fee of £80 for the review.
- Process: This is your chance to point out any errors made by the Home Office in your application decision, so it’s vital to clearly identify those mistakes.
While it might be tempting to tackle this yourself, professional support can dramatically increase your chances of overturning a refusal. Consider speaking to an immigration solicitor before taking your next step.
✅ Case Study: How We Helped a Student Avoid Losing PSW Fees
A student from India approached Primus Solicitors just four days before his visa expired. Unsure about PSW fees and eligibility, he was about to delay the application.
We handled the case within 48 hours, ensured timely submission, and he received his visa in 6 weeks — without wasting money or facing a ban.
❓ FAQs About PSW Fees and the Graduate Route Visa
What are the current PSW fees for 2025?
The total is around £2,892, including the application and IHS fees.
Are the PSW fees refundable if my application is refused?
No, the UKVI does not usually refund PSW fees if an application is rejected.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
No, applications and PSW fees must be submitted from within the UK.
Can I bring dependants under PSW?
Yes — but only if they were already dependants under your student visa.
Will my work on PSW count toward ILR?
No. Time on this visa does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Can Primus Solicitors help reduce the chance of refusal?
Yes. We ensure your application is accurate, timely, and your PSW fees don’t go to waste.
What documents are needed when paying PSW fees?
You’ll need your passport, BRP, CAS number, proof of course completion, and UK address.
How can I book a legal consultation?
Visit our contact page or call us directly.
📞 Speak to an Immigration Solicitor Today
Paying PSW fees is only the first step. Doing it right ensures your future in the UK is protected.
We at Primus Solicitors Manchester provide end-to-end legal support for psw fees international students — from checking eligibility to submitting your application and securing a positive decision.
📍 Visit Us or Get in Touch:
Primus Solicitors Manchester
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
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