1. What is the PSW Visa in the UK?
The Post Study Work (PSW) visa, officially known as the Graduate Route visa, allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates). The PSW visa is a popular option for students who wish to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies, offering a chance to explore job opportunities and settle into the UK labor market.
To apply for the Graduate Route visa, applicants need to pay the visa fees and meet specific eligibility requirements, including having successfully completed a degree at a recognized UK higher education institution.
2. PSW Visa Fees in the UK
As of 2024, the PSW visa fee for international graduates applying under the Graduate Route is £715. This fee covers the cost of processing your visa application and is payable at the time of submission. It’s important to note that this is the standard fee, and it may vary slightly depending on where you apply from (within the UK or outside).
The visa fee is a non-refundable charge, so it’s crucial to ensure your application meets all the necessary criteria before applying to avoid losing the payment if your visa is rejected.
3. Immigration Health Surcharge for PSW Visa Applicants
In addition to the PSW visa fee, international graduates applying for the Graduate Route must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
The IHS for the Graduate Route is charged at £624 per year. For applicants staying for two years, the total IHS payment will be £1,248. For PhD graduates, who are eligible to stay for three years, the IHS payment will be £1,872.
The IHS must be paid upfront when applying for the visa, and it covers most healthcare services, except for certain services such as dental and optical care.
4. Total Cost of Applying for the PSW Visa in the UK
To calculate the total cost of applying for the PSW visa, applicants should consider both the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Here’s the breakdown:
- Graduate Route visa fee: £715.
- IHS for two years: £1,248.
- Total for two-year visa: £1,963.
For PhD graduates:
- Graduate Route visa fee: £715.
- IHS for three years: £1,872.
- Total for three-year visa: £2,587.
These are the core fees, but applicants should also factor in additional costs such as biometric enrollment, document translation (if applicable), and potential legal or professional advice if needed.
5. Biometric Enrollment Fees for PSW Visa Applicants
As part of the PSW visa application process, you will be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph). This is usually done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
The biometric enrollment fee is £19.20, which is paid when you book your biometric appointment. It is a standard requirement for all visa applicants in the UK.
For applicants applying from outside the UK, the biometric fee may vary depending on the country and the visa application center you use.
6. Additional Costs Associated with the PSW Visa
Beyond the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, there are a few additional costs that PSW visa applicants should be aware of:
- Document translation: If any of your documents (e.g., transcripts or degrees) are not in English, you may need to have them officially translated. Translation costs can range from £20 to £100 per document, depending on the provider.
- Legal or professional advice: If you choose to seek assistance from an immigration lawyer or visa consultant, this could add several hundred pounds to your application process, though it is not mandatory.
- Travel expenses: If you need to travel to a visa application center for biometrics or interviews, you should factor in the cost of travel.
It’s important to budget for these extra expenses to ensure a smooth application process.
7. Can the PSW Visa Fee be Refunded?
Unfortunately, the PSW visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Once you pay the visa fee and submit your application, you cannot claim it back, regardless of the outcome. This is why it’s crucial to carefully prepare your application and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
However, if you withdraw your application before it’s processed, you may be eligible for a refund, depending on the stage at which you cancel your application.
8. Payment Methods for PSW Visa Fees
When applying for the Graduate Route visa, applicants can pay the PSW visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge online via:
- Credit or debit card: Most major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are accepted.
- Bank transfer: Depending on your location, you may also have the option to make a bank transfer.
- Other online payment methods: In some cases, payment via services like PayPal or Google Pay may be accepted.
Be sure to keep a record of your payment confirmation as proof that the fees were paid when submitting your application.
9. Are There Any Discounts or Fee Waivers for the PSW Visa?
Currently, there are no discounts or fee waivers for the PSW visa (Graduate Route) fees. All applicants are required to pay the full visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge to be eligible for the visa. However, some students on scholarships or government-sponsored programs may have specific agreements or exemptions, but this is rare and highly case-specific.
It’s always a good idea to check with your university or scholarship provider to see if any support is available for covering visa costs.
10. What Happens If Your PSW Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your PSW visa application is rejected, you will not receive a refund of the visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge. In case of rejection, you have two main options:
- Reapply: If your visa was rejected due to missing documentation or errors, you may be able to reapply after addressing the issues. However, this means paying the visa fees again.
- Appeal: In some cases, you may have the right to appeal the decision, although this is rare for visa rejections. It’s essential to seek professional advice before starting an appeal process.
Ensuring that your application is complete and accurate the first time can help prevent rejections and avoid additional costs.
Conclusion
The PSW visa fees in the UK include the visa application fee of £715 and the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 per year, resulting in a total cost of £1,963 for a two-year visa. For PhD graduates, the total fee is £2,587 for a three-year stay. Understanding these costs and additional expenses, such as biometric enrollment and document translation, is essential for international graduates planning to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies. Preparing a strong, complete application ensures the best chance of success and avoids unnecessary fees from reapplication.