The Complete Guide to UK Graduate Visa Costs & Eligibility for International Students

How Much Is a UK Post-Study Visa?

If you’re an international student in the UK and considering your options after graduation, one question likely comes to mind: “How much is the UK post-study visa?” The application fees for a UK post-study (graduate) visa are £822 and the IHS is £1,035 for each year.

The UK post-study work visa, officially called the Graduate Visa, is a popular pathway for non-UK citizens to extend their stay in the UK and gain valuable work experience. This article will break down all the important details you need to know about the UK post-study visa, including its cost, eligibility, what you can do with it, and other crucial aspects.

The cost of obtaining a UK post-study visa is essential for international students who want to continue living and working in the UK after completing their studies. Additionally, students must meet different types of post-study work visas and eligibility criteria before applying.

But first, let’s start with the basics:

What is the UK Post-Study Graduate Visa?

The UK Post-Study Visa, also known as the Graduate Visa or UK PSW, was introduced as a part of the UK’s efforts to retain talented international graduates. Dedicated to those who have studied in the country, this visa allows students who have completed a higher education degree in the UK to stay for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) and explore employment opportunities.

This new visa replaced the previous visa route, ensuring that graduates from UK institutions can embark on a career journey within the UK, or simply gain experience working here before returning to their home country or moving elsewhere.

Types of Post-study Work Visa in the UK

There are two primary categories of post-study work visas in the UK, depending on your eligibility and degree level:

1. Graduate Visa (UK PSW): This is the most common post-study visa for graduates of UK universities. It allows international students to stay for up to two years after completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or up to three years for Doctoral degree holders (PhD or other doctoral qualifications).
2. Skilled Worker Visa: While not directly a post-study visa, many students who secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer use the Skilled Worker Visa to extend their stay further after the Graduate Visa period expires. This visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to five years and can lead to permanent residency in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after that period.

For those who are not ready to leave the UK after their studies or want to enhance their employability by gaining work experience, both options are attractive.

Who Is Eligible for a UK Post-Study Work Visa?

The eligibility for the UK Graduate Visa is fairly straightforward. As long as you have completed your degree at a recognized UK institution, your eligibility is secure. Here are the primary requirements:

• You must have studied at a UK higher education provider that is approved by the government.
• You need to have completed an eligible qualification, which can include a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD, or other qualifying degree courses.
• You must have a valid Student Visa at the time of application.

Importantly, there is no need for a formal job offer when applying for the Graduate Visa, which makes it highly accessible to students who are still seeking employment after graduation.

How Many Years is a UK Post-Study Work Visa?

The length of time granted on your UK post-study work visa depends on the level of your degree:

• For Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders, the Graduate Visa allows you to stay for two years.
• For PhD holders or those with other doctoral-level qualifications, the visa permits staying in the UK for three years.

This flexibility is a great advantage for graduates, giving them a sufficient window to explore job opportunities without the rush of an immediate deadline. It’s often during this period that candidates secure roles that may allow for longer-term employment, such as sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

How Much Does a Post-Study Visa Cost in the UK?

How much is a UK post-graduate visa? That’s one of the most searched questions by international students planning their life in the UK after graduation. So, let’s look at the figures:

• The current fee for a Graduate Visais £822.
• Additionally, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which, for the Graduate Visa, is £1035 per year.

What You Can and Cannot Do with a UK Graduate Visa

Once you have a UK Graduate Visa, there are several things you’re permitted to do, along with some restrictions. Understanding both will help you plan your post-study career in the UK.

What You Can Do:

• Work in the UK at any skill level: You can apply for jobs in any profession without needing sponsorship from an employer. Whether you’re starting a career in your industry or taking up temporary employment, the options are open.
• Be self-employed: You don’t need employer sponsorship and can even start your own business or freelance.
• Study: You can enroll in further learning as long as it’s not a course that would require a Student Visa. For example, short-term certifications or online courses are allowed.

What You Cannot Do:

• Claim public benefits: Graduate Visa holders are not eligible for government public benefits or social security.
• Work as a professional sportsperson: Restrictions are in place for those looking to work as professional athletes or sports coaches.

Eligibility for UK Permanent Residency

For many international graduates, the long-term goal is to settle in the UK permanently. While the Graduate Visa does not directly offer permanent residency, it does provide the opportunity to build a career and apply for jobs that may lead to more long-term visa options, like the Skilled Worker Visa.

Once you switch to a Skilled Worker Visa and are employed for five continuous years, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), meaning permanent residency in the UK. ILR opens an array of pathways, including eventually applying for British citizenship.

Factors that help with ILR eligibility:

1. Proof of employment during the Skilled Worker Visa period
2. Meeting the salary threshold specified for that visa (meeting the general £38,700 per annum and also the general going rate for your job)
3. A clean legal record and adherence to UK visa rules
4. Proficiency in the English language

Once you’ve acquired ILR, the UK can truly become your new permanent home, with all the rights that come with permanent residency.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the UK post-study visa, with its attractive length and cost, presents an ideal solution for international students looking to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. How many years is the UK post-study work visa? As we’ve seen, it’s two years or three years depending on your degree level. For most students, the investment is well worth the cost of the UK post-study visa. By planning ahead and capitalizing on opportunities during that timeframe, many will be able to transition to a more stable visa route or even work towards permanent residency.

Whether you’re preparing to apply for a UK Graduate Visa or just starting your journey to study in the UK, this guide can help you navigate your options while keeping costs and benefits in mind.