DISCOVERED FOR YOU · GOV.UK
Usually £3,007 for a two-year visa at current fee and surcharge rates
Deadline: 2026-12-31
GOV.UK states applications made by 31 December 2026 receive two years; from 1 January 2027 most Graduate visas last 18 months. Current fee is £937 plus £1,035 per year of healthcare surcharge.
The current GOV.UK page says a Graduate visa lasts two years if the application is made on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. You must be in the UK, hold Student or Tier 4 permission, have completed an eligible course, and have your education provider notify the Home Office before applying. You must apply before your current Student permission expires.
The official page lists a £937 application fee plus an Immigration Health Surcharge usually charged at £1,035 for each year of permission. That gives a usual two-year headline total of £3,007, matching your planning figure. Check the official cost calculator immediately before payment because fees and individual circumstances can change the exact amount.
The usual decision time is eight weeks after online application, identity proof and supporting documents. GOV.UK says you can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision after applying correctly. Do not wait until the final days: first confirm your university has reported course completion, check passport/identity documents and current visa expiry, then set aside the full fee. This route is not extendable, though switching to another route may be possible later if eligible.