Graduate Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a Graduate visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a Graduate visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
£6,542 – £10,577
Mandatory UKVI fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Graduate
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Graduate application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,070 | £1,035/yr × 2 years. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,000 – £5,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Graduate
- 1
Complete an eligible course
Study in the UK for the minimum required duration while holding a valid Student visa.
- 2
Wait for course completion to be reported
Your university reports completion to the Home Office.
- 3
Apply online from inside the UK
Before your Student visa expires, paying the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
No job offer or sponsor is required for this route.
Typical processing time: Usually within 8 weeks of applying; a Priority Service can reduce this to around 5 working days for an extra fee.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport/travel document
- CAS reference number used in your Student visa application
- Written consent letter if a government/international scholarship covered your fees
- Evidence of current Student status (BRP/eVisa)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying after the Student visa has already expired
- Missing a required sponsor/scholarship consent letter
- Having previously used the Graduate Route (it can only be used once)
- Confusion over eligible course length/level rules
Sources: UKCISA — Graduate route
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £3,007 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £5,007 – £8,007 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £6,542 – £10,577 |
How to save money on your Graduate
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,000–£5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Graduate cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Graduate visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Graduate visa in 2026 ranges from about £5,007 to £10,577, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Graduate application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Graduate visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Graduate visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Graduate visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Graduate visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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