The stress every international student goes through when applying to study in foreign countries such as the UK, the US, and Canada, among others, cannot be overemphasized. After completing their studies, international students in the UK are on the lookout for the UK PSW visa fee for dependents and the process involved.
Every international student on a UK graduate visa can work for about two years after completing their studies in the UK. Students can only work 20 hours per week during these years, but their dependents can work as many hours as possible. Moreover, the UK graduate visa lasts for two years for students with a master’s degree and three years for PhD or other post-doctoral qualification on a post study work visa.
NOTE: You must be in the UK and have completed your studies before applying for this visa.
The above information is probably the least of your problems. If your concern is about the UK PSW visa fee for dependents, you don’t need to sweat over it. We have researched the Post-study work Visa cost for dependents, who can apply for the PSW visa, the required relationship and documents to apply for the PSW visa (post study work visa), the eligibility criteria, and the UK dependents visa processing time, among other things.
In this post, your concern and quest should be answered. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of this post. When you are done reading, you should be relieved about the process involved, why your UK PSW dependent visa may be rejected, and how to avoid such rejection.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Guide to UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent in 2024
Overview of PSW and Dependant Visa
Who Can Apply for the UK PSW Dependant Visa
Relationship Requirement for PSW Dependant Visa
Required Document for PSW Dependant Visa
Eligibility Criteria for PSW Dependant Visa
The UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
Additional Fees and Costs on the UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
When and How to Apply for PSW Visa for Dependants
The UK PSW Dependant’s Visa Processing Time
FAQs on the UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
Overview of PSW and Dependant Visa
About 70% of UK international students seek a post study work visa (PSW Visa) and wish for a better future before and after completing their studies. This has led them to research ways their dependents can extend their visa beyond the graduate dependent visa.
The PSW visa is an acronym for Post Study Work visa. It is given to international students who studied in the UK for a master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral program. The visa allows international students to stay for at least two (2) years for a master’s graduate and three (3) years for a PhD or postdoctoral degree holder once they meet up with the UK visa requirements.
However, dependent visas are sometimes restricted to the families of international students in the UK. Meanwhile, a dependent visa covers the family of every immigrant working or studying in the UK. This visa helps the family reunite and continue their love abroad.
The PSW dependent visa helps immediate family members such as the spouse, unmarried partner, and children work or study without restrictions and with a tendency to extend. The visa also gives every dependent access to public services such as the National Health Services (NHS). The visa helps families reunite and build their future together in the UK.
With the aid of a PSW dependent visa, the source of livelihood becomes exceedingly easy and simple because the parties involved tend to work towards the common goal (making a living in the UK better and more comfortable). The parties may choose to stay in the UK for the slated duration on their visa, switch to other visa categories, and enjoy the same rights as citizens regarding healthcare surcharge and other social amenities.
Some people may not put more effort into applying for the PSW dependent visa because they think a family member coming on board in a foreign country may be a liability plan or more costly than ever. To some reasonable extent, you are right, but the visa has some benefits, some of which are listed below:
• Allows family members to bring their spouse, partner, and children.
• Allows dependents to work or study in the UK without restrictions.
• Allows for indefinite leave to remain for dependants.
• Allows access to public services, including the National Health Service.
• Allows dependants to contribute to household income and enrich professional experiences.
• Allows dependants to stay for the duration of the visa.
• Allows dependants to switch to other visa categories.
• Provides equal rights to education as the primary visa holder.
Who Can Apply for the UK PSW Dependant Visa
The saying “what you don’t know, you can’t flex muscle against” cannot be less accurate in visa applications. You are covered if you doubt your dependent eligibility for a PSW visa. This article section will discuss who is eligible for a UK-dependent visa.
The Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows different dependents to join their partner or family studying in the UK. These dependents include spouses (married or unmarried partners), children under or above 18 years old, other adult dependents like parents, uncles, aunts etc, siblings, and any other relative with evidence to prove.
Dependents Description of the Dependents
Spouses or Partners They must be legally married or in a valid partnership.
Children under 18 They must be your biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
Children 18 and above They must be dependent on you financially.
Adult Dependents They may include siblings, parents, or other relatives.
Other family members They must live with you and require your support.
People who are married or in a perfect relationship with the potential of leading to marriage or both parties agreed to have an unmarried partner certificate are eligible to apply for the PSW dependent visa. This will enable them to manage and maintain the relationship and pursue their career in the UK.
However, children are also eligible to apply for a post-study work visa with a clause that these children should be either biological, adopted, or stepchildren with proof that the parent can financially support them. The children’s well-being and welfare should be the utmost priority of the parent(s). This applies to children under and above 18 years old. Furthermore, dependent adults such as parents, siblings, and relatives may apply for a PSW dependent visa.
Other eligible adult dependents may include parents, siblings, or relatives who rely on you financially. This category consists of those who might have depended on you before moving to the UK, ensuring that family support remains intact.
Now, you understand who can apply for the PSW Depend visa. Some factors could make the UK government reject your eligible candidates’ PSW Depend visa. This could happen if the visa applicant do not meet the requirement(s) during the application process. One of the requirements includes proof of relationship and the fact that you can support them financially while staying in the UK.
Also, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may request additional document(s) for verification. These documents may include the dependent’s Identity, age, and relationship with you. If the visa applicant cannot submit any of the information requested by the UKVI, the visa may be delayed or rejected.
With the above information, there are exceptions or special situations where those requirements may not be considered. One such exception is when children over 18 years old are eligible for a dependent visa in the UK, provided they were enrolled on the student visa before applying for the PSW dependent visa.
Relationship Requirement for PSW Dependant Visa
As an applicant for a Dependent Visa under the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) scheme, you must show a certificate for a genuine relationship. This will demonstrate that the visa applicant is in an undoubted relationship with the principal applicant.
The UK Home Office explicitly emphasizes the authenticity of your relationship, whether you are a partner, spouse, or child of the primary visa holder. The following are some requirements you must fulfill before you are considered for a PSW visa:
Acceptable Evidence and Documentation
When validating your relationship, you must gather evidence like bank statements, utility bills, and photographs. These documents show the authenticity of your relationship and reinforce your claims to immigration authorities.
However, personal pictures, travel itineraries, and correspondence also serve as evidence of the continuity of your relationship. This evidence solidifies your application and showcases your commitment to each other.
Interviews and Their Importance
After you have provided your required documents or prepared them, the next step is to prepare for an interview, which is one of the criteria during the visa application process. The UKVI may interview to ascertain whether the visa applicant meets the requirements for a PSW dependent visa through marriage or relationship.
However, an interview allows you to show or explain how you met your partner and how beautiful your relationship has become. This also gives you the chance to address any or all potential doubts. Furthermore, it is pertinent to be open and honest during the interview because the information you provide can influence the outcome of your application.
Required Document for PSW Dependant Visa
Suppose you have been considering getting a PSW dependent visa for any family working in the UK. In that case, you must know the required document to present before your application can be considered. The following are the required documents for a dependent visa:
- A passport
- Certificate: marriage, spouse, or birth certificate.
- Proof of funds for the applicant (bank statement of account).
- Proof of relationship with the primary applicant.
- Tuberculosis test result (if required).
- Background check record; result of criminal record (if required).
Note: this is not the comprehensive list of the required documents to apply for a UK PSW dependent visa.
Now that you’re preparing to apply for a UK PSW Dependent Visa, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents to support your application.
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Eligibility Criteria for PSW Dependant Visa
When you search endlessly for the eligibility criteria to apply for the PSW dependent visa, you may encounter different criteria that can be misleading. You don’t need to stress yourself out when researching when we have done the research for you.
The PSW dependent visa eligibility criteria differ depending on the relationship status with the main applicant. This section will demystify the requirements for each relationship.
UK PSW Dependent Visa Eligibility Criteria For Partners
Little do people know that partners can qualify as dependents under the PSW visa if they have previously received the dependent visa under the main visa holder’s Student visa. Proof of the continuing relationship is mandatory.
Eligibility for partners is based on three main scenarios: marriage or civil partnership, cohabitation, or long-distance relationships. You must provide documentary evidence to support your relationship status, such as joint bank statements, communication records, financial requirements support documents, and photos or travel records of times spent together.
UK PSW Dependent Visa Eligibility Criteria for Child
Visa applicants with children should note that children applying as dependents under the PSW visa must meet specific criteria based on their living situation and age. The child should live with you unless they are away for full-time education, like boarding school or university.
Visa applicants must provide documentation verifying the child’s address, such as bank statements, credit card bills, a driving license, NHS registration documents, or official letters from their educational institution. Additionally, children under 18 must have been previously granted the dependent visa on the primary visa holder’s Student visa unless they were born in the UK.
The UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
Many individuals preparing to apply for a PSW-dependent visa are unaware of the various fees involved in the process. To have a successful application, you must plan ahead. However, one major plan is to know the UK PSW visa fee for dependents. The following are the fees attached to the UK dependent visa.
UK Graduate Dependent Visa Fees
Visas for dependents under the graduate route come with specific fees you must know. These fees cover the administrative costs of processing the visa application by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Visa Application Fee
For each dependent applicant, visa applications for dependents under the graduate route incur a fee of £822. This fee is payable at the time of application submission and covers the administrative costs of processing the visa application.
Visa application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. To avoid potential issues, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and provide all required documents.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Every applicant applying for the PSW-dependent visa must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £ 2,070 for a two-year graduate visa and £3,105 for a three-year graduate visa. This health surcharge covers all the applicant’s healthcare charges for at least a year.
Additional Fees and Costs on the UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
For dependents applying for a UK Graduate dependent Visa, there are additional fees and costs to consider beyond the primary visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Additional Fees For The UK Graduate Dependent Visa
Assuming you plan to apply for a graduate-dependent Visa, you should be aware of potential additional fees, such as biometric fees, translation and certification costs, and legal advice and representation fees.
Factors Affecting the Total Cost
If you’re planning to apply for a Graduate dependent Visa, several factors can affect the total cost of your application.
- The duration of your stay in the UK affects the IHS fee.
- The type of documents you need to translate or certify affects translation and certification costs.
- The complexity of your application may require additional legal advice and representation fees.
- After considering these factors, you can better plan your finances and budget for the additional fees and costs associated with your Graduate Dependent Visa application.
Costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to consider these additional expenses when planning your application.
When and How to Apply for PSW Visa for Dependants
Your application process starts when you register for an account on the UK government website and fill out the online application form. When creating an account with the UK government through their website, you must provide all the necessary information, which must be accurate, if you don’t want your application to be delayed or have a problem.
The application process for the PSW visa for dependents can be stressful and confusing, but if you want to have a smooth and successful application process, you must follow the steps below:
- Apply online and submit the required documents
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application center
- Wait for the decision on your application
The UK PSW Dependant’s Visa Processing Time
Not knowing what to expect during the processing of your dependent visa application can be stressful. Understanding the average processing time and factors that may affect it can help you plan better.
Average Processing Time
To give you a general idea, the average processing time for a dependent visa application is around 3-6 months. However, the processing time vary depending various factors that may applied individual application. These factors may include the complexity of your application, the workload of the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) office, and the time of year.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
There are quite different factor that may affect your PSW dependent visa application and its processing time. If you want to have a smooth and seamless PSW visa application process, you must understand which factor is liable to delay your application.
Knowing the factors affecting the PSW dependent visa application and its processing time will help you avoid any form of delay on your PSW visa application. some of these factors include:
- The accuracy and completeness of your application and supporting documents
- The workload of the UKVI office and the number of applications they are processing at the time
- Any additional documentation or information required by the UKVI
- The time of year and peak application periods
Knowing the factors that may affect the processing time can help you prepare and plan accordingly.
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the UKVI office. Assuming you are required to present additional information, that condition may extend your application process. However, if you are not able to present those information, it may stall your application process.
Please note: if you have an accurate and complete PSW dependent visa application process, and you follow all the instructions and guide in this article, your visa may be processed quickly than other applicants.
Tracking Your Application
One way to stay informed about the progress of your dependent visa application is to track it online. You can do this by creating an account on the UKVI website and using your application number to track the status of your application.
Dependent visa applicants can also use the UKVI’s processing times tool to get an estimate of how long their application may take. This tool provides an estimated processing time based on the type of application and the UKVI office handling it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding the UK PSW visa fee for dependents is crucial for a successful application. You now know the eligibility criteria, application process, and associated fees, including the visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and potential additional costs. By being aware of these requirements, you can better prepare your application and ensure a smoother process for your dependents to join you in the UK.
FAQs on the UK PSW Visa Fee for Dependent
How much does applying for a UK Graduate Dependent Visa cost?
The application cost for a Graduate Dependent Visa is £822 for each dependent applicant under the graduate route. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year. The total IHS fee depends on the duration of the visa granted, which can be either 2 years (£2,070) or 3 years (£3,105).
Can children over 18 be included as dependents on a PSW Dependent Visa?
Children over 18 can be included as dependents if they were previously granted dependent status on the main applicant’s student visa. They must not be married or have children and should be financially supported by the main applicant.
What are the additional fees associated with applying for a UK Graduate Dependent Visa?
Apart from the primary visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), applicants may need to pay additional fees such as biometric fees, translation and certification costs, and legal advice and representation fees. These fees can vary depending on the service provider and the complexity of the application.