UK Graduate Visa Reduced to 18 Months from January 2027

The UK Government has officially confirmed an important change to the Graduate Visa route. The Graduate Visa will now have a maximum validity of 18 months instead of 2 years from 1 January 2027.

This change will primarily impact international students who are graduating with a valid bachelor’s and master’s from the UK. It is important for students intending to study in the UK to be aware of how the application date will affect their length of stay after their studies.

What is changing?

The length of the Graduate Visa will be based on when the application was made:

Applications received by 31 December 2026 will be granted a 2-year Graduate Visa.

Applications after 1 January 2027 will be granted a Graduate Visa for 18 months.

It is for most graduates who have a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree or other UK higher education courses that are eligible.

What about Ph graduates?

The reduction will not affect students, PhD graduates, or students with other doctoral qualifications.

All those eligible to receive their doctorate will continue to have a Graduate Visa that is valid for three years. The new 18-month length will therefore mainly be for those who graduate from their bachelor’s and master’s degree.

For the visas, which date will be used for the visa period?

The important date is the date on which the Graduate Visa application is submitted.

Applicant’s receipt of two years or 18 months is not directly dependent on the following dates:

• The date when the student enters the UK.
• Start date of the course
• The date the Student Visa has been issued.
• The university intake

An example of this is if a student finishes their eligible degree in 2026 and applies for the Graduate Visa application on or after 1 January 2027, they will be granted 18 months instead of 2 years.

Students who could be eligible before 31 December 2023 should take great care to check their Course completion date, Student Visa Visa Visa expiry date and the date when they are expected to be informed about their course completion by their University to the Home Office.

What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa is a new category of visa that enables those students who have completed an approved course in the UK to stay beyond graduation and undertake their next studies or employment in the country.

For the most part, during this time, students who have completed the coursework are able to:

• Work in most occupations
• Look for employment
• Change jobs
• Undertake voluntary work
• While considering possible long-term immigration options, remain in the UK as usual

You will also typically need to be in the UK at the time of your application to the Graduate Visa. They also need to have a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa, and pass a course at an approved education institution.

Is it possible for the Graduate Visa to be extended?

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. Upon expiration, the person needs to move out of the UK or become eligible for another immigration category.

Graduates will have opportunities to transfer to other paths as follows:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Family Visa
• Another eligible work or immigration pathway

It is not automatic to get another visa. Applicants will need to meet all the requirements of the route they have applied for, including sponsorship, salary, occupation, (where applicable) English-language or financial requirements.

Are relatives allowed to be dependants?

If a partner or child was an eligible dependent under the applicant’s Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa, they might be able to extend their stay as a dependent under the Graduate Visa.

In the majority of circumstances, they cannot be added to the main applicant via the Graduate route, except in exceptional situations, such as a child born in the UK during the time period.

All eligible family members are required to apply and pay their own visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge in separate applications.

The cost of an application for a Graduate Visa is £329.70.

The fees to be paid by Graduate Visa applicants are:

• Application fee for the visa in question
• If you have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge, this is for the period of your visa.

The total cost will vary with the length of visa – 18 months, 2 years or 3 years. The applicants are advised to verify the latest official fees before applying as UK immigration fees might vary.

What do the future generation of students in the UK need to think about?

The Graduate Visa is still a valuable post-study option, but there will be less time available for future students to find the right job following completion of their studies.

Pupils who are intending to study in the UK should:

• Choose a course that is related to a realistic career path
• Research the job market in the UK prior to selecting a programme
• Gain meaningful experience and skills in their field of study while in school
• Students should start to prepare for graduate level employment prior to the completion of the course.
• Have a clear understanding of what the Skilled Worker Visa is before applying.Be aware of the conditions of the Skilled Worker Visa before applying.
• Check if prospective employers have a licence to sponsor.Ensure prospective employers have a valid licence to sponsor.
• Don’t assume that a Graduate Visa will automatically be followed by permanent settlement.

The Graduate Visa is a short-term visa to immigration and does not directly result in settlement. But, if all requirements are met, time on a qualifying work route after switching can count towards settlement.

Final thoughts

International students have faced a major change in the UK with the Graduate Visa being shortened from two years to 18 months. The 2 year application period will be until 31 December 2026, and most applications from January 2027 will be given 18 months.

Three years will be provided to PhD and other doctorates.

Plans should be based on the anticipated date of the Graduate Visa application and students should plan for work well in advance of completing their studies.

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