For most eligible international graduates, the post-study stay will reduce from 2 years to 18 months for Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
However, graduates who complete a PhD or another doctoral qualification will continue to receive a 3-year Graduate visa.
If you are planning to study in the UK, understanding this change can help you plan your studies and career more effectively.
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa allows eligible international students to stay in the UK after successfully completing an eligible course.
It gives graduates time to work, look for work or gain professional experience in the UK.
The visa is generally available to students who have successfully completed an eligible course while holding the required Student visa or other relevant permission.
The Graduate visa is a post-study work route. It is separate from the Student visa and is designed for eligible graduates who want to remain in the UK after their studies.
What Is Changing From 2027?
The main change is the length of permission granted under the Graduate route.
If you apply on or before 31 December 2026
Eligible graduates who apply for the Graduate visa on or before 31 December 2026 can generally receive:
2 years of permission
If you apply on or after 1 January 2027
Eligible graduates applying on or after 1 January 2027 will generally receive:
18 months of permission
PhD and doctoral graduates
There is an important exception.
If you have successfully completed a PhD or another doctoral qualification, you can continue to receive:
3 years of Graduate visa permission
The UK Government has confirmed that the 18-month change applies to applications submitted from 1 January 2027, while doctoral graduates continue to receive three years.
UK Graduate Visa: Before and After 2027
| Graduate category | Application on or before 31 Dec 2026 | Application on or after 1 Jan 2027 |
| Eligible non-doctoral graduate | 2 years | 18 months |
| PhD/doctoral graduate | 3 years | 3 years |
The key point is that the Graduate visa application date determines whether the 2-year or 18-month period applies to eligible non-doctoral graduates.
Is the UK Graduate Visa Being Removed?
No.
The Graduate visa is not being removed.
The confirmed change is the reduction in the length of the visa for most eligible non-doctoral graduates.
The Graduate route will continue to be available to people who meet its requirements.
Who Will Be Affected by the 2027 Change?
The shorter 18-month period will apply to eligible graduates who apply for the Graduate visa from 1 January 2027 and who do not qualify for the three-year doctoral period.
This can include eligible graduates who have completed qualifying bachelor’s or master’s-level courses.
The exact eligibility requirements still need to be met, including completing an eligible course and satisfying the other Graduate route requirements.
Therefore, students should not assume that simply completing a UK degree automatically guarantees a Graduate visa.
What If I Start My Course in 2026?
Starting your course in 2026 does not automatically mean that you will receive a two-year Graduate visa.
For the duration change, the important factor is the date you apply for the Graduate visa.
For example:
Example 1
A student completes an eligible course and applies for the Graduate visa on 20 December 2026.
If eligible, the student can generally receive 2 years.
Example 2
A student completes an eligible course and applies for the Graduate visa on 10 January 2027.
If eligible and the student does not have a doctoral qualification, the student will generally receive 18 months.
This is why students planning their UK education should consider the new timeline when making long-term career plans.
Can Graduate Visa Holders Work in the UK?
Yes.
The Graduate visa allows eligible holders to work in the UK, including in most jobs.
It can also allow graduates to look for work and gain professional experience after completing their studies.
However, the Graduate visa does not guarantee employment. Students are responsible for finding suitable work or other opportunities during their permission period.
Can You Switch From a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Graduate visa cannot be extended.
However, a Graduate visa holder may be able to switch to another eligible immigration route, such as the Skilled Worker route, if they meet all the requirements for that route.
This can include requirements relating to the job, employer, sponsorship and salary.
The Skilled Worker requirements can change, so graduates should check the latest GOV.UK rules before applying.
What Should International Students Do Now?
The reduction from two years to 18 months means that career planning may become even more important for graduates applying from 2027.
Here are some practical steps students can consider.
1. Start Career Planning Early
Do not wait until graduation to think about your career.
Research industries, employers and job opportunities while you are studying.
2. Build Relevant Experience
Internships, placements, projects and other relevant experience can help strengthen your CV.
3. Develop Your Professional Network
Connect with employers, university career teams and professionals in your field.
4. Understand Your Long-Term Visa Options
If you want to stay in the UK beyond the Graduate visa, research which immigration routes you may be eligible for.
For some graduates, the Skilled Worker route may be an option if they meet its requirements.
5. Check Official Rules Before Applying
UK immigration rules can change.
Always check the latest information on GOV.UK before making an immigration application.
What About PhD Students?
PhD and other doctoral graduates are treated differently under the Graduate route.
The 2027 change does not reduce their Graduate visa period to 18 months.
Eligible doctoral graduates continue to receive 3 years of permission.
Can Graduate Visa Holders Bring Dependants?
Dependants are subject to specific rules.
A partner or child who already has permission as a dependant may be able to apply to remain as a dependant of a Graduate visa holder, subject to the relevant requirements.
However, new dependants generally cannot simply join a Graduate visa holder under the route. There are specific exceptions, including certain children born in the UK.
Because dependant eligibility depends on individual circumstances, students should check the current GOV.UK guidance before making plans.
How Much Does the Graduate Visa Cost?
The cost depends on the length of permission granted.
The current GOV.UK fee information lists:
- £937 Graduate visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge is also payable
- The healthcare surcharge is calculated according to the period of permission
For the current published figures, GOV.UK lists the healthcare surcharge at £1,152.50 for an 18-month Graduate visa, £2,070 for 2 years, and £3,105 for 3 years.
Because visa fees and surcharges can change, students should check the official GOV.UK fee page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UK Graduate visa ending in 2027?
No. The Graduate visa is continuing. The main confirmed change is that the duration for most eligible non-doctoral graduates will reduce from two years to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027.
2. When does the 18-month Graduate visa start?
The 18-month period applies to eligible non-doctoral Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
3. Will PhD graduates also get 18 months?
No. Eligible graduates who have completed a PhD or another doctoral qualification continue to receive 3 years.
4. Will master’s graduates get two years after 2027?
Generally, no. An eligible non-doctoral graduate applying for the Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027 will generally receive 18 months rather than two years.
5. Can I work on a Graduate visa?
Yes. The Graduate visa allows eligible graduates to work in the UK,
The Graduate visa itself is not a guarantee of settlement or permanent residence. If you want to stay in the UK after it expires, you will need to qualify for another immigration route.
Final Takeaway for International Students
The UK Graduate visa is not ending in 2027.
The major change is its duration.
From 1 January 2027, most eligible non-doctoral graduates applying for the Graduate visa will receive 18 months instead of 2 years.
For eligible PhD and other doctoral graduates, the period remains 3 years.
For students planning to study in the UK, this means career planning should start early. Building relevant experience, understanding potential work routes and keeping up with immigration rules can help you make informed decisions about your future.
At Growmore Global, we believe students should make study-abroad decisions based on clear and current information. If you are planning to study in the UK, make sure you understand both your study options and the immigration rules that may apply after graduation.
Important Note
Information in this article is based on UK Government guidance and Immigration Rules available as of September 2026. UK immigration rules, fees and requirements can change. Students should check the latest information on GOV.UK before making any visa or immigration application.
Official Sources
- GOV.UK – Graduate visa: Official Graduate Visa Guidance
- GOV.UK – Immigration Rules, Appendix Graduate: Official Immigration Rules – Appendix Graduate
- GOV.UK – Graduate Visa Caseworker Guidance: Official Graduate Caseworker Guidance
- GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa: Official Skilled Worker Visa Guidance