Changes to the Graduate Route Visa

The UK Graduate Route post-study visa is changing.

As of 1 January 2027, new applications to the Graduate Route by Bachelors or Masters graduates will only be eligible for an 18 month post-study visa. PhD graduates aren’t affected and can still apply for a three-year visa. This only effects those whose Graduate Route visa applications are made on or after 1 January 2027.

Why is this happening?

This change was announced as part of the Immigration White Paper released in May 2025, but was made official in the statement of changes to the Immigrations Rules published on 14 October 2025.

The government said it would review post-study work opportunities, and this is one of the outcomes.

The new 18-month limit will apply to most international students completing an eligible UK Bachelors or Masters degree.

Who is not affected?

If you complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification, the good news is that your visa length won’t change. You’ll still receive three years of permission to stay and work in the UK under the Graduate Rroute, even after January 2027.

What about graduation dates?

If you’re finishing a January-start Masters course, you might be wondering whether you’ll be affected.

Most Masters programmes run for 12 months, which means a January 2026 intake would normally complete by early 2027 — just after the new rule comes into effect. That could mean your Graduate Rroute application falls under the new 18-month permission rule.

However, there may be edge cases, depending on when your course officially ends. Remember that your official course completion date (the date your university confirms you’ve met all requirements) is what matters — not your graduation ceremony date. So, if your university confirms completion before 1 January 2027, and you apply while your Student visa is still valid, you should still qualify for the current two-year Graduate Route.

If you’re unsure, check with your university’s international student team for clarification. They can confirm your official course end date and help you plan your application timing.

In summary

• Before 1 January 2027 → Graduate Route = 2 years (for Bachelors/Masters)
• On or after 1 January 2027 → Graduate Route = 18 months (for Bachelors/Masters)
• PhD/Doctorate → 3 years (no change)

These changes may affect when you choose to apply, so it’s worth planning ahead — especially if your course ends close to the start of 2027.