Archive · 18 Jul 2026
UK Reduces Graduate Visa Duration
The UK government has decided to shorten the time international students can stay after finishing their studies.
Starting in 2027, students will get a visa to stay and work in the UK for 18 months instead of 2 years.
This change affects students who apply after December 31, 2026.
Students who apply before that date will still get a 2-year visa.
Students with a PhD or similar qualification will still get a 3-year visa.
The visa allows students to work, look for jobs, or start their own business, but they cannot access public funds or work as professional athletes.
Students need to apply before their current visa expires and pay a fee and health surcharge.
The government processes most applications within 8 weeks.
UK Graduate Route visa duration reduced to 18 months from January 2027.
Students applying by December 31, 2026, still receive a 2-year visa.
PhD holders continue to receive a 3-year Graduate visa.
Visa holders can work, search for jobs, or become self-employed.
Application fee is £937 plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
- Who
- International students in the UK
- What
- Reduction of Graduate Route visa duration from 2 years to 18 months
- When
- Starting January 1, 2027
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- Government policy change to balance student benefits and immigration control
Students' Perspective
Government's Perspective
Visa Duration Reduction
Students' Perspective
Students express concern over reduced work opportunities due to the shorter visa duration.
Government's Perspective
The government aims to balance international student benefits with immigration control.
Impact on Career Prospects
Students' Perspective
Students worry about limited time to secure long-term employment in the UK.
Government's Perspective
The government encourages students to transition to other visa categories for long-term work.
- Visa Duration
- 18 months (from January 2027), 2 years (until December 2026)
- Application Fee
- £937
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- £1,035 per year
- Processing Time
- 8 weeks
- Eligibility
- Students with valid Student visa, completed eligible course