UK Graduate Visa Shortens to 18 Months from 1 January 2027
September 2026. United Kingdom. With three months to go, GOV.UK confirms that the Graduate visa for bachelor’s and master’s graduates falls from 2 years to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
Table of Contents
Key points
- Apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 years.
- Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months.
- PhD and other doctoral graduates: 3 years.
- Fee: £937, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What it means for you
If you are finishing a UK degree this autumn and are eligible, check whether you can apply before the change. Note that you can only apply after your university has reported that you completed your course. See our UK guide.
Graduate visa: am I affected?
- You finish a bachelor’s or master’s and apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 years.
- You apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months, unless the rules change again.
- You are finishing a PhD or other doctorate: 3 years, unchanged.
Graduate visa checklist
- Confirm your university has reported to the Home Office that you completed your course.
- Apply from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid.
- Budget for the £937 fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Check whether your course end date gives you time to apply before 1 January 2027.
Planning after the Graduate visa
Eighteen months is less time to find a job and move to a Skilled Worker visa. Start applying for jobs in your final term, and check early whether the employers you target hold a sponsor licence.
Sources
News summary published 28 September 2026. Policies can change quickly after publication. Check the linked sources for the latest position. This is general information, not legal advice.
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