UK Graduate Visa Duration Reduced to 18 Months from January 2027 | Explained

The UK Graduate Visa has long been a key pathway for international students who wish to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies in the United Kingdom. However, a major policy update will take effect starting January 1, 2027, and the UK Graduate Visa duration will be reduced from two years to 18 months for most graduates. This change reflects the UK government’s evolving immigration priorities and will affect students planning to study in the UK from 2027 onward.

What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The UK Graduate Visa enables international students to reside, work, or seek employment in the UK after completing a recognised degree, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral qualification, at a licensed UK higher education institution. It allows graduates to gain global work experience, build professional networks, and explore long-term career options in one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.

To qualify, applicants must already hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa and must apply from within the UK. The university or education provider must confirm to the Home Office that the student has completed their course before the visa can be granted.

The New Rule: 18-Month Post-Study Stay from January 2027

According to the updated guidance on the UK government’s website, international students who graduate on or after January 1, 2027, will be eligible for an 18-month post-study stay under the UK Graduate Visa, compared to the current two-year period.

However, students who complete their studies on or before December 31, 2026, will continue to benefit from the existing two-year post-study work window. PhD and other doctoral graduates are not affected by this change, as they will still be entitled to three years of post-study work permission under the Graduate Visa route.

This phased implementation gives current students and applicants a transition period to plan their studies and post-graduation pathways accordingly.

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Application Process and Fees

Applications for the UK Graduate Visa are made online and must be submitted before the applicant’s current visa expires. Students can apply as soon as their university or college confirms that they have completed their course, as they do not need to wait until the graduation ceremony or until their certificate is issued.

The application fee remains £880, and applicants must also pay an annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 for each year of stay. Graduates can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, which typically takes up to eight weeks after all verification steps are completed.

Partners and dependent children can also apply to stay under the same visa if they meet eligibility criteria. Graduates working in the health or social care sectors may consider applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers lower fees and an exemption from the health surcharge.

Work and Study Rights Under the Graduate Visa

Holders of the UK Graduate Visa enjoy wide-ranging work rights. They can:

• Work in most job sectors or be self-employed.
• Look for employment without restrictions on salary level or job type.
• Live in the UK with eligible family members.
• Travel freely in and out of the UK during the visa’s validity period.
• Take part in voluntary work with registered charities or organisations.

However, they cannot access public funds, claim state pensions, or work as professional sportspersons. If a graduate wishes to stay beyond the 18 months, they can transition to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if they meet the required qualifications and job offer criteria.

Implications for International Students

The decision to shorten the UK Graduate Visa duration from two years to 18 months will likely impact students planning long-term stays or career development in the UK. Future applicants, particularly those from countries like Nigeria, where the UK remains a top study destination, may need to plan their career transitions more strategically within the shortened post-study window.

For those graduating before 2027, the two-year allowance remains unchanged, which offers a unique advantage to current and near-term students. Meanwhile, the continued three-year stay for PhD holders underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to attracting high-level researchers and academic talent.

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The new 18-month UK Graduate Visa rule, effective from January 2027, marks a significant policy shift for international graduates. While it shortens the post-study stay for many, it still provides a valuable opportunity to gain UK work experience and explore future pathways, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

Prospective students should stay informed, plan, and align their academic and career goals with the evolving immigration landscape.

For those considering studying abroad, understanding these updates is essential — and Leaving Nigeria will continue to keep you informed about the latest visa and immigration developments that affect Nigerian students globally.