Graduate visas applied for from 1 January 2027 will last 18 months
Published Checked by Edward Owusu
At a glance
What changed
The Graduate visa will last 18 months instead of 2 years for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. The government says too many graduates are not moving into graduate-level jobs. Many Graduate visa holders later switch into Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker roles.
Who it affects
Students finishing an eligible UK course who apply for a Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, and their dependants.
When it starts
It applies to Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
What it does not change
Applications made on or before 31 December 2026 still get 2 years. People with a PhD or other doctoral qualification still get 3 years. The Graduate visa fee in the 8 October 2026 table is unchanged at £937.