UK to Shorten Post-Study Work Visa from Two Years to 18 Months in 2027
LONDON — The UK's Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to remain and work in Britain after finishing a degree, will be shortened from two years to 18 months for applications made on or after January 1, 2027. PhD graduates will keep their current three-year allowance.
Students who complete their degree and secure their visa before the end of 2026 will still receive the full two-year period, making the current academic year a key planning window for those hoping to maximize post-study work time. The Graduate Route does not require a job offer or sponsor and does not by itself count toward permanent settlement, though it can serve as a bridge into the Skilled Worker visa.
Universities have warned the shortened window could make the UK less competitive against destinations offering longer post-study stays, while the government argues the change better aligns graduate outcomes with the domestic labour market.
