UK Graduate visa cut to 18 months from 2027: what it means
The UK Graduate visa lets international students stay and work in the UK after finishing a degree. GOV.UK now shows two different lengths, depending on when you apply.
What changes
- Apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 years (3 years for a PhD or other doctoral degree)
- Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months
Who is affected
Mostly students who finish their course in 2027 — for example one-year master's students who start in September 2026. You can apply for the Graduate visa only from inside the UK, while your Student visa is still valid and after your university has reported that you completed the course.
Costs to plan for
- Application fee: £937
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 for each year of the visa
What this means for your plans
- 18 months is still time to find a job and switch to a Skilled Worker visa — but start applying for jobs during your course, not after it.
- When you compare UK universities, check the course end date: it decides when you can apply.
- Budget for the Graduate visa fee and health surcharge together with your last term's costs.
Rules can change again. Always check GOV.UK before you apply — the decision is always the Home Office's.
Planning a UK master's? See our UK student visa guide for funds, fees and documents.