United KingdomVisas and rules
UK Graduate visa shortens to 18 months for applications from January 2027
- Officially announced
- Oct 14, 2025
- Effective from
- Jan 1, 2027
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
Deadline in 69 daysDec 31, 2026
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People who have completed (or will complete) a bachelor's or master's course at a UK university and plan to apply for a Graduate visa, and people considering postgraduate study in the UK with plans to work there afterwards.
- Effective date
- Jan 1, 2027
- Deadline
- Dec 31, 2026
The UK Graduate visa gives 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to get 3 years. We are reminding readers because the end of the year is approaching.
gov.uk (external site)
What changed
The GOV.UK Graduate visa page says "2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026" and "18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027".
The explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes HC 1333 says PhD graduates are "continuing to receive three years of leave".
Who it applies to
- People who have completed (or will complete) a bachelor's or master's course at a UK university and plan to apply for a Graduate visa, and people considering postgraduate study in the UK with plans to work there afterwards.
When it applies
- Oct 14, 2025Officially announced
- Dec 31, 2026Deadline
- Jan 1, 2027Effective from
- Jan 1, 2027End date
Rules published on 14 October 2025 (HC 1333). Deadline for the 2-year period: applications on or before 31 December 2026. The 18-month period applies to applications on or after 1 January 2027.
Exceptions
These rules were published in October 2025 and are not a new announcement; we cover them because the deadline is near.
Show details
The Graduate visa is applied for from inside the UK, and you must meet conditions such as holding a valid Student visa and your university having reported your course completion.
Whether you can apply by 31 December depends on your completion date and when your university reports it. The application fee is GBP 937 (Home Office fees table of 8 October 2026).
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- Ask your university when your course ends and when it will report your completion to the Home Office.
- 2.
- Check the eligibility requirements and documents on the GOV.UK Graduate visa page.
- 3.
- Decide whether you can apply by 31 December and prepare early if needed.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
gov.uk (external site)
