UK Graduate Visa Drops to 18 Months From 1 January 2027

What is changing

Who	Apply before 1 Jan 2027	Apply from 1 Jan 2027
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates	2 years	18 months
PhD and other doctoral graduates	3 years	3 years (no change)

What counts is the date you apply, not the date you finish your course. You can only apply once your university has told the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course, and while your Student visa is still valid.

A possible return to 2 years for some universities

In its October 2026 Budget, the UK government said it plans to give 2 years again to graduates of “high-compliance” universities with strong graduate job outcomes. The criteria, the list of universities and the start date have not been published yet. Until they are, plan on 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027.

What stays the same

You do not need a job offer or an employer sponsor.
You can work in most jobs, look for work, or be self-employed.
You apply from inside the UK, after completing your course on a Student visa.

Switching to a Skilled Worker visa? The English level is higher now

Since 8 January 2026, first-time Skilled Worker applicants, including people switching from a Student or Graduate visa, must show English at B2 level (up from B1). If you plan to stay on through work, check that your English evidence meets B2 before you apply.

What this means for students from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Finishing in late 2026? Ask your university when it will report your completion. If you can apply before 31 December 2026, you keep 2 years.
Starting a UK course in 2026 or 2027? Budget for 18 months of post-study work unless your university is later confirmed for the 2-year option.
Comparing countries? Weigh post-study work time alongside fees and living costs. Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa, for example, gives 2 years for most bachelor’s and coursework master’s graduates.

Common questions

I finish my master’s in December 2026. Do I get 2 years?

Only if you apply before 1 January 2027. You can apply once your university has reported that you completed the course, so ask them about timing early.

Do PhD graduates lose time too?

No. Doctoral graduates still get 3 years.

Which universities will get the 2-year option back?

The government has not published the criteria or the list yet. We will update this page when it does.

Do I need a job offer for the Graduate visa?

No. The Graduate visa does not need a sponsor or a job offer.

Sources

Checked 6 Nov 2026. General information only, not legal or migration advice. Rules change often, so check the official source before you act. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a visa.