Graduate visa cut to 18 months from 1 January 2027

If you're an international student hoping to stay in the UK after your course, there's a date worth knowing. From 1 January 2027, new Graduate visas will last 18 months instead of two years.

What's changing

The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK after you finish your course. At the moment it lasts two years. If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, it will last 18 months.

The key dates

• Apply on or before 31 December 2026: your visa lasts 2 years
• Apply on or after 1 January 2027: your visa lasts 18 months
• PhD or other doctoral qualification: your visa lasts 3 years either way

When you can apply

You can apply once your university or college has told the Home Office you've completed your course. You don't have to wait until your graduation ceremony or until you get your certificate. You must be in the UK when you apply, and you must apply before your Student visa expires.

So if your course ends around the new year, the date your university confirms you've finished could make a difference to how long your visa lasts.

What hasn't changed

• You still can't extend a Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
• The application fee is £937, plus the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year of your visa (as listed on gov.uk at the time of writing).

Where to check

Read the official details: gov.uk: Graduate visa