International students graduating from UK universities after January 1, 2027, will be eligible for only 18 months of post-study stay under the Graduate visa, instead of the existing two-year period. The revised timeline has been reflected in the official guidance on the UK government website, confirming the new duration for future applicants.
Those applying for the visa on or before December 31, 2026, will continue to receive the current two-year stay. Holders of PhD or other doctoral qualifications will remain eligible for three years of post-study work permission.
Graduate visa: Eligibility and stay conditions
The Graduate visa provides international students an opportunity to live and work in the UK after completing a recognised degree, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral qualification. Applicants must already hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa and must apply from within the UK.
Eligibility requires that the applicant’s education provider confirms successful course completion to the Home Office. The visa begins from the date of approval and cannot be extended. Graduates who wish to stay longer may apply for another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the criteria.
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Application process and cost details
Applications for the Graduate visa are made online and must be submitted before the applicant’s current visa expires. Students can apply once their university or college has confirmed that they have successfully completed their course. They do not need to wait until the graduation ceremony or the physical certificate is issued.
The application fee stands at £880, and the annual healthcare surcharge is £1,035 for each year of stay. Applicants can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, which usually takes up to eight weeks after completing identity verification and document submission.
Partners and dependent children can also apply to stay in the UK if they meet the eligibility requirements. Those working in health or adult social care may check if they qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, which has a lower fee and waives the health surcharge.
Work and study rights under the Graduate visa
Graduate visa holders can work in most jobs, look for employment, or be self-employed. They may continue living in the UK with eligible family members and travel abroad freely during their visa period. Voluntary work is allowed if it is unpaid and done with a registered charity, voluntary organisation, or statutory body.
The visa, however, does not permit access to public funds, state pensions, or employment as a professional sportsperson.
Students planning further studies in the UK must ensure that their chosen course does not require a Student visa. If it does, they must apply for an extension under the Student route instead.
The shorter 18-month post-study period, effective from January 2027, applies only to future applicants. Those completing eligible courses before the end of 2026 will continue under the existing two-year arrangement, maintaining a transition window for current students in the UK.
Those applying for the visa on or before December 31, 2026, will continue to receive the current two-year stay. Holders of PhD or other doctoral qualifications will remain eligible for three years of post-study work permission.
Graduate visa: Eligibility and stay conditions
The Graduate visa provides international students an opportunity to live and work in the UK after completing a recognised degree, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral qualification. Applicants must already hold a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) visa and must apply from within the UK.Eligibility requires that the applicant’s education provider confirms successful course completion to the Home Office. The visa begins from the date of approval and cannot be extended. Graduates who wish to stay longer may apply for another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the criteria.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Application process and cost details
Applications for the Graduate visa are made online and must be submitted before the applicant’s current visa expires. Students can apply once their university or college has confirmed that they have successfully completed their course. They do not need to wait until the graduation ceremony or the physical certificate is issued.The application fee stands at £880, and the annual healthcare surcharge is £1,035 for each year of stay. Applicants can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision, which usually takes up to eight weeks after completing identity verification and document submission.
Partners and dependent children can also apply to stay in the UK if they meet the eligibility requirements. Those working in health or adult social care may check if they qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, which has a lower fee and waives the health surcharge.
Work and study rights under the Graduate visa
Graduate visa holders can work in most jobs, look for employment, or be self-employed. They may continue living in the UK with eligible family members and travel abroad freely during their visa period. Voluntary work is allowed if it is unpaid and done with a registered charity, voluntary organisation, or statutory body.The visa, however, does not permit access to public funds, state pensions, or employment as a professional sportsperson.
Students planning further studies in the UK must ensure that their chosen course does not require a Student visa. If it does, they must apply for an extension under the Student route instead.
The shorter 18-month post-study period, effective from January 2027, applies only to future applicants. Those completing eligible courses before the end of 2026 will continue under the existing two-year arrangement, maintaining a transition window for current students in the UK.
