Graduate visa 18 months: the change from 1 January 2027
From 1 January 2027 the UK Graduate visa lasts 18 months instead of 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; the date that counts is the day you apply, and PhD graduates keep 3 years (Immigration Rules, Appendix Graduate GR 8.1, as amended by Statement of Changes HC 1333; read on GOV.UK on 30 October 2026).
Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months
Sources: GOV.UK, Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate; GOV.UK, Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333, 14 October 2025; GOV.UK, Graduate visa (GOV.UK guide). Read on 30 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Not legal or immigration advice. This page reports what GOV.UK and the Immigration Rules said on the date we read them. The Home Office decides on your application and can change the rules or the fees: check GOV.UK or ask the Home Office before you apply.
The rule
“All other qualifications 18 months if the applicant has successfully completed a course at UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, or another relevant qualification that meets the requirement of ST8.1/2/3 of the Rules, and the application is made on or after 1 January 2027.”
Source: GOV.UK, Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate, GR 8.1 (amended by GOV.UK, Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333, 14 October 2025). Read on 30 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Home Office's explanatory memorandum to HC 1333 (paragraph 5.26) says: “The change to 18 months will apply to applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, with PhD graduates continuing to receive three years of leave.”
Source: GOV.UK, Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of changes HC 1333. Read on 30 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Examples
| You apply on | Qualification | Graduate visa length |
|---|---|---|
| 15 December 2026 | Master's degree | 2 years |
| 31 December 2026 | Bachelor's degree | 2 years |
| 1 January 2027 | Master's degree | 18 months |
| 10 March 2027 | PhD | 3 years |
If you finish your course in late 2026
- You can apply once your university or college has told the Home Office that you completed the course: you do not have to wait for graduation.
- You must be in the UK and apply before your Student visa expires.
- Applying in December 2026 gives 2 years; applying from 1 January 2027 gives 18 months. Ask your university when it will report your completion.
Source: GOV.UK, Graduate visa (GOV.UK guide). Read on 30 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Questions people ask
When does the Graduate visa change to 18 months?
For applications made on or after 1 January 2027. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026, you get 2 years.
Does the 18 months apply to PhD graduates?
No. After a PhD or other doctoral qualification the Graduate visa stays at 3 years.
If I apply in December 2026 and the decision comes in 2027, do I get 2 years?
The rule looks at the date the application is made: an application made before 1 January 2027 falls under the 2-year rule. The visa then runs from the decision date.
Why is the Graduate visa being cut to 18 months?
The Home Office's explanatory memorandum says the change follows the May 2025 Immigration White Paper and that too many graduates were not moving into graduate-level jobs.
Does the shorter visa cost less?
The application fee is the same (£937); the health surcharge is lower: £1,552.50 for 18 months instead of £2,070 for 2 years.