Graduate visa after a PhD: 3 years, also after 2027
After a PhD or other doctoral qualification the UK Graduate visa lasts 3 years, and this does not change on 1 January 2027, when other graduates move to 18 months (Immigration Rules, Appendix Graduate GR 8.1, and the HC 1333 explanatory memorandum, read on GOV.UK on 30 October 2026). It costs £937 plus £3,105 of health surcharge.
Length: 3 years
Sources: GOV.UK, Graduate visa (GOV.UK guide); GOV.UK, Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate; 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.
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
The table in GR 8.1 gives "PhD or other doctoral qualification: 3 years" from the date of decision, with no cut-off date. The memorandum to HC 1333 says the 18 months apply "with PhD graduates continuing to receive three years of leave".
Sources: GOV.UK, Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate; 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.
Cost
| Visa length | Application fee | Health surcharge (adult) | Total, one adult | Total, child under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years (apply on or before 31 December 2026) | £937 | £2,070 | £3,007 | £2,489 |
| 18 months (apply on or after 1 January 2027) | £937 | £1,552.50 | £2,489.50 | £2,101 |
| 3 years (PhD) | £937 | £3,105 | £4,042 | £3,265 |
Sources: GOV.UK, Graduate visa (GOV.UK guide); GOV.UK, Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application; GOV.UK, UK visa fees (Home Office). Read on 30 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Questions people ask
How long is the Graduate visa after a PhD?
3 years, if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification with your Student visa.
Does the 2027 change affect PhD graduates?
No. The 18 months from 1 January 2027 apply to other qualifications; PhD graduates continue to get 3 years.
How much does the PhD Graduate visa cost?
£4,042 for one adult: £937 fee plus £3,105 health surcharge for 3 years.
When does it start?
On the day your application is approved. You must apply before your Student visa expires, from inside the UK.