Following the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, the government has confirmed key changes to the Graduate Route visa that will take effect from January 2027.
The Change
The Graduate Route — which currently allows international graduates to live and work in the UK for two years after completing their degree — will be reduced to 18 months for undergraduate and taught postgraduate graduates. PhD and doctoral graduates will retain the existing three-year period.
The change applies to students who complete their courses from January 2027 onwards. Students completing their degrees before that date will still be eligible for the full 24-month Graduate Route.
Other Immigration Changes
The same White Paper introduced several other significant changes: the qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) will increase from 5 years to 10 years; English language requirements for visa applicants will be raised; and the government has introduced the "visa brake" mechanism allowing it to suspend visa routes from specific countries.
Practical Implications
Students starting a one-year course in September 2026 (such as a taught master's) would complete in mid-2027, and the 18-month Graduate Route would apply. Students on three-year courses starting in 2026 would complete in 2029 and also fall under the 18-month route.
The shorter period increases the importance of beginning a job search early — ideally in the final year of study — including attending careers fairs, applying for graduate schemes, and building professional networks.
International Comparison
At 18 months, the Graduate Route remains one of the more generous post-study work visas globally. Australia and Canada have recently tightened their own post-study work rights, and many countries offer no post-study work period at all. The UK also provides a clear pathway from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker visa for those who secure sponsored employment.
