Changes to Graduate Route Visa in the UK
The UK government has confirmed that the Graduate Route visa will be shortened from two years to 18 months, starting from January 2027.
Additionally, financial requirements for the visa will increase from November 2025. This change will affect international students who complete a degree in the UK, allowing them to stay in the country for only 18 months after graduating.
The decision to cut the Graduate Route visa from two years was first announced in May in the UK government’s white paper on immigration, but has now been enshrined in legislation.
An impact assessment published with the legislation estimates that the change to the visa will have a “modest impact” on demand, with an estimated annual drop of 12,000 applications, as stated by Lord David Hanson, UK Home Office.
- Graduate Route visa shortened to 18 months from January 2027
- Financial requirements to increase from November 2025
- Estimated annual drop of 12,000 applications
Author's summary: UK government shortens Graduate Route visa to 18 months.