Is the UK Graduate
Visa Ending?
The UK Graduate visa has not been abolished. Applications made on or before 31 December 2026 still receive 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). From 1 January 2027, new applicants receive 18 months only. Here's what changed, what it means for you, and what to do next.
Still active — apply by 31 Dec 2026 for the full 2-year duration
The Graduate visa has not been abolished. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026 you get 2 years (3 for PhDs). From 1 January 2027, new applicants receive 18 months only. Do not rely on it as a long-term stay strategy — switch to Skilled Worker as early as possible.
Timeline of Changes
Before 2025
Graduate visa up to 3 years
May 2025
Immigration White Paper — Government proposes restricting route
Oct 2025
Statement of Changes — Graduate route amendments introduced
Now (2026)
2 years if applied by 31 Dec 2026 (3 years for PhD); 18 months from 1 Jan 2027
Jan 2027
New applicants receive 18-month Graduate visa only
What Changed and When
The UK Graduate visa — which lets international graduates stay in the UK to work after completing a degree — has been under sustained political scrutiny since 2023. The 2025 Immigration White Paper signalled the government's intent to significantly restrict post-study work rights to manage net migration.
In October 2025, a Statement of Changes introduced formal amendments to the Graduate route. Confirmed in January 2026: applications made on or before 31 December 2026 receive 2 years (3 years for PhD/doctoral graduates). From 1 January 2027, new applicants receive 18 months only.
Further tightening is expected. The government has framed the Graduate route as too broad and has proposed tying it more closely to graduate-level employment from the outset.
Your Options as a Graduate Visa Holder
Switch to a Skilled Worker visa
The most common and stable route. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor at a qualifying salary (£33,360+ as a new entrant from July 2025). Start your job search early — before your Graduate visa is close to expiring.
Transition guide →Find a sponsor who can switch you in-role
Some employers will hire you on the Graduate visa and then sponsor you to switch to Skilled Worker once you have proven yourself. Ask about this upfront in the hiring process.
Browse sponsoring employers →Target graduate schemes with built-in sponsorship
Many large employers in tech, finance, and consulting run structured graduate schemes that include Skilled Worker sponsorship as part of the offer. These are your most secure path.
Search graduate roles →Find employers who will sponsor your switch
Browse 90,000+ licensed UK sponsors — filter by role, salary, and location to find companies that can take you from Graduate to Skilled Worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: GOV.UK Graduate visa guidance, Home Office Statement of Changes (October 2025). This page is kept up to date. Not legal advice.