How long will I be eligible to stay in the UK if my application for a Graduate Route visa is successful?

The UK Government has confirmed that the period granted on the Graduate Route for international students who complete an eligible UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree will reduce down to 18 months from 24 months for applications submitted on or after the 1st January 2027.

This means that eligible students currently due to receive their degree award in summer 2026 and November 2026 will have time to submit applications for the Graduate Route before the end of 2026, provided they satisfy the normal application requirements.

It is important to note that the change to the period granted is based on the date the application for the Graduate Route is submitted, and not on the date of degree award. Students who are awarded their degree in 2026 must still submit their Graduate Route application before the end of the year in order to be eligible for the longer period of time, even if their student visa is valid into 2027.

Students who are awarded their degree after the end of 2026 will be considered for the Graduate Route under the shorter time allowance. This includes students who are due to complete in 2026, but have their completion delayed for any reason, such as due to resits, extenuating circumstances or periods of temporary withdrawal.

The announced changes do not affect students due to complete a PhD or other Doctoral level qualification, and the period granted will remain at 36 months.

If any student would like to discuss these changes in more detail, please make an appointment to speak with an International Student Adviser.