The UK Graduate Route shrinks to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, less than three months from now. The PIE News reports that the post-study work visa for bachelor’s and master’s graduates falls from two years to 18 months, while PhD graduates keep three. If you are planning a UK degree, the timing of your application now matters.
Planning guide
- What is changing
- The dates to know
- Cost and money rules
- How to plan around it
- UK Graduate Route: common questions
What is changing
The cut was first signalled in the government’s May 2025 immigration white paper and written into the Immigration Rules in a statement of changes dated 14 October 2025, according to PIE. The Home Office has said “too many graduates are not progressing into graduate-level employment”. Its own impact assessment, published with the explanatory memorandum, expects a modest effect, with about 12,000 fewer applications a year and lost revenue of about £23 million from the Graduate Route and £27 million from the student route. These are government estimates.
The dates to know
The 18-month limit applies to Graduate Route applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027. Graduates who apply before then fall under the current two-year rule, as the effective date is tied to when the application is submitted. Because you can only apply once your course has been completed and while you still hold a student visa, your finish date and application date together decide which version applies, so check the rule text and your university’s guidance.
Cost and money rules
Other changes landed in the same package. UKCISA reports that from 11 November 2025 the monthly maintenance requirement rose to £1,529 in London and £1,171 outside London. PIE adds that on 25 November 2025 the Innovator Founder route opened to student visa holders who finish a UK degree, replacing the closed Start-up route, and that holders must meet their endorsing body at 12 and 24 months to show progress.
How to plan around it
Take a hypothetical Nigerian MSc student, Chidi, due to finish in December 2026. If he completes on schedule and applies before 1 January 2027, the two-year rule would apply, based on PIE’s description. If a resit or delayed result pushes his application into 2027, he would get 18 months. His best move is to confirm his course end date with his university and plan the application timeline early. This is an illustration, not immigration advice.
For graduates and students weighing the bigger picture, the shorter route raises the value of a sponsored job offer, a skilled worker route, or a founder route. Read our guide to the UK immigration rule changes of 8 October and the Chevening 2027/28 timeline for funding context. You can also test your options with our visa eligibility checker.
UK Graduate Route: common questions
When does the 18-month Graduate Route start?
It applies to applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, per PIE News.
Who keeps the longer stay?
PhD graduates keep three years, according to PIE.
How many fewer applications does the government expect?
Its impact assessment expects about 12,000 fewer applications a year.
What are the new maintenance figures?
UKCISA reports £1,529 a month in London and £1,171 outside London from 11 November 2025.
Can student visa holders start a business?
PIE reports the Innovator Founder route opened to them on 25 November 2025.
Further reading: what changed on 8 October.
