WINDS OF CHANGE

HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT | UK to Cut Post-study Stay to 18 Months from Jan 2027

- Simple Vishwakarma

The length of international students’ poststudy stay in the UK, under the Graduate Visa route, will be changing from January 1, 2027. It is interesting to recollect the words of the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

On September 1, 2019, Johnson announced: “International students can stay for much longer after university, with or without a job. International students will be offered a 2-year UK visa after graduation with or without a job. The changes meant that overseas students would not be forced to leave four months after finishing a degree—making it easier for them to start careers in the UK.”

“Britain has a proud history of putting itself at the heart of international collaboration and discovery,’ Johnson had said in a statement, adding that the country’s scientific breakthroughs “wouldn't be possible without being open to the brightest and the best from across the globe to study and work in the UK.”

Now, again the rules are set to change from January 2027. For those with student permission in the UK that have successfully completed an eligible UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, successful graduate route applications will be granted 18 months of permission if the application is made on or after 1 January 2027.

This is a reduction from the current grant of two years. In fact, this was forecast by the Immigration White Paper in May 2025. However, changes do not apply to anyone making an application under the graduate route before January 1, 2027.

Those that successfully complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be unaffected by the changes, and will continue to receive three years of permission if successful.

The Home Office confirmed the new decision on October 14, 2025. The decision, introduced as part of a new law in Parliament, will affect graduates seeking work experience in the UK after completing their studies.