UK Graduate Visa Cut to 18 Months from 2027: What Indian Students Need to Know
Quick answer
Under GOV.UK guidance, the UK Graduate visa lasts two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. Most Indian students starting a one year master's in 2026 will finish in 2027, so they should plan for 18 months of post-study work time.
The change in one line#
The UK Graduate route lets international students stay and work after completing a degree. According to GOV.UK, the length depends on when you apply:
| You apply for the Graduate visa | Length of stay (bachelor's and master's graduates) |
|---|---|
| On or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years |
| On or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months |
The date that matters is your Graduate visa application date, not when you started your course. Always check the current rules on gov.uk/graduate-visa before you apply, including the rules for PhD graduates.
Who is affected#
- Students on a one year master's starting in September 2026. You will usually finish in September 2027, so you will apply after 1 January 2027 and should plan for 18 months.
- Students finishing a course in late 2026. If your university has reported your successful completion and you are still on a valid Student visa, you may be able to apply before 31 December 2026 and get two years.
- Students who have not yet chosen a country. The UK still offers a post-study work route, but six fewer months changes the job search timeline.
How to plan around 18 months#
- Start the job search during your course, not after it. Most graduate recruitment in the UK opens in the autumn for roles starting the next year.
- Target employers that sponsor Skilled Worker visas. The Graduate visa does not need a sponsor, but moving to a longer term work visa does. Check whether an employer is on the official register of licensed sponsors before you apply.
- Budget for a shorter window. If part of your plan was to repay an education loan from UK earnings, recalculate it on 18 months.
- Compare other countries on the same terms. Germany, for example, lets graduates stay to look for work, and Indian students report it as a stable option. Ireland, France and the Netherlands are also drawing more Indian applicants.
Other 2026 changes worth knowing#
Student visa rules are tightening in several countries at once. Canada has reduced study permit numbers and raised the proof of funds requirement, and the US has added a new visa integrity fee and stricter interview checks. Figures vary between secondary sources, so verify each one on the official immigration website of that country before you rely on it.
Talk to someone who has done it#
The most useful advice on post-study work comes from people who searched for a job on that visa recently. Explore Study Abroad on Yorbit and connect with verified seniors studying or working in the UK, Germany, Canada and other countries.
Frequently asked questions#
Is the UK Graduate visa still two years?#
Only if you apply on or before 31 December 2026. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months, according to GOV.UK.
I start a UK master's in 2026. Will I get two years?#
Probably not. A one year master's starting in 2026 usually ends in 2027, so you would apply after 1 January 2027 and get 18 months.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the UK Graduate visa?#
No. The Graduate visa does not need a job offer or a sponsor. You must have completed an eligible course in the UK and still hold valid permission as a student when you apply.