UK Cuts Graduate Route Visa to 18 Months: Key Details for Indian Students
The United Kingdom government has announced a reduction in the duration of the Graduate Route visa for most international students. Effective from January 1, 2027, eligible graduates who apply on or after this date will receive a visa valid for 18 months, down from the current two-year period. Students who submit their applications on or before December 31, 2026, will continue to receive a two-year visa.
The Graduate Route visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing an eligible course to seek employment or work experience. It is widely used by graduates who later transition to long-term work visas such as the Skilled Worker visa.
The change does not affect holders of PhD or other doctoral qualifications, who will continue to receive a three-year Graduate visa.
Applicants must be in the UK, hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 visa, and have successfully completed an eligible bachelor's, postgraduate, or other approved course. The education provider must confirm the course completion to the UK Home Office before applying.
Applications must be submitted before the Student visa expires. Most applications are filed online, requiring identity verification, document submission, and payment of fees. The application fee is £937, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is typically £1,035 per year of stay.
The UK government aims to process most Graduate Route visa applications within eight weeks after identity verification and document submission. Applicants can remain in the UK while the application is under consideration.
Visa holders can work in most jobs, search for employment, become self-employed, undertake unpaid voluntary work, and travel outside and return to the UK during the visa's validity. However, they cannot access most public funds, claim the State Pension, or work as professional sportspersons.
Indian students constitute a significant number of international students in the UK. This policy revision is part of broader adjustments to the UK's migration system aimed at balancing educational benefits with immigration control.
