UK Graduate visa to fall to 18 months for applications from January 2027

Confirmed, but not yet applicable

The UK Graduate route is set to become shorter for international bachelor’s and master’s graduates applying from 1 January 2027. Their post-study permission will fall from two years to 18 months, according to Queen Mary University of London’s Legal Advice Centre.

PhD graduates will retain their existing three-year allowance. The distinction matters: headlines describing a blanket reduction for all international graduates do not accurately reflect the supplied information.

As of 21 October 2026, the application-date threshold is still in the future. This is a confirmed future change, rather than a proposal awaiting a decision.

From proposal to Immigration Rules

The Government first proposed the reduction in its May 2025 immigration white paper. The university’s explanation, published on 24 February 2026, says the Statement of Changes published on 14 October 2025 implemented those proposals.

Oxford’s Migration Observatory subsequently described the reduction as taking effect from January 2027. NHS Employers’ guidance, reviewed in September 2026, also identifies applications made on or after 1 January 2027 as the relevant group.

The supplied material therefore supports a clear distinction between the date a policy was announced, the date it was incorporated into the rules and the date it begins affecting applications.

A separate dependant change is already operating

UKCISA reports that, from 3 August 2026, babies born in the UK to a parent holding Graduate permission may apply as that person’s Graduate dependant. Such applications must still be made inside the UK.

This is a separate eligibility change within the same route. It should not be confused with the future reduction in the main applicant’s visa length or treated as a general reopening of dependant eligibility.

What this means for you

Indian students should plan their post-study budget and employment search around the Graduate application date, not simply their university intake year. Ask your university’s immigration team how course completion and your circumstances affect when you can apply.

Do not assume that an earlier application is possible merely to obtain longer permission. Confirm eligibility, the applicable visa length and dependant requirements on GOV.UK before submitting an application.