The United Kingdom has announced sweeping changes to its post-study immigration policy, reducing the Graduate Visa stay period for international students from two years to 18 months, effective January 1, 2027.
According to the UK Home Office, the change — part of a broader reform of the UK Immigration Rules 2027 — aims to ensure that foreign graduates transition swiftly into skilled employment rather than remaining in the country without securing graduate-level work.
Under the revised rules, foreign students completing eligible courses in the UK before December 31, 2026, will still be entitled to the current two-year Graduate Visa, while those applying on or after January 1, 2027, will only be eligible for 18 months.
Holders of PhD or doctoral degrees will continue to receive a three-year Graduate Visa, the Home Office clarified.
“The Graduate visa will now allow foreign students to remain in the UK for up to 18 months after completing their studies, ensuring alignment with labour market needs and visa integrity,” the Home Office said in a statement.
The government also announced that financial requirements for student visas will rise in the 2025–2026 academic year, meaning applicants must show proof of greater funds to support themselves during their studies.
Currently, students must demonstrate access to £1,483 per month for courses in London (for up to nine months) and £1,136 per month for courses outside London, for 28 consecutive days before applying.
In addition, employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will face higher sponsorship fees, and stricter English language test requirements are being introduced for those entering the UK for study, work, or settlement.
The cost of studying in the UK is also expected to increase following a newly introduced levy on university income from international students, a move that universities are likely to pass on to foreign applicants. Tuition fees for undergraduate courses for the 2025/26 academic session have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
Analysts say the changes could make the UK a less attractive study destination compared to countries like Canada and Australia, which maintain longer post-study work opportunities.
Despite recent policy tightening — including a January 2024 restriction preventing most students from bringing dependents — the latest Home Office data shows a rebound in international student interest, with an 18% increase in total study visas issued in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The new rules are part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s broader immigration reforms aimed at reducing net migration while “ensuring that education remains a high-quality and globally competitive export.”
